Angela Okutoyi delighted with Kenya's strong finish in Billie Jean King Cup

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TENNIS Angela Okutoyi delighted with Kenya's strong finish in Billie Jean King Cup

Festus Chuma 11:30 - 18.06.2023

On Saturday, the Wimbledon junior doubles champion Okutoyi led Kenya to third place in Nairobi.

Angela Okutoyi, Wimbledon junior doubles champion, is overjoyed with Kenya's third-place finish in the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III tournament held at the Nairobi Club. 

The tournament concluded on Saturday with a thrilling display of tennis prowess from teams across the continent.

In an epic battle for the championship title, Morocco emerged as the champions after defeating Tunisia 2-1. 

Meanwhile, Kenya showcased their skills and resilience by securing a well-deserved third spot, triumphing over Zimbabwe with a 2-1 victory in the playoffs.

Angella Okutoyi, a rising star in Kenyan tennis, displayed her exceptional talent by defeating Sasha Natalie of Zimbabwe in the opening singles match with a score of 6-3, 6-4. 

However, her compatriot Cynthia Cheruto faced a tough challenge in the next singles match, losing to Ricardo Magarira of Zimbabwe with a score of 6-2, 6-1.

The decisive moment came in the doubles match, where Okutoyi teamed up with her partner Owegi. 

The duo engaged in a fierce battle against Chimedza and Magarira, ultimately emerging victorious with a thrilling 7-6, 7-6 win in a match that showcased their exceptional teamwork and solidified their reputation as a formidable doubles team.

Reflecting on the tournament, Okutoyi expressed her happiness with the team's performance and the improvements they have made throughout the year.

"We have all improved this year in some aspects. This team had better serves than any other team out there. That's our biggest weapon. It has helped us throughout here."

Kenya faced a setback on Friday, which made their journey more challenging, but they refused to let that defeat define them and fought hard to secure a respectable finish. 

Okutoyi acknowledged the support and encouragement they received from the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, who was present throughout the tournament. 

The tournament showcased the immense talent and determination of young tennis players in Africa, with Kenya's Angella Okutoyi leading the charge. 

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