by Ian Marshall, Editor
The one unexpected name to reach the last eight of the junior boys’ singles competition was the host nation’s Kassa Dikizeyiko; he recorded a second round success in opposition to compatriot Mbilizi Tshoma-Tshoma (7-11, 12-10, 11-4, 10-12, 11-3, 11-4).
Hard fought success for Kassa Dikizeyiko, for Congo Brazzaville’s Arxy Gauchy, the no.6 seed, the success was even harder fought, he needed the full seven games to beat Congo Democratic’s Christian Muta, only emerging successful by the minimal two point margin in the deciding game (6-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-6, 11-13, 11-9).
Progress and for the top four names, progress in a less dramatic manner. All from the host nation, facing compatriots; Noredi Bongo, the top seed, beat Lituli Nsingi (11-3, 11-9, 11-6, 11-8), Christian Mbonga, the no.2 seed, overcame Mpunga Kimpangula (11-7, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5). Likewise Exauce Ngefuassa, the no.3 seed, accounted for Marc Tshilenge (11-5, 11-8, 11-1, 11-6), Rabby Kasota ended the hopes of Togo’s Abidou Soufianou, the no.7 seed (11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-7, 11-6).
The host nation prominent, the one interloper is Dryche Ekoya Kanga from Congo Brazzaville, he overcame Congo Democratic’s Neredi Mutshu (11-8, 11-9, 5-11, 11-9, 11-5) to book his last eight place.
Success for leading pairs
Similarly, in the junior boys’ doubles, there was success for the leading pairs. At the semi-final stage Noredi Bongo and Rabby Kasota meet colleague Palata Masilu and Abidou Soufianou; in the opposite half of the draw an all Congo Democratic affair sees Jean Kalubuenda and Josue Olenga oppose Christian Mbongia and Exauce Ngefuassa.
Meanwhile, in the junior girls’ singles competition the leading names have yet to start their main draw campaigns; however, the junior girls’ doubles semi-finalists are known. Hungary’s Helga Dari and Oumehani Hosenally from Mauritius meet Congo Democratic’s Nzangani Kindandi and Makaya Landu; in the adjacent half of the draw, also from the host nation Gloria Dianda and Lily Dinanga oppose Angola’s Eugenia Simoes and Kailane Sousa.
Likewise, play in the main draw of the cadet girls’ singles event has yet to start; conversely, the opening round of the cadet boys’ singles has been completed. Moreover, there was an upset; Congo Brazzaville’s Marc Tshilenge, the no.2 seed, was beaten by colleague, Lituli Nsingi (11-8, 11-8, 4-11, 8-11, 12-10.
Somewhat differently there were no such problems for Exauce Diampovisa, the top seed; in an all Congo Democratic affair he overcame Djemila Senghor (13-11, 11-7, 11-7).
Semi-finalists known
The opening round completed, in the cadet boys’ doubles, the semi-finalist are realised. All pairs from the host nation Exauce Diampovisa and Kassa Dikizeyko face Chris Kunga and Milvi Lusemo; in the adjacent half of the draw Tamayala Mbaka and Omba Okende oppose Kididi Mata and Christian Mata.
In cadet girls’ doubles semi-finals it is the same situation, Muteba Dialumona and Julie Kayembe play Mbenza Landu and Blessing Mbela; Nzangani Kindandi and Makaya Landu confront Bombanga Sita and Nsumbu Zaina.
Play in Kinshasa concludes on Sunday 8th March.
