Tough contests expected at ACSA South Africa Limpopo Open

The 2011 winners in the men's, women's and quad's divisions will not be taking part this year, leaving the field wide open for the top young talented South African wheelchair tennis players. Players to watch out for are, in the men's division South Africa's number two player, Sydwell Mathonsi, and will most likely take on SA's number one, Evans Maripa, in the finals. These players, both from Limpopo, are evenly matched and both out for the title of SA's top player. Nyasha Mharakurwa, who has joined the two players in qualifying for the Paralympics is not to be dismissed. He too has many titles and victories over SA's two top players, and now more than ever has something to prove.

Golden girl

South Africa's golden girl, Kgothatso Montjane from Limpopo, currently ranked world number nine, will be taking part in the BNP Paribas French Open, a Super Series event, during this time so will not be in Polokwane to defend her title. With KG out of the draw, Rose van der Meer of Pretoria and the rising talent, an 18-year-old from Limpopo, Mabel Mankgele, are tipped for the finals.

In the quad's division, SA's Star and world number seven, Lucas Sithole from KwaZulu-Natal, will be joining Kgotatso Montjane in France for the BNP French Open, leaving the 2012 title open for SA's number two, three and four players in the quad's division. A highly contested battle to see who will taste victory between David Mathebula (two), Steven Kekai (three) and newcomer Bongani Dlamini (four) is expected.

A total of 69 players will take part in the Airports Company South Africa Limpopo Open. The players will be mostly South African with a few players from Tanzania who will be taking part in the men's division.

Venue: Polokwane Tennis Club, Cnr Rissik & Compensatie Streets, Polokwane.
Time: 9am to 4pm daily.

For more information, contact Bianca Morkel on +27 (0)83 386 4002 fax: +27 (0)86 651 6664, email az.oc.sinnet@rp or go to www.tennis.co.za.