ZAMBIAN WINS MALAWI OPEN FOR SECOND TIME - 19th October 2009

Zambian Edgar Kazembe won for the second time 2009 NICO Holdings Limited’s Malawi Open championship.

He beat Malawian James Matewere to grab the championship.

This was the second successive time for the two to meet in the finals of the same tourney played at Blantyre Sports Club.

Kazembe was in control of the game that lasted for over an hour on October 18, 2009. He posted 6-3, 6-0, and 6-3 to defend the title.

“It was both tough and rough but I capitalized on his faults,” said Kazembe who also retained the Lesotho Open championship, two weeks ago.

Matewere attributed the loss to inadequate preparations.

I also committed unforced errors which gave my opponent an advantage,” he said.

Kazembe defeated Julius Taulo in the semifinals 6-1, 6-3, while Matewere booted out Zambian Henry Banda 2-6, 7-6, 6-3. In ladies category Patricia Matola reclaimed the title after beating rival Mary Luhanga 6-0, 6-1.

Luhanga won last year’s championship in Matola’s absence. Matola said she was in top form.

“I didn’t train because I am busy with school examinations,” said the form four student.

Matola beat Tadala Kandulu 6-3 to reach the finals while Luhanga swept past Maggie Mackriell6-1, 6-3. In the ladies doubles Matola combined with Luhanga to beat Kerry Halliwell and Maggie Mackriell 6-3, 6-2.

NICO came to the rescue of Lawn Tennis Association to sponsor the event at K1million after many sponsors pulled out. The championship started on October 15 attracting 70 participants.

Speaking during prize presentation ceremony The Company’s spokesperson Linda Banda said she was overwhelmed with the turn out at the competition. She said her company would like to continue being associated with tennis as a way of helping in the development of talent in all the countries where the company operates.

NICO also operates in Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania.