Okutoyi breezes as Njogu overcomes mental theatrics to make Kenya Open quarterfinals

Day 2 at the 2023 Kenya Open tennis championship which is making its return after a four year hiatus went down as expected on Tuesday with top seeds Angella Okutoyi and Albert Njogu confirming their spots in the quarter finals of the tournament after their respective victories.

But while Okutoyi, who is also the defending champion in the women’s Singles category, breezed through to the next round with a domineering performance, Njogu, the man to beat in the men’s Singles, was forced to keep his composure in his match against Petty Andanda to sail through to the last 8.

Okutoyi kickstarted her title defense in perfect style as she swept aside Emaan Amin in the Round of 16 clash.

After getting a bye to the second round, the 19-year old, who is fresh from winning her first professional title, was in a class of her own as she recorded a comfortable straight sets victory, bageling her way to the last 8 with the 6-0, 6-0 win on Court 8.

Njogu’s clash with Andanda then followed on the same court and after the first seed took the opening set 6-2, Andanda resorted to mind taunting in the second set to try and gain an unsporting advantage over his opponent.

Several hindrances and stubborn calls would follow from Andanda and those dirty tricks employed, which forced officials to intervene, almost worked as Njogu, leading 5-2 in the second set was unable to serve out the match with Andanda pulling one break back.

It however proved to be just a mere slip as the top seed regained his composure and broke again to advance to the last 8 with a 6-2,6-3 win.

“The biggest difference today (compared to Monday) is that at least now I am getting into the mood of the event. At least today, I was activated going into the important stages of the tournament.

I managed to come through the mind games mostly out of experience and having travelled to different countries because you realize some players are good at trash talking to try and kill your vibe. I have known him for a while and I expected this from him.

The matches are now getting tougher with better players but I am ready for the challenge ahead so it is just up to executing,” said the 2022 Rwanda Open champion.

Top seeds unscathed as Kenya Open roars back to life after four year absence

In other matches, the sibling duo of Kael Shah (2) and Keean Shah (3) were also unscathed after straight sets victories against Samuel Urasa and Sahib Chana as they recorded 6-1, 6-0 and 6-0, 6-4 victories respectively.

“We both played a good match and I managed to come out on top. My opponent played a little better in the second set but I am always happy with a good victory and happy to move on. I have not played any competitions in a while so I am just taking it one match at a time and hoping to get better everyday,” third seeded Keean, who is making his senior debut in the tournament, said.

BREAKING: Court orders Gor Mahia to pay former winger millions

Rwanda’s Erneste Habiyambere (4) and Kevin Cheruiyot (5) also sailed to the quarterfinal with comfortable wins over Isaya Etale (6-2,6-1) and Humprey Arcapel (6-0,6-0).

Roselida Asumwa, the second seed in the women’s Singles, join her twin sister Okutoyi in the last 8 after beating Rose Wanjala 6-0, 6-2.

The duo were joined by Tanzanian duo of Shana Mao (3) and Esther Nankulange (4) as well as Alicia Owegi (5) and Stacy Yego (6).