Kenya retain East Africa badminton Challenge Cup

Patrick Kinyua and Mercy Joseph (Right) of Kenya greets Fred Kirabo and Gladys Mbambazi of Uganda after beating them 2-0 during East African Badminton Challenge at Shah lalji Nangpar Academy in Nakuru on November 26,2016.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Kenya amassed 21 points to retain the East Africa badminton Challenge Cup title at the weekend.

The Kenyans beat off stiff opposition from four countries that took part in the two-day tournament at Shah Lalji Nangpar Academy in Nakuru.

Uganda, who were the main threat to Kenya’s ambitions, finished runners-up with 17 points ahead of Kenya B, who managed eight points while Tanzania failed to secure any point.

Kenya dispatched Kenya B to obtain 13 points before overcoming Uganda by eight points to retain the title.

On their part, Uganda obtained seven points from Kenya and a further 10 points from Kenya B to finish runners up with Kenya B obtaining four points apiece from both Kenya and Uganda to finish third.

In the mixed doubles, Abraham Wogute and Shamim Banji of Uganda beat the pair of Patrick Kinyua and Mercy Joseph of Kenya 2-1 (21-19, 16-21 and 21-19) in the finals to emerge victorious after they had earlier smashed the pair of Hassan Ali of Tanzania and Lavina Martins of Kenya in the semi-finals.

The other semi-final clash saw Kinyua/Joseph seeing-off the pair of Fred Kirobo and Brenda Awuori of Uganda.

In the men’s doubles, Abraham Wogute and Patrick Kinyua lifted the title against Sammy Sikoyo and Edwin Akwanyi 2-1(17-21, 21-18 and 21-15).

In the semi-finals, Wogute/Kinywa defeated the pair of Abna Barongo and John Wanyoike 2-0 with Sikoyo/Akwanyi dispatching the pair of Fred Kirobo and Isaac Senfuka by the same margin.

In the ladies’ doubles, Gladys Mbambazi and Brenda Awori of Uganda lost to the Kenyan duo of Lavina Martins and Shamim Bangi 2-0( 21-11, 21-13) after they had smashed Hosna Kabugabe and Mabel Namukoye in the first semi-final match.

Previously, Mbambazi/Awuori had seen off the Kenyan duo of Mercy Josephs and Gladys Gakii.

Ugandan Shamim Banji defeated Brenda Awuori to win the ladies singles’ title.

On her way up, Awuori saw off Lavina Martins 2-0 while Banji dispatched compatriot Mbambazi (Gladys) by the same margin.

On his way up, Wogute had beaten compatriot Daniel Mirigo 2-0 while Kinyua beat Sammy Sikoyo.