Akinyi shines at Elora Academy tournament

Naomi Akinyi of Elora Academy made light work of Venessa Akinyi to be crowned the girls Under-6 champion, as curtains fell on this year’s Elora Academy Open Tennis Championships in Nyando Sub-County.

Naomi, who was undoubtedly a cut above her opponents, had no trouble bagging the top spot as she dismissed Venessa 10-3 in the finals.

Enroute to the finals, she had eliminated her Elora Academy compatriot Herina Atieno 10-4, while Vanessa squeezed a narrow 10-8 victory against Esther Adhiambo.

Trizah Akello made light work of fancied Debra Marion to be crowned champions in Under 10 category with a 10-2 win. On her way to the finals, Atieno, a pupil at Nyambebe Primary School, beat Anne Auma 10-8 as Marion eased to a 10-2 win over Sarah Awuor.

Stakes were high in the boys’ Under-6 final as brothers Jeff Ouko and Derrick Otieno engaged in a tough battle for the title. After minutes of battling with none of them willing to lose, Jeff carried the day after forcing a slim 10-9 victory.

Samson Arego snatched bragging rights in the boys’ Under-10 category after defeating Emmanuel Odhiambo 10-2. In semis, Arego thrashed Rooney Odumo 10-2, while Odhiambo overcame Naphtali Olweny 10-6.

Evelyn Akinyi won the top prize in the girls’ Under 14 following her 6-3 win over Rosemary Adhiambo. In the semis, Evelyn overpowered Beryl Awuor 7-5, whereas Adhiambo sent packing Julia Awuor 6-3.

The event attracted a total 50 players, who had earlier converged at the academy for a holiday camp. Winners were awarded school shoes, books, medals and trophies.

Event Director Collins Agwanda lauded participants who braved harsh weather in Nyando Sub-County to make the event a success.

“Congratulations to all participants for braving the not so friendly weather conditions because it is your resilience and commitment that made the event a success. I would also like to thank all our sponsors in USA, led by FoH, and in Kenya, led by Kenya Counties Tennis, Victoria Sports, Shining Hope and the volunteers who ensured the event was successful,” Agwanda said.

Event referees Lindah Janet and Flevian Atieno were also full of praises for the participants who showcased their talent, urging the international community to come on board and help construct tennis courts.