By Tobias Chanji

Rains that pounded the coastal part did not stop the second day of the ongoing international beach volleyball for the under-23  at Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort in South Coast. The men’s finals will be played today.

A showdown was in the women category where Kenya won narrowly against her bitter rivals Rwanda in their second match after winning against Zimbabwe 2-0 of 21-18 and 21-14 in the first one.

The Kenyan team represented by Gaudencia Makokha and Naomie Too, the captain won the first set narrowly 21-18 and were surprised when the tough Rwandan side won the second with a big margin of 21-9 thus forcing a third set where Kenya beat them 15-8.

“The match was tough but our ladies were composed and though we are leading we cannot wish away our competitors,” said the Kenyan men and women coach Edna Rotich.

Kenya plays Uganda today in what seems as a formality as three teams will represent the region to the World cup in Poland yet only four women teams participated.

In the men category, Zimbabwe, who were by yesterday leading pool A men by winning all their two matches.

First on the chop was the Kenyan team that lost to Zimbabwe 2-0 on the first day. Even with an edge of experience Kenyan team lost with a margin of 21-10 in the first set and 21-11 the second one. In other matches Egypt saw off Chad 2-0 of 21-16 and 21-15 sets while Rwanda who are other favorites won easily against a weak Chad 2-0 of 21-9 and 21-2.

Zimbabwe continued with their energy by walloping Uganda 2-0. The sets were of 21-11 and 21-20. Back to women, Rwanda beat Uganda 2-0 of 21-8 and 21-9. Women are represented by four teams which are Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Zimbabwe while six for men are Zimbabwe, Uganda, Chad, Egypt and Rwanda.

Three top women and two men will represent the region in world cup championship that will be held in Poland.

Charles Nyaberi, first vice president of Volleyball confederation had said

Beach volleyball is always played by two players each side and if the first two sets shows a clear winning side its declared the winner and if they draw in the first two sets will have a third one going up to 15 sets.

If one player is injured they are given five minutes for medication and after that if they can’t continue then the opponents are declared the winner.