Kenya’s Kotecha loses International Tennis Federation final

Kenya's Sneha Kotecha during the 14th African Nations Cup tournament at Nairobi Club, Nov 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Kenya’s Sneha Kotecha fell to Gabonese Celestine Ella Avomo in the girls finals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) East Africa Under-18 Junior Circuit that ended at Nairobi Club yesterday.

Kotecha, who was the only Kenyan standing in the championship, went down in straight sets to Avomo for the second time in a row after her loss in the Karen Open final. 

Kotecha, who is currently Kenya’s top ranked junior player, said it was unfortunate the contest went short of her expectations. “I fought hard but I was struggling due to problems in my wrist that hindered me from achieving my goal. I will fight another day,” Kotecha said. 

Despite her struggle with a nagging wrist, the Kenyan opted to go down fighting as she collected some points even as her opponent outplayed her to take the first set 6-3. Having taken one step towards victory, Avomo battled to make every stroke count cruising to victory with a 6-4 second set win. 

In the boys contest, India’s Rithvik Bollipalli rallied from one set down to beat Burundi’s Abdoul Shakur Kabura. Playing on a familiar ground, Kabura who has been a regular in major tournaments held at Nairobi Club appeared to dominate taking the first set 6-3. 

Bollipalli was not ready to lose after having a good run and came back stronger in the second set to grab it 6-4. Bollipalli was unstoppable in the tie breaker easing to victory 6-0. [Elizabeth Mburugu]