Tennis: KIA Motors Open Tournament |18 September 2019

Women’s doubles winners Isnard and Samson with the KIA representative

Shaun Andriamaro, Fatime Kanté singles winners

The Senior Kia Motors Open Tournament sponsored by Kia Motors ended last weekend with three finals, including the women’s singles, men’s singles and mixed doubles played on the last day of the competition.

In the men’s singles competition, Shaun Andriamaro is the grand winner, after defeating Stefan Romain 2-0 (6-1, 6-2) in the final.

On his way to the final, Andriamaro defeated Antoine Hip-Waye 2-0 (6-2, 6-2) in the semifinal, while Romain walked over Marcus Maria in the other semifinal.

In the women’s singles, Fatime Kanté emerged as the champion after defeating Sarah René 2-1 (1-6, 6-4, 10-3) in the final.

To reach the final, Kanté eliminated Marie-May Isnard 2-0 (6-2, 6-1) in the semifinal, while René made it through to the final after her victory by walkover against Alisha Sharma in the other semifinal.

In the mixed doubles final, Zenab Kanté paired up with Romain to win the match over René who partnered with Selwyn Knowles. Zenab Kanté and Romain won the match 2-0 (6-2, 6-1).

In the semifinal, Zenab Kanté and Romain defeated the duo of Fatime Kanté and Bernard Mein 2-0 (6-3, 6-4), while René and Knowles were victorious 2-0 (6-2, 6-3) over Lineda Samson and Peter Elizabeth.

In the men’s doubles, Andriamaro and Romain paired up to defeat Hip-Waye and Mein 2-0.

The set scores were 6-3 and 6-2.

Isnard and Samson paired up to play the women’s doubles final where they emerged victorious over the Kanté sisters 2-0 (6-3, 7-6).

At the prize-giving ceremony, Fatime Kanté, the president of the Seychelles Tennis Association (STA), congratulated the players, especially the juniors and the more experienced ones who have made a comeback.

She also thanked the sponsors, KIA Motors, through Tony Payet for doing an excellent job in sponsoring the important tournament which was played over two weeks and considered as a boost to tennis in the country.

On behalf of KIA Motors, Mr Payet congratulated the players and reiterated the company’s wish to continuously sponsor the STA.

He added that he was very happy with the turnout and extended an invitation to all to visit their showroom.

Two young junior players, namely Ashaelle Bastienne and Jean-Marc Carpede, were awarded the best performer prizes of the tournament.

Both said that they will keep playing tennis because they love the sport and this will hopefully attract more players to this sport.

R. D.