Joshua Kalekyezi, Viraj Sharma match serves in Boys’ U-14 &18 finals

Sheltez/ Homesafe Independence Tennis…

– Gentle, Fraser battle for Girls’ U-18 Title

By Delvon McEwan

Interestingly today Joshua Kalekyezi and Viraj Sharma will play in the Boys’ Under 14 and 18 categories of the Sheltez/ Homesafe Security Independence Tennis tourney at Harry Panday’s Tennis Court.

To date both of the young players have played unbeaten in the tournament, however, that fortune will change for one of them as they meet in what promises to be two exhilarating finals.

Although Kaekyezi started as the number three seed competing in this tournament, rated above his counterpart Sharma, expectations are in the balance with either player equipped to walk away with both titles or for an even more exciting day, if they take one title apiece.

However, with the biggest upset of the tournament over number two seed, Mark McDonald, Kalekyezi must be a package of confidence waiting to deliver on the court in his first campaign of the day in the boys’ U-14 followed by the U-18 encounter.

Sharma is not to be underestimated or even taken for granted. His coolness and his rallies could endure for long periods to frustrate the more stylish Kalekyezi.

Withstanding their approach in the two finals, the more patient player, the one who is more consistent with serves and rallies is expected to be the winner of the two matches. However, the first final, the u-14 match is very important because it could set the platform for what to expect in the other.

Leading up to the finals, Kalekyezi on Saturday last continued his supremacy on the court for a third successive day, winning the semifinals in the boys under 14 and 18 categories.

Not only was the 13 year-old outstanding on the court but he created quite a storm when he upset McDonald in the u-18 semi-final which he won 6-3, 6-0 to get things started on a day that was mostly conducive for tennis at the National Racquet Centre.

Joshua followed up his qualification for the u-18 final with another win, this time, in the u-14 semi-final against Nigel Lowe, who was a much easier competitor to surpass. He won that match 6-0 6-1.

Apart from Joshua it was a good day for the Kalekyezi brothers until Jeremiah the younger of the sibling fell to Sharma 5-4, (7-3), 4-2 in the semifinal of the boys’ u-14 division. With the win Sharma march into the final, setting up a challenge with Joshua, who will be looking to revenge his brother’s loss.

In the other boys u-18 semifinal Sharma triumphed over Tyrese Trim 6-0, 6-0.

Meanwhile in the Girls’ U-18 final today which is scheduled to be played after the Boys’ U14 match at Harry Panday’s Court, Afruica Gentle and Kalyca Fraser will do battle. Gentle, who is favoured to win the title, defeated Sarah Klautky 6-3, 6-0 while Fraser dismissed any threat from Ciara Pooran with a 6-3, 6-1 victory in their respective semifinals.

The Girls U-14 champion will also be decided today after the remaining round robin matches at the National Racquet Centre.