Kenya on brink of clinching junior title

Kenya's Anouk Vandevelde returns a shot during their East Africa Girls 12 and Under Championships doubles match against Seychelles at Nairobi Club on April 28, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

What you need to know:

  • Cynthia Cheruto was first up on court and she had no trouble against Arielle Horpinitich, taking the match 6-0, 6-0 in 45 minutes.
  • Top seed Nicole Agufana continued the winning streak as she eased past Alisha Sharma 6-2, 6-0 in the second singles match for a 2-0 lead.
  • Agufana teamed up with Vandevelde Anouk in the doubles match to beat Horpinitich and Sharma 6-0, 6-4 to complete the rout.

Kenya’s girls on Friday beat Seychelles 3-0 to move one win from claiming the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Under-12 East Africa Junior Team Championship title at the Nairobi Club.

The home side will take on neighbours Tanzania in a winner-takes-all contest on Saturday as the five-day competition comes to an end.

Both teams have won four games they have played so far in the six-nation competition setting the stage for today’s top-of-the table clash. The home girls were in impressive form as they cruised to another impressive victory against the islanders.

Kenya won the two singles matches and eventually finished off by taking the doubles match to stay on course for the title.

Cynthia Cheruto was first up on court and she had no trouble against Arielle Horpinitich, taking the match 6-0, 6-0 in 45 minutes.

Top seed Nicole Agufana continued the winning streak as she eased past Alisha Sharma 6-2, 6-0 in the second singles match for a 2-0 lead.

Agufana teamed up with Vandevelde Anouk in the doubles match to beat Horpinitich and Sharma 6-0, 6-4 to complete the rout.

“The consistency the team has shown this week is impressive and we are one win away from achieving our target, “Kenya coach Veronica Osogo told Saturday Nation Sport.

Tanzania on the other hand beat Comoros 3-0 in their matches yesterday to also remain on course for the title. Apart from winning the overall team title, winners will represent the region in the African Junior Championship due September this year in Morocco.

Other teams taking part in the competition are Rwanda and Burundi.

While the girls’ team is on the verge of clinching the title, the Kenyan boys will need a few favours from other teams to emerge victorious.

Kenya are second in the boys’ competition after winning three and losing one match so far. They face Burundi in their final match Saturday and will be hoping that leaders Rwanda lose to Tanzania to have any chance of winning the title.