It's Action Galore as ITF Junior Tournament gets Underway at Parklands S. C

By Fred Maingi

The stage is all set for the International Tennis Federation(ITF) world junior ranking tournament for U-18 that gets underway today(Sunday) at the Parklands Sports club.

The one week tournament that promises plenty of thrills, upsets and fireworks has attracted 24 countries with 75 participants that comprise of 42 boys and 32 girls.

According to Isaac Kamande who is the sports convenor and organising committee member, all arrangements pertaining to hosting of the glamour event are complete.

Kamande has promised high class tournament where winners will earn points that will be considered in the Junior world ranking. The winners will also be able to play in the Junior grand slum.

Hosts Parklands Sport club General Manager Lorna Kiema has assured participants of enjoyable stay with adequate security.

The finals are set for Friday while the quarter finals, and Semis will be staged on Wednesday and Thursday at the same venue respectively.

The tournament is sponsored by hosts Parklands Sports club, Xpedia travels, MMS Advocates and Coca-Cola bottling company.

In attendance during the launch of the tournament held on saturday May 6th were Kenya tennis top instructor Rosemary Owino and veteran head coach Collins Aballa among other officials.

Countries that are participating in the tournament include Australia, Belgium , Costa Rica, Canada, Eritrea, Spain, Germany, Finland, Japan and India who have brought a large contingent of 16 players.

Other participants include hosts Kenya with 13 players, Ghana, Japan, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Nigeria, Poland(12 players ) , New Zealand, Portugal, Tanzania, Switzerland, United States, and Russia respectively