Kenyans Ryan Randiek and Albert Njogu braved strong opposition from opponents to sail to the quarters of the ongoing International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior circuits tournament at the Nairobi Club. Sixth-seeded Randiek recovered from a set down to dismiss Rwandese Fabrice Tuyishime 4-6, 6-0 and 7-5 while Njogu repulsed his Serbia opponent Stefan Zivkovic 6-2, 6-4 to sail into the last eight.
Randiek had to engage a higher gear to slow down the Rwandese who pulled a shocker in the first set, bagging the first four games. Randiek made good use of his serves and managed tie the match at 4-4. The left handed Tuyisheme then wrapped up the first set with easy wins in the subsequent games.
Randiek came out firing on all cylinders in the second set as he outplayed his opponent without losing game to tie the set. Randiek’s momentum spilt into the third set where he held his nerve to win. Randiek praised his opponent for the level of play and challenge he offered and vowed to fight in the remaining matches. “I was a bit nervous in the first set but in the subsequent sets, I had the right composure and handled his serves well. He was strong and challenged me to work harder. I will try my best in the remaining matches and I am hopeful I will be victorious.”
Njogu had an easy time in the first set dropping two games to settle for a 6-2 win. His Serbian opponent battle back in the second set, winning four games but a determined Njogu held on to progress.