The South African men’s and women’s wheelchair teams have advanced to the second round of the 2009 Invacare World Team Cup (WTC) in Nottingham, UK. The women’s team will now compete for a placing amongst the top eight teams in the world and both teams qualify for a spot in next year’s World Team Cup.
L-R front: Sydwell Mathonsi, Kgothatso Montjane, Marshall Marsh, Desmond Monyamane, Celia Botha L-R back: Holger Losch, Evans Maripa, Nancy Moremi
Kgothatso Montjane (1) took on Russian number one, Ludmila Bubnova, during a hotly contested match which saw Montjane fighting tooth and nail to take the match 7-5, 6-3. During the first set every game went to deuce with Monjane eventually overpowering her opponent. In men’s division Maripa smashed his way to victory against Croatian player, Jozo Milos, winning the match in straight sets 6-1, 6-4 while Mathonsi also sailed through his match with ease beating Croatian number one seed, Drazen Miksic, 6-1 6-4.
“I am thrilled to have contributed to the success of the South African team and have very proud that we have are now playing in second round. We have all worked very hard to get here and to be part of this prestigious tournament is a true honour. I know there is still a long way to go but we are determined to make our country proud,” says Montjane.
Evans Maripa
“For Evans this is the first time he has competed in the World Team Cup and we are extremely proud of his performance. He handled the pressure of competing at this level very well and we are sure he is a mega star in the making,” says Wheelchair Tennis South Africa Director and men’s team coach, Holger Losch. “In Sydwell’s match it was his skill and agility that won the day. Both South African players played very well and we look forward to their next matches.”
In other matches South African number two, Nancy Moremi, narrowly lost to Russian, Natalia Bakhmatova, 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the women’s singles but won the women’s doubles together with partner, Montjane ,against Russians, Natalia Bakhmatova and Ludmila Bubnova, with the final score being 6-7 (86) 6-4 6-2.
In the World Team Cup a match or tie is made up of three View full article »
Fabulous article about Kgothatso Montjane – 
Tennis Matters the official newsletter for the South African Wheelchair Tennis is now out. It is full of interesting info and photos.
