Randiek and co shine for Kenya at EA junior championships

There was no stopping Kenyans on Thursday as the Eastern Africa Junior Championships hosts clinched three of four singles finals of the annual competition at the Nairobi Club.

Ryan Randiek, Jayson Mbogoro and Angela Okutoyi were crowned winners in their respective categories as the regional showpiece came to an end after one week of some eye-catching action.

It was an all-Kenyan affair in the Boys’ Under-14 singles where Mbogoro edged out compatriot and hot favourite Kael Shah (6-2, 6-4).

Mbogoro said it took ‘great focus’ to knock out his friend Shah who had been seeded top at the category.

“In this kind of match you have to block away the fact that you’re friends, you’re doubles partners and just focus on the match. You have to try your best and do everything to win,” he said.

In the under 16 category, top seed Randiek finally got his revenge over Damien Laporte after retiring against his opponent from Seychelles last year. Randiek overcame Laporte after winning two straight sets scoring 6-4 6-2.

“Beating him (Laporte) means I have improved a lot considering that he was doing his training in Spain with better facilities,” Randiek said.

Meanwhile in the girls’ Under-14 singles, it was a sibling affair as Okutoyi outclassed her twin sister Roselida Asumwa after two sets (6-2, 6-0).

-Report by Jessica Barisa