24 Nov 2024

Botswana flag was hoisted high when 12 year-old Malak Macheng delivered a second Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) Under 14 girls singles title in a space of a week.

Malak outplayed her opponent, Rutendo Tom of Zimbabwe winning 6-3, 6-2 in the final on Saturday in the second leg of the tournament.

In the the first leg, Malak delivered the first gold medal ever in the girls CAT under 14 singles category, beating Rutendo 6-3, 6-4.

Rutendo it seemed had read Malak’s tact because the latter suffered an early break of serve and went down 3-0.

Little did Rutendo know that, that was not to be as Malak recovered and sealed the first set by 6-3. Malak then cruised in the second set to clinch her second singles title this week, after also winning the ITF/CAT under 14 tournament on Tuesday.

After the game, she told BOPA that she was happy she delivered a medal that had been eluding the country though the game was not easy.

“First set did not go well because I was down by 3-0 but managed to catch up, which put Rutendo under a lot of pressure and I was able to win the set,” she said.

In the second set, she said Rutendo got stronger and managed some strong cross serves, which made her to be more aggressive to seal the second set and be declared the champion.

Winning the tittle back to back meant a lot to her as an upcoming tennis player and it would also better her ranking.

Malak and her partner, Angel Chakanyuka delivered the second doubles title as they beat Rutendo and Calire Majeye 6-2, 6-3.

This was their second doubles title after winning the CAT under 14 doubles competition by beating the same players 6-3, 6-3 in the first leg final. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean Joel Badza defeated Johan Theron 6-1, 6-1 to be crowned CAT under 14 champion. Ends