The third day of the Uganda National Tennis Championship at Makerere University showcased some thrilling matches between top players.
The most awaited match between Trevor Kazibwe and Marvin Kiriwo didn’t disappoint as it lived up to the expectations of tennis fans, leaving the spectators thrilled.
Kazibwe, who was a set down, showed his resilience by changing his strategy and varying his shots to keep his opponent off-balance. After losing the first set 4-6, Kazibwe rallied back to win the next two sets, 6-2, 6-4.
The shift in tactics paid off, as he won the next two sets to clinch a well-deserved victory against Kiriwo, who put up a valiant fight. Both players showcased their skills, hitting brilliant ground strokes and executing smart shots to keep each other guessing.
In a surprise upset, Patience Athieno shocked Alison Comfort, defeating her in two straight sets and even bageling her in the process. Athieno’s strategy of putting the ball back in play and forcing Comfort to commit errors paid off, earning her a well-deserved win.
Troy Adrian Ziwa emerged victorious over Jonathan Mugisha in a closely contested match at the winning in straight sets, 7-6(5), 6-1, after a tight first set tiebreak.
Francis Agonzebwa defeated Kato Musa Said in a hard-fought battle. He won the first set tiebreak 7-6(1) before dominating the second set, winning 6-1.
Simon Ayella had a dominant display in his match against Said Mawa, winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Ayella continued his impressive form in the tournament with another straight-sets victory over Edward Birungi, winning 6-3, 6-3.
Frank Tayebwa produced a commanding performance in his match against Bob Matsiko, winning 6-1, 6-2 to consolidate his presence at the top while Ronald Nassawali overcame Arnold Jurua in a three-set match that went the distance.
Ronald Nassawali claimed victory over Arnold Jurua by expertly utilizing his forehand and strategic shot choices.
The match saw Nassawali dominate the first set with a score of 6-1, but Jurua made a comeback in the second set, which he won 2-6. However, Nassawali regained his focus in the third set and emerged victorious with a score of 6-3.
In the women’s tier Winnie Birungi cruised to a comfortable victory over Judith Nalukwago, winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-2, while Eseza Muwanguzi came from behind to defeat Remmie Kimanje in a closely contested match.
Muwanguzi lost the first set 2-6 but fought back to win the next two sets, 6-4, 6-3, securing her place in the next round of the championship.
Gul Arora produced a dominant performance in her match against Abigail Nabasinga, winning in straight sets 6-0, 6-2. Nabasinga was also defeated in her match against Judith Nalukwago, who won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0.
After match day three, Frank Tayebwa and Trevor Kazibwe continue to dominate the table standings with nine points each from three wins, while Marvin Kiriwo and Francis Agonzebwa are trailing behind with one and two losses respectively.
In the Women’s Group, Patience Athieno and Winnie Birungi lead the table standings with six points each, both securing two wins.
Remmie Kimanje and Gul Arora follow in third and fourth place, with Remmie having an advantage over Arora by a bonus point earned in her loss to Eseza Muwanguzi.