Darts: Zuma, Wairimu Confident To Defend Kenya Open Titles
Unique Sports
By
Ochieng Oyugi
| Nov 26, 2022
Francis Zuma of Kenya Prisons and Anne Wairimu of Rapid Deployment Unit are confident to defend the 16th edition of the Kenya Open Darts Championship that is ongoing at Charter Hall in Nairobi.
The two-day event has attracted over 250 players from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
"I have done my practices well, I have been so consistent with my throws. I have been upping my game four times a day," Zuma told Standard Sports.
The East and Central Africa defending champion have been stepping up his training at the Kenya Prisons Mess in Nairobi West, sharpening his throwing prowess like a laser light.
"I feel my hands are very light and ready for the task ahead," the two-time Kenya Open (2014, 2019) champion underlined.
Zuma, who also captains the Kenya Prisons team, said he is using the tournament to prepare for the forthcoming international championships in Tanzania and South Africa in December.
"I have already confirmed my participation in the Tanzania event, I'm waiting for South Africa to give us the exact dates of their tournament," he underscored.
Zuma is also happy to have already led his Kenya Prisons team to the 2022 Kenya Darts Association Nairobi League victory.
"Our closest rivals, who have played more matches than us, are on 56 points and we are on 88.
This means we have already won the trophy since even if we lose the remaining games we will still win the league," explained Zuma who also doubles up as Kenya Prisons Sports Council Organising Secretary.
Apart from Wairimu, seven times Kenya Open women's champion Selina Sakawa is also out to reclaim her title.
The National Museum of Kenya player said she has done her homework so well and is ready to nestle the Kenya Open title she narrowly lost to Wairimu in 2019 due to sickness.
"I have been training at the Industrial Area Prisons in Nairobi, I feel so good and fit, I believe in my capability, and I hope to return this cup back to my cabinet," Sakawa stated.
Sakawa is also looking forward to taking part in the league which returns on December 4 before she defends her Jamhuri Day title on December 12.
Kenya Darts Association Chairman Wilson Githae said the ongoing tournament at Charter Hall will feature three categories namely the team event, the doubles, and the singles.
"We are happy that this prestigious championship is back, Zuizi Sports has also come on board as the title sponsor.
"We failed to hold the tournament in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic," Githae stated.
Zuizi Sports is an emerging local sports management company that has set its sights on promoting local games, and athletes as well as commercializing sports federations.
It also highlights and markets sports rights.