Homeboy Ishmael Changawa ended Duncan Mugabe’s title defence hopes as he defeated the Ugandan 6-4 6-4 to clinch his maiden singles title at Real Insurance Kenya Open at Nairobi Club on Saturday.
The 17-year-old Changawa left the home crowd enchanted as he became the first Kenyan to win since Allan Cooper’s triumph back in 2009. “I only lost because my mind was not settled,” three-time winner Mugabe told Kawowo Sports. “On any other day, I would have won.” “But I am grateful I reached three finals just like last year. But I am now looking forward to a few stints in Europe,” the 23-year-old added.
Earlier on Friday, Mugabe was irked after his doubles’ counterpart David Oringa failed to turn up for the final against Kenyan pair of Changawa and Faizal Khan and the latter earned a walkover. Mugabe also partnered with Caroline Oduor and beat the pair of Zambian Edgar Kazembe and Tanzania Rehema Athumani 6-3 6-3 in the doubles final. “I wasn’t expecting to win because I was playing the defending champion,” winner Changawa told the local press.
His elder sister Shufaa Changawa sealed the Changawa family double victory when she beat defending champion Caroline Oduor 6-3 6-3 in the women’s singles final for her second Kenya Open title. She won the title two years ago after beating Rwandan Sakina Nshirimana in the final. “We feel so happy. Our parents are so happy about the result,” said Shufaa in a joint interview.
KENYA OPEN Final Results
Men’s Singles: Ishmael Changawa beat Duncan Mugabe 6-4, 6-4.
Women’s Singles: Shufaa Changawa beat Caroline Oduor 6-1, 6-3.
Men’s Wheelchair: Caleb Odiyo beat Novatus Temba 7-6 (4), 6-4.
Women’s Wheelchair: Rehema Suleimani beat Jane Ndenga 6-4, 7-5.
Women’s Senior (40+): Njeri Onyango beat Mary Wachira 7-6 (4), 3-6, 7-5.
Men Senior : (40+): Sam Kipkoech beat Peter Wachira 6-2, 6-3
PAST MEN’S SINGLES WINNERS
2014 – Ishmael Changawa (KEN)
2013 – Duncan Mugabe (UGA)
2012 – Edgar Kazembe (ZAM)
2010 – Duncan Mugabe (UGA)
2010 – Duncan Mugabe (UGA)
2009 – Allan Cooper (KEN)
DUNCAN MUGABE:
D.O.B: November 27, 1990 Career High ITF Singles Ranking: 659 (30/11/2009) 2013 ITINERARY Uganda Open – Semi-finals (Singles), Final (Doubles) Kenya Open – Final (Singles, Doubles & Mixed doubles)