NKUNDA & UZUNGA SHOW CLASS IS PERMANENT
Results;
Semi finals;
The Titans beat the PTC Warriors in the first semifinal; 2-0
Mens Singles: Olivier Nkunda beat Kalungi Cary 8-2
Doubles: Bashaasha/Ayella beat Ssemanda/Tayebwa 8-6.
Kinetic beat Trailblazers in the second semi final; 2-1
Singles: Kavuma Chalres beat Andy Lentz 8-3
Doubles: Oringa David/ Trademark Schulze beat Lawrence Ssempijja/ Henry Muyanja 7-5
Mixed Doubles: Muyankja/Nalukwago Florence lost to Oringa and Viola Akuma 7-8
Finlas; Titans beat Kinetic 2-1
Men’s singles: Nkunda beat Uzunga 8-4
Men’s Doubles: Demark/Oringa beat Bashaasha Ayella 8-5
Mixed Doubles: Ayella/Birungi beat Oringa/Akuma 8-3
Two past masters faced off on Jamal Ramji Center court in the finals of the Kampala Premier Tennis League as Doyen stood to serve on the ad court at Shell end; and an adept calmly swayed to receive on the ad court at Shell end.
On a day that began with a dark cloud hovering over Lugogo and most of Kampala, something suggested a downpour, the token effort noted by the weather to spoil an otherwise amazing day, the sun then countered to shine over a beautiful day of tennis.
Most of those that never had the opportunity to lay eyes on the past masters in days gone by were seen whispering and pointing, no doubt being reassured by those that had been blessed to see the serve and volley expert and the Ex Rwandan international back in the day.
Game called, Love-All; the two former Davis Cup players then left the center court fans in a trance as they displayed what it took for them to represent their motherlands at that level.
Uzunga still played his serve and volley with so much verve and rhythm, his serve and follow through to the net a fluid motion, and from then on, his reactions an placement were just as pristine as they should be precise for a player of his exquisite skills.
Not to be outdone, Olivier Nkunda then showed why his captain always sent him ahead in the battles, soaking up the attacks from behind the baseline, his ability to counter is still something of repute, placing the ball to both extreme ends of the ad and deuce court and using his deft touches and quick thinking to push and pull his opponent to the net, his down the line winners left many in the stands in awe and shock, but not his opponent who seemed to watch the winners go by with mutual adoration, almost like walking by an old friend with whom you had some wonderful memories.
In many ways, Uzunga seemed to wake the class out of Nkunda, who seemed to have played many gears below what he could produce before the final clash. Both men gave it their all; and crowned a successful Kampala Premier Tennis League season with only what one who understands the finer details, technique and basics of the game can appreciate.
For any who missed out on this clash, it can only be spoken about in folklore; by those present, and mostly by the fans who enjoy discrimination and appreciation of subtelties in the game.
In the end; Nkunda overcame Uzunga’s resitsnce 8-4, but every one of the 12 games of 15 was worth it.
Onward to Season 2!!
biglefthander 