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Ronel Louw and Wessel Kemp have emerged as victors of the 2010 KIA Amateur Australian Open National finals which were played at the University of Pretoria from the 26 – 28 November, 2010. Ronel and Wessel will now represent South Africa at the World Finals to be held in Melbourne, Australia, in January 2011.  Ronel is a previous winner of the event having competed in Australia in 2003.

After two days of qualifiers Louw and Kemp reached the finals with the women’s final taking place first.  Louw (47) took on a younger Lisa Van Der Riet (33).  Both players know each other exceptionally well:  “We are great friends and play a practise match against each other every Thursday,” said Louw.  “I did not think I would beat her, but it was my day and I feel so privileged to be going to Australia in January – again!” 

It was then up to the men to clinch the deal.  “I had beaten Lisa, but it was now up to Wessel to win so that we were indeed the couple to be going to Australia.  I was very nervous for him as it was a case of the two older ladies competing and the two young coaches.  Wessel Kemp, who was my partner and is my coach and Dawie Eybers, who is Lisa’s coach and partner” said Louw. 

The men were 6 games all with Kemp needing one more point to win the set, but the situation was too much for the youngster and he hit the ball into the net to give his opponent another chance.  But Eybers did not make the most of the advantage he was presented with and Kemp did not make the same mistake twice.

Having won both the Men’s and Women’s sets the game did not have to go into mixed doubles and Louw and Kemp are on their way to Australia.

“I compete in the Kia Amateur Australian Open even every year.  I won in 2003 and since then have managed to reach the semifinals once and was even beaten in the Final a couple of years later.  I can’t wait to play in the Kia world finals and then stay on to see the top players competing in the Kia Australian Open.  My favourite player is Roger Federer and I would like to see him in action again,” said an excited Louw.

The couple will be competing against 14 other countries in the Kia Amateur Open Tennis world finals including:  Germany, France, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Libya, Jordan, Nigeria, Chile, USA, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, China. All players will then experience a 4-day hospitality package including watching the Australian Open.

In addition to the Kia Amateur Australian Open tournament, Kia Motors is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open – one of four Grand Slam tournaments.

“This sponsorship allows Kia the opportunity to reach many of our target market.  Whereas the players were all from Gauteng this year, next year we are looking to branch out to most of the other provinces,” said Vinola Pillay, Marketing Manager, Kia Motors.

Kemp and Louw beat Dawie Eybers and Lisa van der Riet  2 - 0 in the final.

Wessel Kemp in action in the final of the KIA Amateur Australian Open played at the University of Pretoria today (Sunday 29 November 2010).  Kemp and his partner Ronel Louw beat Dawie Eybers and Lisa van der Riet  2 - 0.

Ronel Louw in action in the final of the KIA Amateur Australian Open played at the University of Pretoria today (Sunday 29 November 2010).  Louw and her partner Wessel Kemp beat Dawie Eybers and Lisa van der Riet  2 - 0.

Wessel Kemp and Ronel Louw with the trophy after winning the KIA Amateur Australian Open played at the University of Pretoria.