Billie Jean King Cup: Okutoyi Stops Namibian Liniques as Kenya Secures Pool A Top Spot

Beryl  Oyoo
By Beryl Oyoo June 15, 2023 05:10 (EAT)
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Billie Jean King Cup: Okutoyi Stops Namibian Liniques as Kenya Secures Pool A Top Spot
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Kenya rose to the top of Pool A at the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III after clinically dispatching Namibia 3-0 on the tournament's fourth day at the Nairobi Club on Wednesday.

US-based Angela Okutoyi anchored Kenya's success by making light work of Theron Liniques with 6-1, 6-0 wins in the first and second sets before Cynthia Wanjala overcame Yssel Lisa Lia 6-4, 6-2 in the second match.

Wanjala's tie was closely contested, as it won the first set 6-4 and the second set 6-2 to seal Kenya's win in the singles.

"At the beginning, I started up too tough because I wasn't putting too much of my first self today, but I tried to rely on my second self, and I felt like it was working, and also, my build-up worked very well.

"It's a challenge to focus when the opponent is not up to par with you. You want them to bring it up, but they are not, and sometimes I just try to focus on myself and my tennis," said Okutoyi.

Kenya's Roselida Asumwa and Melissa Mwakha were emphatic in the doubles, hitting Joanivia Bezuidenhout and Louw Leandre Nabia 6-1, 6-3 in a win captured in two sets.

With Thursday's win, Kenya has moved to the top of Pool A, replacing Nigeria, which lost in today's match against Morocco.

Despite their success, Kenya's players swiftly switched their focus on their clash on Friday, with the top seed up for grabs.

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