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Kenyans served mixed bowl in ITF Tour event

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020 00:00 | By
Ryan Randiek in action during their ITF World Tennis Grade 4 Championship match played yesterday at Nairobi Sports Club. Photo/PD/RODGERS NDEGWA

It was a mixed outing Tuesday for Kenyan players in Day Two of the ongoing ITF World Tennis Tour Championships being held at Nairobi Club.

The three-week Grade 4 event which has an entry of 75 players from 28 countries saw Derrick Ominde and Ryan Randiek advance to the third round.

However Roselida Asumwa, Kennedy Musembi and Wycliffe Okenye fell through against tougher opponents.

Eighth seed Derrick Ominde beat Nikita Petrusenko of Lithuania 6-2,1-0 in a match that saw the Eastern European player retire in the second set due to injury.

The opening set saw the Kenyan player drop only two games in a completely dominant display.

His first serve and movement on court was what made him click incidentally in his first match. “This is a good way to start the tournament and I am happy with the win.

It is my first competitive match this year and I am looking forward to a good run at home court which I am familiar with.

As Kenya we must ensure we get enough points to push us,” said Ominde after his match.

Ryan Randiek on his part dispatched French challenger Louis Vaihuyse in straight sets of 6-2,6-1 in yet another one sided display by a home player.

Randiek who is the tournament 11th seed got off to a strong start after taking a 3-0 lead courtesy of Vaihuyse faults especially with returns.

After the Frenchman reduced the deficit to 3-2 and threatening to stage an upset, Randiek switched gears all the way and maintained the momentum for an important victory.

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