Kenya to host Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event in June
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 05.04.24. | 11:24
The event will attract 12 nations whose winner will earn promotion to next year's BJKC Europe/Africa Group II
Kenya will host the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event commencing 10 June, Tennis Kenya announced on Friday.
The announcement comes after the East African nation edged out Burundi in a “competitive bidding process” conducted by the ITF/Billie Jean King Cup Committee.
It will be the second year running that Nairobi Club will host the event after successfully staging last year’s tournament when Kenya came out with a bronze medal.
Kenya clinch third position in the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup after beating Zimbabwe 2-1 in the 3/4th place playoff.
— Ochieng' Stephen (@soo_ochieng) June 17, 2023
Massive improvement for the hosts coming from an eleventh placed finish last year#BillieJeanKingCupKe pic.twitter.com/FJKcCxSsde
“The committee expressed confidence that Tennis Kenya's team would stage an excellent event and provide players and visitors with a world-class experience,” part of Tennis Kenya’s statement read. “This is a great opportunity to showcase our country's hospitality and tourism and potential for the sport of tennis.
“We are confident that we will deliver a successful tournament and provide players and fans with a memorable experience.”
The nations expected to participate include: Tunisia, Uganda, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Burundi, Nigeria, Mauritius and Burundi.
The winner of the competition will secure promotion into next year’s Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Group II.
“Tennis Kenya is calling on the Government of Kenya and sponsors to support the hosting of this event to deliver a week of world-class tennis, hospitality and entertainment and bring international attention to the sport of tennis in Kenya,” Tennis Kenya wrote. “Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge is one of the most prestigious international tennis tournaments and Africa Group III event will feature some of the best women's tennis teams in Africa.”
Kenya’s team last year was led by now African Games champion Angella Okutoyi, who was joined by her twin sister Roselida Asumwa, Melissa Mwakha, Cynthia Cheruto, Stacy Yego and Alicia Owegi.
Enroute to a bronze medal, Kenya secured wins over Morocco, Botswana, Uganda and Namibia before falling to Nigeria in their final pool game.
Morocco beat Tunisia in the finals, securing a spot in this year’s Group II competition.
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