Twin sisters get ball rolling in Challenge Series leg

Sixteen-year-old Angela Okutoyi outclassed her twin sister Roselida Asumwa 6-0, 6-3 in their singles match of the second last leg of the Tennis Kenya Senior Challenge Series tournament at Nairobi Club on Friday.

In the second match, Sophie Nelima, 15, proved her prowess by thrashing Linda Machimbo, who is new to the competitive scene, in three straight sets of 6-4, 4-6, 10-5.

“When we were starting the tournament it was a bit difficult since most of us had lost our rhythm on the court but its slowly becoming easier for me having played at least twice in the last two weeks. My forehand is stronger and my serves are back to normal, hence making the matches easier and enjoyable," said Okutoyi, one of Kenya’s bright prospects.

In the men's singles, Kenya’s top player, 24-year-old Ismael Changawa beat his Davis Cup teammate Ibrahim Kibet 6-7 (2), 3-6. In the second men’s singles match Raymond Oduor lost 7-6 (3), 6-4 to Brandon Sagala before Chadrack Munyao suffered a 6-0, 6-0 defeat at the hands of Sahib Chana. Reesh Haria got a walkover against Brian Omwando.

“Playing against Kibet is not easy since he always brings his A game, but it's that challenge that pushes me to work harder and deliver. We push each other to our limits and end up having a good match. It really doesn't matter who wins or loses, it's the quality of the match that drives us," said Changawa.

The eight series tournament for men and women saw some of Kenya’s top talent turn up to compete after a nine-month break from the courts due to Covid-19 pandemic.

This is the first of an eight-series tournament consisting of four senior events and four junior events that are all invitational and is expected to end on Sunday.