SIBLINGS REIGN AS WESTERN TENNIS CIRCUIT UNVEILED IN KISUMU-KENYA

Ruth Moraa of Kosawo Primary School, Manyatta Slums, Kisumu-Kenya

The just concluded Amani Tennis Challenge ended on a high note at the Lakeside City of Kisumu, Kenya with siblings dominating the 2 days tournament held at Comopolitana Club.

Diana Kwamboka and Ruth Moraa both reached the finals of Girls Under 12 and Under 10 respectively. In girls Under 10 finals, Moraa lost narrowly to Britney Anyango 10-6 to finish the runners-up. In semis, Moraa thrashed Sheila Marvel 10-6 as Anyango eased through Mary Achieng 10-5. In Boys Under 10, Peter Kiboko Kosawo won the title after thrashing Steve Powell of Pandpieri School 10-8. In semis, Kiboko thrashed Calvin Okoth 10-3 as Powell smashing Fahad Juma 10-8.

The event that attracted a total of 160 tennis players across Western Kenya region and used to launch 2013 tennis calendar of Shining Hope in partnership with Victoria Tennis Academy saw Diana Kwamboka of Kosawo School winning girls Under 12 title after defeating Susan Adhiambo 4-2. In semis, Kwamboka defeated Irene Mabel of Migosi SDA 4-3 with Susan Adhiambo defeating Bevin Tyrah 4-0. “I only have 1 month in tennis and I’m very glad to win my first tournament.” Said Diana Kwamboka. David Kituko of Kings and Queens Academy won the Under 12 title after easing past Trevor Andalo of Lake Primary School 4-1. In semis, Andalo smashed Michael Miramba 4-3 as Kituko defeated Peter Kiboko of Kosawo 4-2.

Victoria Tennis Academy top seed Lindah Janet lifted the Under 14 Girls trophy after defeating Agneta Achieng’ 4-0. In semis, Janet smashed Millicent Adhiambo 4-1 as Achieng disciplined Cynthia Adhiambo of Migosi Primary 4-1. In boys singles, Ricky Omondi defeated Dickens Wanyonyi of Kisumu Boys 4-3. In semis Omondi thrashed Benson Mutinda 4-0 as Wanyonyi smashing Trevor Andalo 4-0.

In Girls Under 16, Maria Okong’o lifted the trophy after defeating her perennial rival Lindah Janet 4-2. Ricky Omondi won Boys 16 after smashing Nerville Omondi of Kisumu Day 4-3.

Meanwhile, Shining Hope Organization and Victoria Tennis Academy have unveiled Western Tennis Circuit which will run in Kisumu, Mumias, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Migori with the final leg held in Kisumu.

Speaking during the launch, Shining Hope Organization, Founder, Collins Agwanda said only registered members of Victoria Tennis Academy will participate in the Circuit. “Top eight players in each age category and are ranked by Victoria Tennis Academy, will also be eligible to play the circuit.” Added Agwanda.The circuit will serve off early June with the final leg set for December.

Victoria Tennis Academy Co-ordinator, Linah Oluoch said overall winners of the circuit will be awarded full education scholarship in the year 2014 urging parents and schools to acquire membership with Victoria Tennis Academy.

Other tournaments to be run by the organizations are, Shining Hope Open, Kisumu Open, Victoria Open and Mashujaa Open and Victoria 10’s which amount to a total of 12 tournaments.

Corporate companies and welwishers are urged to sponsor the tournaments.