Julius Taulo, Patricia Matola shine
Seasoned tennis players, Julius Taulo and Patricia Matola-Mlomba, won this year’s Presidential National Championship in Blantyre on Sunday.
In the men’s final, Taulo shocked favourite James Matewere 6-4 6-3 to lift the title at Malawi National Tennis Centre situated at Country Club Limbe.
Taulo defeated George Chisambo in the semi-final 6-3 6-1 whereas Matewere beat Taoh Banda 6-1 6-1.
The men’s champion said he worked hard to end Matewere’s dominance.
“I had to keep the ball in play and focus my shots on his weak areas,” he said.
In the ladies’ section, Matola-Mlomba retained the title after beating Malawi’s number one seed, Mary Luhanga, 6-2 6-5.
To reach the final, the champion beat Prisca Maloya 6-4 6-4 whereas
Luhanga trounced Madalitso Kadam’manja 6-3 6-1.
Matola-Mlomba said it was a difficult competition.
“Obviously, Mary is on top of her game. But I was composed and the moment I started leading, I was more focused to avoid losing the match,” he said.
Luhanga blamed her loss on inadequate competitions, saying her form had slumped.
“It is difficult to keep on training in the absence of seniors’ competitions. However, I take this as a wake-up call ahead of the Malawi Open Championship. I need to step up preparations,” she said.
Lawn Tennis Association of Malawi (LTAM) General Secretary, Stan Kaunda, said it was a successful tournament as all tennis zones were represented.
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