Kenyans out to conquer at Tanzania Open Championships

Kenya's Millicent Wangui in a past action. [Ben Ahenda]

After weeks of rigorous training sessions in the East African cities, darters converge this morning in Arusha for the Tanzania Open Championships.

The two-day competition has attracted players from the three East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, and host Tanzania.

All players are aiming to finish within the medal bracket in an event that has different cash prizes in different categories.

Kenyan and Ugandan elites arrived in Arusha on Thursday night, and even as of yesterday, many were still coming in to show off their skills in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Kenyan champion Millicent Wangui of Jacaranda Darts Club is among the Kenyan players who arrived in the Tanzanian inland city to acclimatise before the big action starts.

“We are here for serious business, and my prayer is that we sweep the board so that it should prepare us for other future regional and global championships,” Wangui told Standard Sports.

Wangui, who admires Kenyan champion Peter Wachiuri, said she’s equally eyeing follow into the footsteps of the Kenyan legend.

Wachiuri’s last international event was a fortnight back in the United Kingdom, where he competed against the fancied European champions.

“I would have wished to compete in Arusha today (Saturday), but I’m too exhausted. Maybe I’ll be there someday for another event,” he said.

Ugandan champion Patrick Ochieng’ is also already in the Tanzanian inland capital.

He’s ready to do what he did in Nakuru City during the Eastern and Northern Africa Championships at Lion’s Hall, where he won the title last month.

“Let’s meet in Arusha for the Tanzania Open and square it out there again. That’ll be another serious event,” he told the East African players who attended the Nakuru Darts Festivals.

Ochieng’ is not there alone but in the company of other Ugandan men and lady champions.