Tough luck for Kenyans in ITF Women’s World Tour
Two of Kenya’s representatives in the ongoing ITF World Tennis Tour Leg 2 were eliminated in the first round while one sailed through to the next round after an opponent retired.
Angella Okutoyi secured an easy pass to the second round following the retirement of sixth seed Russian Sofia Dmitrieva. Okutoyi had already taken the first set 6-2 before her challenger discontinued play following an injury.
It was clear from the start that the Kenyan teen sensation was hitting the right gears with her opponent struggling for purpose at the Peponi School court yesterday.
Okutoyi was fierce on her returns and won the bigger percentage in serve wins. Her backhands were working well and her movement overall was on point in a match that only lasted under 45 minutes.
That she dropped only two games in the contest meant her defence was up to task though certain glimpses of erratic play cost her points.
Meanwhile in the early match, Okutoyi’s twin sister Roselida Asumwa was beaten in straight sets of 6-2, 6-2 by Romanian opponent Diana Maria Mihail.
Asumwa had many unforced errors which prompted her opponent to dig in and get crucial winners especially on returns. In a difficult session on the court, Asumwa only managed to pick four games off her opponent which clearly frustrated her.
Mihail was patient in execution while Asumwa was a bit rash, thus dropping many points.
The Romanian had glimpses of good play especially in the second set with fairly enticing mixes of slices, lobs and hard shots but her covering of spaces made her vulnerable.
Asumwa, who also struggled in the opening leg last week, was finally put out of her misery by a rampaging Mihail, who hardly gave her an opportunity to think of any plan.
In another contest, Alicia Owegi, who earned a wild card into the second leg tournament after a bye in the qualifying round, fought well but ultimately lost 6-3, 6-1 to French player Sariaka Radilofe.
