Kenyan international Edwin Akwanyi is the new 2022 Nyanza Mega Badminton Open champion
The Nairobi-based Akwanyi dethroned former Kenya seed one John Wanyoike who won last year's edition after defeating Fabian Derrick of Kisumu 2-0 in the finals played on Sunday night at Agha khan Hall in Kisumu.
Wanyoike who missed the two-day tournament in Lake City was crowned champions in 2021 when he defeated his training and doubles partner Edwin Waitathu of National Bank who also missed out in the finals.
Speaking after the win, Akwanyi who partners current Kenya top seed Sammy Sikoyo who represented Kenya at the Commonwealth Games said he was happy with the victory despite having the challenge of adapting to new playing grounds in Kisumu.
"Adapting to the Kisumu courts was a challenge because of the big difference when you compare it with the Nairobi one but all in all it was a great victory for me," said Akwanyi.
In the ladies' singles category, Brender Awuori of Uganda defended her title after a 2-0 victory against Favor Walumbe of the University of Nairobi.
Last year, the Ugandan star saw off Theertha Vanemredy in the finals to be crowned champion.
In ladies' doubles, Awuori teamed up against Maryanne Makongo to defeat Wedleen and Yvonne. The previous year saw Jacinta Sengera of Mathare Youth Sports
Association and Agnes Jori edge out Theertha Vannemreddy and Brenda Awori to win.
Babu Alex of Uganda paired with Clinton Olumasai of Mombasa to beat Nickson Kiprotich and Fred Ngumo to win Men doubles
In the juniors category, Cindy Joy of Kisumu won both the under 15 and under 19 categories against Zippy of Mpesa Foundation.
Eddy Ojienda on the other hand saw off John Apollo 2-1 to win the veteran's edition.
Tournament director John Apollo was impressed with the close to 140 participants who showed up but continued lobbying for the new Sports CS Ababu Namwamba to help sort out the badminton ban in Kenya.
"We had a very good tournament, well attended, actually we were stretched with the number of players who came, The tournament ended at 1 am. We have a crop of young players who are challenging the seniors like Fabian Derrick beaten Babu Alex of Uganda to reach the Finals. We still appeal to the ministry of sports to sort out the chaos in badminton," he said.