WINDHOEK - Pro-Tennis Academy (PTA), hosted the 5th leg of the KIA PTA Tournament Series in Windhoek, last weekend and with the finals getting closer, excitement among local tennis players is rising.

The increase in quality and competitiveness from tourney to tourney was clearly visible in the games and the score lines of the 71 participants. The 5 categories (Mini, Midi, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced) attracted players of all backgrounds on the courts of the SKW. After several months of training and competition, many players saw the reward of N$5 000 for the overall winner within reach and the podium was taken by only a one-point difference to the runner-ups.

In the Advanced group Henco Serdyn clearly set the standard when he faced some tough competition from Andre Smit with Riekie Honiball adrift in 3rd place, while the smart S.P van Wyk had to pick up the pieces with a 4th place finish.

However the Advanced category is not the only group where players proved great ambitions to rise to the podium. The competition in the intermediate group was led by Nguvi Hinda who claimed honours with 36 points. He was followed by Codie van Schalkwyk with a one-point difference and Oliver Diggle claiming bronze.

With 17 players in the Beginner category the players kicked it up a notch higher and after competing from 8:00 a.m. until 18:30 - the very talented Conner van Schalkwyk was crowned king of the court with Delvin Losper following behind.

Denise Murorua showed that she has improved her game and is once again a force to be reckoned with in the future. This almost earned her a place on the podium when she lost 3-4 to Johan Britz from Otjiwarongo and had to be satisfied with a well-earned bronze medal.

The Midi category produced several exciting matches with many mini court players now progressing to the next level. Kiana Cormack was the winner followed by one of the big surprises – debutant Johnny van der Merwe in 2nd position. Marnus Meyer took the bronze medal with the young, 7-year old Jaco Becker ending 4th after an impressive performance.

Madeleen Maritz claimed the gold medal in the mini U-10 event with Melussi Khupe and Shakira Gates in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. Munel Meyer walked away with the gold in the U-8 category, followed by Micca De Azevedo and Adam Diggle in that order. A total prize money of N$20 000 will be up for grabs at the end of the year to the top 3 players per gender in the overall rankings, including three players that showed the greatest improvement in the rankings and advancement in skill level throughout the year.