Changawa whacks Kibet

Ismael Changawa was at his best yesterday, notching a straight forward victory against his long-time friend Ibrahim Kibet in a 6-2/6-0 demolition in the Tennis Kenya Senior Challenge Series at Nairobi Club.

Changawa who had seen off Derrick Ominde in equal fashion a day earlier was emphatic, dropping only two games in the process in a match that did not go beyond an hour. 

The straight sets win was his best performance in two weeks following the resumption of the sport in the country. 

Kibet, who spoke to People Sport before the match, had predicted a tough game and fell apart when the raging Changawa got on his groove.

The first set was evenly matched at round  five until a double fault saw Changawa take charge.

Initially the pair had exchanged good shots in between the net with Kibet especially focused on attacking the baseline.

However, the multiple Kenya Open Champion was soon to show who was boss in a match that was decided by mistakes.

 In the second set, it was all Changawa switching play and spreading his balls across the court to maximum effect.

He went 3-0 in a record 15 minutes as Kibet struggled for composure. Changawa’s first serve was on point even as Kibet tried out a different strategy of staying in longer for an opportunity to strike.

Speaking after the match, Changawa said attitude was key. “It was a good game which I went in with a plan. When I got to court, I was focused.

I know my opponent well because we are in Team Kenya together and so my record against him rises to 20-1.

Overall, I am happy and I look forward to keeping the momentum in tournaments ahead,” said the 22-year-old who missed the first challenge last week due to a wrist injury.