Africa-Press – Kenya. Reigning champion Angela Okutoyi will face Tanzania’s rising star, Shana Mao in the final as the Kenya Open tennis tournament concludes this Saturday at Nairobi Club.
Okutoyi, who is enjoying top form, has her sights set on both defending her title and seeking vengeance for her sister’s defeat at the hands of Mao.
In a stunning upset, Mao managed to defeat Okutoyi’s twin sister, Rosehilda Asumwa, with a commanding score of 6/1, 6/4 to secure her place in the final.
“I am happy to be in the final and I am ready to defend my title in addition to avenging my sister’s loss,” she noted.
In the first semifinal, Okutoyi displayed her skill by countering Alicia Owegi’s aggressive serves, ultimately triumphing with a score of 6/2, 6/0.
Reflecting on her strategy, she stated, “I tried to stay calm against Alicia and play the first ball in and ensure I pushed her back as much as I could in a bid to deny her a chance to come back in the match.”
For Okutoyi, this final will mark not only her bid to defend her title but also the conclusion of her time competing in Kenya before embarking on a new chapter in the United States to continue her studies at Auburn University.
“I would like nothing less than to close off my stay in Kenya with the Kenya Open title,” she expressed.
On the other side of the net, Shana Mao approaches the final with utmost respect and admiration for her opponent.
Mao conveyed her feelings, stating, “Okutoyi is a big inspiration to myself and many others as it is quite impressive how a young African player can achieve all that she is achieving.”
Hailing from Arusha, Mao’s journey through the Kenya Open has been a testament to her improvement and resilience as she has gone from strength to strength to make it to the final.
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