Bloem Open draws world stars

Tennis Paralympian, Leon Els will be flying the South African flag with hopes of securing his second Bloem Open title

Over 70 wheelchair tennis players from around the world have once again descended on the City of Roses for yet another edition of the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Bloem Open which is set to take place in the free state capital from October 2 to 5 at the Oud Studente Tennis Club in Bloemfontein

This International Tennis Federation (ITF) Futures tournament, which forms part of the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis tour, is a crucial stepping stone for local and international players in gaining world ranking points, in order to improve their positions in the global listing.

The international premier wheelchair tennis tournament will be the last tournament for the year and will be contested in the singles and doubles draws in four categories, men, women, quads and juniors.

The country’s number two men’s player, Leon Els, who recently represented South Africa at the Rio Paralympics in Brazil, will be aiming to continue his winning momentum and will also be hoping to secure his second title in Mangaung.

There will be an interesting contest, when Els’ biggest rival Marshall Marsh, rampant youngster Alwande Skhosana and Thato Tsomole who made a huge come-back in Soweto will be looking for good results in an international event on home soil.

In the women’s event, Mariska Venter will be leading the country’s charge but her toughest competition at this event might be Thando Hlatswayo, who denied her the title in the Pretoria Open final in 2014. Or it could be a tricky customer, world number two junior Nokwanda Hlongwane.

In the quads division, Danny Mohlamonyane will enjoy keeping his opponents at bay in the absence of the country’s number 2 and reigning champion Bongani Dlamini.

Bloemfontein tennis enthusiast are encouraged to come support the event, which is one of the premium events on city’s tennis calendar.