Defending champion Angela Okutoyi romped into the semifinals of the Kenya Open after demolishing Stacy Yego 6-0, 6-0 at the Nairobi Club on Thursday.
Okutoyi hardly broke a sweat in the hour-long encounter as she seeks to win her second Kenya Open title.
Fresh from winning the Women's 15 tournament in Tunisia recently, Okutoyi was pleased with her performance.
“Being an aggressive baseliner, I always try to seize opportunities with every play to gain an advantage,” stated Okutoyi.
Yego said she lost to a worthy opponent. “I am very excited that I battled a seasoned competitor like Okutoyi and the experience has taught me the virtues of mental resilience and aggressiveness, regardless of the adversary,” said Yego.
Yego said her aspiration is to improve her form at the International Tennis Federation J-30 competition slated for November at the same venue. Okutoyi has, however, called for increased financial support for the Kenya Open championship.
“With increased financial backing for the Kenya Open, a spotlight will be shone on the potential that lies within the tournament,” she said.
Okutoyi added: “I acknowledge the strides made including improvement of the courts since the last Kenya Open and a vibrant array of players. However, a financial boost could elevate the event's stature even further and attract more athletes to the competition,” stated Okutoyi.
Okutoyi's enthusiasm was palpable as she anticipated a clash with her sister, Roselida Asumwa, in the final.
Okutoyi and her sibling are also on course in the doubles category after winning their match on Wednesday.
On completion of the tournament, Okutoyi and Asumwa will head back to the United States to continue with their studies at Auburn University and Cowley Community College in Kansas respectively
