Changawa easily wins opener at Nairobi Club

Women’s champion Shufaa Changawa of Kenya on Monday got her title defence to a winning start after a 6-0,6-0 success over compatriot Emmaculate Musimbi in the Britam Kenya Open Tennis championship at Nairobi Club.

Changawa, who is seeking a third singles title, barely broke sweat winning in 46 minutes to cruise into Tuesday’s second round. The top-ranked player is confident of claiming another title.

“It was largely comfortable for me and I am glad I got off to a win. The real test lies in the subsequent rounds but I think I can defend my title, “ Changawa told Nation Sport on Monday.

Changawa will on Tuesday play Sudan’s Achu Madhieu in the second round. Changawa, who was part of the Kenyan team that took part in the Fed Cup last week, hit 24 aces in the one-sided encounter.

The top seed’s win marked a largely good day for the home players as they advanced to the second round.

June Namiranda of Kenya got a walkover to the second round after her opponent, Wangari Kibanyu, withdrew.

Fourth seed Natali Coronel of Argentina also sealed her place in the round of 16 after she beat Kenya’s Valentine Akoth 6-0,6-0 in their first round singles match.

Second seed Nancy Onya of the Democratic Republic of Congo also stormed the second round after a straight sets win of 6-0,6-0 over Kenya’s Joy Lister.

In what seemed an entertaining prospect, Kenya’s Mercy Wangui was slated to play Narindra Corrine Ranaivo of Madagascar in the first round.

Ranaivo arrived in Nairobi early Monday morning, which would have served Wangui well. The result was however one sided with Ranaivo blowing Wangui away in straight sets 6-0 6-2.

Other women's First Round Winners were Kenya’s Sneha Kotecha (5), Alissa Thakker, Faith Nyabera, Nancy Nduku, Paige Mbugua, Juliet Cherono and Treasa Mutuku.

In men’s singles, seven home players booked their places in the second round after winning their Round of 64 matches.

Zachariah Keru, Maurice Wamukowa, Amon Nzuki,Patrick Ochieng, Moses Mwaura, Lesley Imende and Reuben Njungu all triumphed in their first round matches.

Mwaura beat  Belgium’s Steve Verkouter 6-2,6-3 as Wamukowa recorded a 6-1, 6-0 win over Collins Oyugi.

“I’m excited because it’s the first time I am into the second round after three previous failed attempts,” Wamukowa said.

It was however heartbreak for Ryan Randiek, Brian Gaga, Richard Ooko and Lawrence Biwott who lost their first round matches.

Men’s singles champion Ismael Changawa begins his title defence on Tuesday in the second round against Japanese player Hiriko Ishida. The number one ranked player got a bye to the second round alongside other 15 seeded players.

Ismail , who is seeking a fourth crown, is wary of Ugandan and Congolese players.

“"We are banking on home advantage to do well but it will be tough because the quality of players is high," he said.

Ismail won last year's title without making a serve, after his opponent Duncan Mugabe was disqualified in the doubles semis.