In the final match, Montjane and team mate Rose van der Meer came face to face with Columbia yesterday (29 April. The international tournament has attracted over 300 players from 34 nations and the up and coming South African players have proven their ability to hold their own among the best.
The women’s team met Johanna Martinez and Angelica Bernal respectively to play out for position. Van der Meer was first up losing the opening set 2-6 but rebounded in the second set fighting all the way. With many games going to deuce or 30-40, van der Meer could not maintain traction and eventually conceded 5-7.
When Montjane took to court against Martinez, she was determined to dominate from the outset. With her powerful forearm and tactical shots, she managed to take the first set 6-4. It wasn’t enough for the hungry young player and in the second set she took game after game with a final score of 6-0.
Entering the doubles at one match all, the South Africans faced Martinez and Bernal who proved too much for the local women. The first set was tight with the second even tighter but disappointingly the ladies in green and gold were unable to take hold of the match, going down 4-6 5-7. With this being their final match and playing for position the women finished 12th out of 16, a remarkable effort.
South Africa's women's team coach, Rene Plant said, "The doubles was really close and the spectators were all on the edge of their seats. It’s a pity we lost but the experience we have gained against the best players in the world has been invaluable. Kgothatso has performed well with being unbeaten in the tournament. A definite highlight was beating Katherina Kruger from Germany twice in ten days, to solidify her position of 15 in the world. "Now it’s only hard work and who wants it the most to qualify for the paralympics."
With the event being the most prestigious tennis tournament ever staged in South Africa, it has attracted big name sponsors such as Airports Company South Africa, Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa, and City of Tshwane, all of whom have made this ITF World Team Cup possible.
For more information regarding the ITF World Team Cup 2011 in Tshwane, South Africa please contact Karen Losch Tel: 083 325 1169 Fax: 086 651 6664 Email:[email protected]
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