Confident and Determined: Timorese Tennis Players Ready for Match Against Portugal on Sunday
DILI, 18 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s tennis players Gracia Beth Valosa and Frans Sarmento have expressed confidence ahead of their match against Portugal in the 12th edition of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) Games.
Gracia Beth said she feels proud to represent her country, especially as a woman athlete selected by the Timor-Leste Tennis Federation (FTT-Portuguese) to compete against Portugal.
“I’m very happy to be chosen by the FTTL to play in this match. I’ve been training hard to win and bring pride to our country,” Beth told Tatoli during a practice session at the tennis courts near the Faculty of Education of UNTL in Dili.
Meanwhile, Frans Sarmento echoed her sentiments, saying the competition offers a valuable opportunity to showcase the strength of Timorese tennis.
The match against Portugal is scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
FTTL President João Mártires said that the federation began preparations as soon as tennis was officially included in the CPLP Games.
According to the Organizing Committee, Group A features Portugal and Timor-Leste, while Group B includes Angola and Mozambique.
Journalist: Ivonia da Silva
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
