Kenyan players had mixed performances in the ongoing Africa Senior Championships in Gaberone.
Kenya Open champion Ibrahim Kibet advanced to the second round after beating Gabon’s Willy Lebendje 6-4, 6-3.
It wasn’t easy for Kibet though as he was made fight hard in the first set. He started superbly, breaking the Gabonese players serve to lead 2-0 but Lebendje fought back to win the third and fourth games and tie the match at 2-2. The two players then split the next four games to tie at 4-4 before Kibet broke Lebendje resistance in the ninth game to lead 5-4 and wrapped up the set by winning the tenth game.
Lebendje then fought back in the second set, taking the opener but Kibet ended any hopes of a comeback by winning the next four consecutive games to lead 4-1. Despite the Gabonese winning the next two games, Kibet wrapped up the set by winning the remaing games to progress.
Kibet was satisfied with his performance but said there was room for improvement with tougher matches lined up. “It was good win but there are areas I need to improve and I will do that,” said Kibet
Shania Kaur beat Anele Maplnaka from Botswana 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 to cruise to the next round. Angela Okutoyi got a walkover to the second round after her opponent failed to turn up while Alicia Owegi lost to Qastak Linar of Morocco 6-1, 6-3.