Squash: Rukunya retains annual KenGen medal

Ken Gen Nakuru Open International Squash Championships Ian Rukunya (right) receives a trophy after emerging the overall winner of the Ken Gen Nakuru Open International Squash Championships at Rift Valley Sports Club in Nakuru on November 13,2017.Photo:Kipsang Joseph/standard

Defending champion Ian Rukunya of Uganda dismissed compatriot Paul Kadoma 3-2 (4-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9 and 11-7) to retain the KenGen Nakuru Open International Squash title.

For his efforts, Rukunya pocketed Sh30,000 in prize money.

“It was not easy but with proper training and preparedness, I was able to win it," said an elated Rukunya.

"I am now looking forward to taking part in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast (Australia) in April."

On the way to the final, Rukunya defeated Kenya’s Leon Keya 3-0 while Kadoma dismissed James Dalidi by the same margin.

Event sponsors KenGen have increased next year's sponsorship package from Sh500,000 to Sh1 million.

“The decision is aimed at increasing participation in all categories. We want to attract some of the best players from East and Central Africa,” said KenGen Human Resources Assistant Manager, Bethwell Ogwayo.

Ogwayo said from next season, they would invite players from Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia as a way of improving the event's quality and competitiveness.

“Next season, we’ll send invitations to Dar es Salaam, Blantyre and Lusaka for a good representation from the East and Central Africa regions," he said.

"Our desire is to make it more inclusive and competitive."

The Uganda team that dominated the three-day event was composed of seven men and one woman. Four of them qualified for the quarter-finals in the men's category, while the lone female entrant, Violet Lumachendu, finished second behind Kenya's Kaliqa Nimji.

Nimji pocketed Sh30,000, while Lumachendu took home Sh20,000. [Ben Ahenda]