Swimming: Hosts Bandari swimmers rule Grand Prix gala

CASA open and age group swimming gala Daryl Mugambi from Aga Khan Academy leads in the 200m Individual Medlay during the Coast Amateur swimming Association (CASA) Open and Age Group Swimming championship at the Aga Khan Academy pool, October 06, 2018. ]PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Hosts Bandari emerged winners of the inaugural Mombasa Grand Prix swimming gala at the weekend.

Grand Prix is a series consisting of two sets of three competitions each and is swam over three weekends.

The second series will be on March 8-9 with the final series on April 26-27 at the same venue.

Swimmers compete in individual events, three relays and skins races.

Besides winning the overall title, Bandari dominated individual races including freestyle and medley relays.

Bandari amassed 2,782 points for the overall combined title beating Mombasa Aquatics to the second position with 1,154 points.

In boys’ category, Bandari emerged victorious with 1,416 points with Mombasa Aquatics finishing second with 666 points.

Bandari also won the girls’ category with 1,366 points while Mombasa Aquatics were second with 408 points.

In boys’ 10-11 years 200m freestyle relay, Bandari’s team of Sheikh Mohammed, Muravvel Ameir, Sheikh Hashim and Abdulmalik Adan clocked 2:18.07 for their victory.

Bandari also won girls’ 10-11 years 200m relay with a time of 2:27.08. The team comprised of Thuranira Natasha, Muriuki Tshomela, Pendo Jasmine and Caffini Duini.

In girls’ 12-13 years 400m relay, however, Mombasa Aquatics shone through Mwige Galenia, Abrary Ali, Islam Ali and Hart Ivan after registering a time of 5:46.54.

In boys’ 14-15 years 200m freestyle relay, Bandari’s team of Kithikii Scott, Ndegwa Stephen, Khagram Kunaal and Shah Rushab won in a time of 1:47.88.

In girls’ nine years 100m breaststroke, Bandari swimmers swept the boards winning the top three positions through Natha Ammaah (1:59.80), Taherali Rashida (2:03.63) and Majithia Atyshi (2:10.23).

In girls’ 14-15 years 100m breaststroke, Mombasa Aquatics duo of Islam Ali and Mwige Gakenia clocked 1:32.85 and 1:32.95 for the first and second slots respectively.

Bandari’s Hillier Vivian was third in a time of 1:47.39.  [Ernest Ndunda]