In August this year I had the opportunity to visit Mauritius for the third time to go and play tennis. This time it was for the 1st Petit Camp Junior Open played in Phoenix at the MTF National Tennis Centre. Being presented for the first time, it was a relatively small tournament and the organisers hope that it will grow as it becomes better known. There were some players from other African countries and quite a few players from India. The organisers went to a lot of trouble to make the tournament something special. The prize-giving was also attended by the Minister of Sport of Mauritius as an indication of the governments support for tennis and the tournament.
I managed to beat the 2nd seed from Egypt in the first round, but lost in the quarterfinals to a player from France in a rain interrupted match.
In the doubles I was partnered with Deena Li Kam Wa from Mauritius and after upsetting the more fancied Indian team in the first round, we also beat the Egyptian team in a closely fought game by winning 10-7 in the third set tie break. Deena and I went on to beat the number 1 seeded Indian pairing in straight sets in the final after a great game of doubles tennis. Deena became the first Mauritian player ever to win an ITF Junior title.
Zanmarie and her Mauritian doubles partner with the Minister of Sport
Over the few visits I have had, I have made some good friends amongst the tennis players on the island. Some of the players have also come to SA to play in local tournaments.
There were some very unique e
xperiences like when our Chinese hosts took us for a traditional Chinese buffet. On the second outing we had some spring rolls that we will go back for any day. All I want now is to go back to Mauritius for a holiday like everybody else.
Zanmarie Pienaar (Gauteng East)
