Ramesh Banda wins bronze for Malawi in Botswana
Promising tennis star Ramesh Banda won the only medal during International Tennis Federation Africa Junior Circuit Tournament in Botswana after winning bronze medal in singles.
The 12-year-old star notched the medal after beating Lucas of Namibia 6-1, 6-2 in a third pace play-offs.
The Malawian stumbled in the semifinals after losing to a South African.
Ramesh , who got a boost with Petroleum Importers Limited’s K1.7 million sponsorship partnered a Mauritian to win silver doubles following their 4-6, 3-6 loss in the final.
Lawn Tennis Association of Malawi (LTAM) spokesperson Tadala Kandulu said they were excited with the performance of Ramesh.
“Banda’s performance was beyond reproach. By beating Namibia’s top seed Dick Deljogh 6-2, 6-2 in the singles quarterfinals and Botswana’s Motsaiu 6-0, 6-0 in the first round has shown that he is a great talent,” Kandulu said.
Banda is using the junior circuit in preparations for ITF/CAT Master Championships in Morocco in September.
He qualified for the tournament after winning gold in Under-12 singles in the Southern Africa Junior Circuit Championship.
Linda Msiska also put up a spirited performance after finishing in the quarterfinals.
But it was tough for their compatriots Derrick Gamula, Kelvin Kachepa and Mwayi Kadammanja who lost in the first round.
Nyc1
Ramesh you made Malawians proud. Keep it up may be one day you will become another Raphael Nadal of Malawi.