Surprise Wins At East Africa Junior Tennis Open

2012 National Schools Doubles Champion, Jamin Luvembe (Kenya) today defeated Amadi Kagoma (Burundi) 6/4 6/3 in at outstanding display of swift returns and amazing angles, breaking the Burundian's long reign to become the reigning Champion, at the annual East Africa Junior Tennis Open held at Sadili Oval Sports Academy in Langata, Nairobi. Henry Ayesiga came third after beating Richard Ooko 6.2. In the girls Under 18s, 15 year old Chizi Mutsumi (Kenya) beat Lorna Bhwenjje (Kenya) 6/1 6/4 to lift the crown. The girls Under 16 saw Chizi once again grab the trophy, after beating Melissa Brown (Tanzania) 6/3 6/2. Antonia Szapary (Austria) was third. In the Boys 16s, Henry Ayesiga (Uganda) played a long and difficult match against Robert Kasombo (Kenya), slipping through 4-6 6-2 12-10 too finals, where he beat John Lutaaya (Uganda) 6/2 6/1. Amon Muinde was third. Fourth seed Shivam Shah made short work of his opponents Byron Omondi (Kenya) 6/1 6/0, upset 2nd seed Wycliffe Okenye (Kenya) 6/2 6/4, and beat top seed Ronex Otieno (Kenya) 6/1 6/2 to take the Boys Under 14s. Wycliffe Okenye was third. The girls Under 12s was an exciting array for matches in a 16-draw that saw Alissa Thakker meet Tatiana Szapary (Austria) in the finals, winning 4/1 4/0. Little known Elizabeth Aluoch was third, after beating favourite Prisha Shah 5-3. The Boys 10s discovered new talent, with Kael Shah winning all matches, and closely followed by Hilary Atsango who lost to him 4-11 in their final. Ian Okungu was third.

The four-day event which attracted 74 entries, displayed major talent from some of the best children from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, UK and Austria. The Kenya Lawn Tennis Association (KLTA) Chairman, Mrs. Paurvi Rawal, was on hand to give prizes at the closing event and encouraged players to continue to play tournaments, confirming that this tournament will receive recognition and ranking by the association. Th tournament concludes this year's East Africa Safari Junior Tennis Camp, which was sponsored by Sadili val's partners, who included Tamarind Group, Sarova Group, Millfield School, and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others.