Kenyan players dominate at ITF/CAT Eastern African Junior Individual Championships

Kenyan players won five out of the six singles titles in contention as the ITF/CAT Eastern African Junior Individual Championships concluded at Nairobi Club on Saturday.

The tournament featured players in the under-14 and under-16 categories. The under-16 boys’ and girls’ finals were thrilling contests, with both matches stretching to three full sets to determine the winners.

In the girls' category, which featured an all-Kenyan final, Nancy Kawira defeated Seline Aboya 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to claim the under-16 title.

"I am happy to have beaten her because the last time we played, she won, so it was sweet revenge for me," said Kawira.

In the boys' under-16 category, Kenya’s Ayush Bhandari overcame Burundi’s Miki Nobel Igiraneza 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3 to win the title. It was a moment of revenge for Ayush, who had lost to his opponent in their three previous encounters.

"It was a really tough match. I am really happy I was able to pull through. I have lost to the same player in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi—three years in a row—so it feels really nice to win, especially at home. The crowd was amazing; they helped me through the three sets. We are looking forward to the team events and urge fans to come and support us," Ayush said.

Seven Harambee Stars players who may miss CHAN after moves abroad

Felicia Ouko was crowned the girls' singles under-14 champion after defeating compatriot Liya Gikunda 6-2, 6-4. The duo later partnered for the girls' doubles under-14 finals—another all-Kenyan affair—seeing off teammates Bathsheba Ogamba and Jenerica Rogoi 6-1, 6-1 to claim the doubles title.

Speaking after the match, Ouko said she had gained a lot of experience from participating in the tournament.

"This whole experience has been really good. I played well in this tournament, and hopefully, we can win the team event. It was nice to win both the singles and doubles," she said.

Doubles partners Vihaan Bulsara and Ayaan Quadros overcame the Ugandan duo of Cosmas Munguriek and Samuel Okello 7-5, 7-5 to win the boys' doubles under-14 category.

Burundi’s Dan Arek Muterampuhwe won the boys' under-14 title, beating Uganda’s Samuel Okello 6-2, 7-5.

STARS ABROAD: Bad day in office for Harper as Oduor, Ayunga miss action