Sibling pain as Changawas crash out of Kenya Open

Kenya’s number one female tennis player Shufaa Changawa exited the Britam Kenya Open Championships after suffering a humiliating straight sets defeat to Natali Coronel of Argetina, in the women’s singles semi finals at the Nairobi Club on Friday.

The 23-year old Shufaa who trains at the Mombasa Sports Club showed early signs of weakness when she failed to capitalize on her chances to take down the 4th seeded Argentine player, in another day of mishaps, drama and upsets.

Her forehand also found the net more regularly and there could be no question that Natali deserved what she rightly described as the ‘biggest win in the tournament so far’.

Despite suffering early upset in the opening exchanges after a slight palm injury Natali managed to hold her nerve to take the set before finally sealing a comfortable 6-1 and 6-3 to win the match.

Shufaa’s critique of her own match captured the essence of the dreadful defeat.

“I seriously did not understand her game, she is left handed and it was difficult for me to fit and all the time I was just playing to her tunes. It was tough for me to play my game today,” the current top seed reiterated.

After that big win in what was seen as a tough match to call in the singles semis, the 24-year old Argentine will next meet Gabon’s 3rd Seeded Celestine Avomo. Avomo fell yet another Kenyan prospect Sneha Kotecha 7-5, 6-1 in the second semi final of the ladies competition.

“It was a good match. I knew I had to focus at every point because she is a pretty good player and I didn’t know what to expect and in terms of the scores.

“It may seem as a pretty straight forward win but it was a good test,’’ remarked Natali.

In the men’s semi final, Uganda’s 2nd seed Duncan Mugabe caused yet another big upset to Kenya’s 4th seeded Ibrahim Kibet, winning 7-5 7-6 after 2 tie breaks to end hopes of an all Kenyan affair in the men’s singles on Saturday.

The match lived up to its billing with both players showing their prowess in the court. None was able to break the others’ serve but it was the Ugandan who got hold of Kibet on several occasions before finally sealing the victory. He will play Kenya’s 7th seeded Sheil Kotecha who comfortably saw off fellow  countryman, top seed and defending champion Ismael Changawa.

SATURDAY FINAL FIXTURES

Celestine Avomo   (GAB)  VS Natali Coronel  (ARG) 10:00 am EAT (+3GMT ).

Duncan Mugabe    ( UGA) VS SHEIL KOTECHA  ( KEN) 11:00 am (+3GMT).