Lawn bowler Kimani makes golden GC2018 vow

Lawn bowler Cephas Kimwaki Kimani has vowed to deliver Kenya’s first gold medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Kimwaki who watched as the only female representative of the country, Eunice Mbugua, bid an early farewell to the competition after suffering her third defeat is optimistic he can upset the odds to bring what would be Kenya’s first ever lawn gold.

The 31-year-old admitted the quality of competition in Gold Coast is a notch higher compared to back home where the sport is an overly peripheral discipline.

“The greens here are fast moving; not like the speed we are used to in Nairobi. I have prepared well for my first game. When I left home I told my friends to expect the best from me and I know am here for the gold.

“It’s a big challenge because every country has brought their best in the championship. If a good green is built in Nairobi and high level facilities bought to maintain the standards we will reach this level,” Kamwaki said.

Kamwaki first took part in the Commonwealth games for the first time in 2014 in Glascow, Scotland but failed to make a mark.

He will first play India’s Krishna Xalxo in the men’s singles section 1 round 1, on Monday 9th April 3:15am Kenyan time, at the BroadBeach Lawn Bowls Club, in Gold Coast, before meeting Andre Newell of Jamaica seven hours later, in his second match.

Boxing

In boxing, Elizabeth Andiego will be the second Kenyan Lady on the ring when she fights it out with Millicent Agboegbulem of Nigeria in the 75kg category 1st quarterfinal, at 3:02am Kenyan time.

In another fight experienced Nickson Ambaka, will take on Zambia’s Mbachi Kaonga in the Men’s 81kg round of 16 at the Oxenford Studios arena at 5:47am Kenyan time.

Last Kenyan on the ring will be young star, Brian Agina, who will be trying to make amends in the ring after a host of Kenya’s experienced fighters were eliminated. The 18 year old will meet Syed Muhammad Asif of Pakistan at Men’s 52kg round of 16 at 10:02am Kenyan time.

“Despite the experienced players being bundled out, the rest of the squad is in high spirits, with no injury fears, and we are expecting good results”. Said Hit squad coach Patrick Maina.

Swimming

In swimming Sylvia Tanya Atieno Brunlehner will be in heat four of the Women’s 50m backstroke, at the Optus Aquatic Centre at 10:55am. In the Men’s 50m freestyle Kenya’s Issa Mohamed will be in heat 5 at 11:11am.