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Kenya are Pool A of the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Africa group three tennis Championship.
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Angela Okutoyi and Cynthia Cheruto have pulled off a jaw-dropping upset at the Billie Jean King Cup doubles.
The dynamic Kenyan duo took on top-seeded Moroccan pair Aya El Aouni and Yasmine Kabbaj in the women's doubles event and sent them packing in the doubles opener.
Combining both for the first time in a competitive match, Okutoyi and Cheruto won a thrilling second set tiebreaker, having sailed through the first set to win 6-4, 7-5 against the pre-tournament favourites.
Less than four hours after winning a two-set battle against Morocco's El Allami Malak in the singles, Okutoyi looked just as sharp as she and Cheruto dismantled the Moroccan duo.
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14:44 - 12.06.2023
TENNIS Angela Okutoyi gets Billie Jean King Cup campaign off to winning start
The event, which kicked off on Monday, June 12, at Nairobi Club, will end Saturday, June 17.
Spectators in the crowd at Nairobi Club roared whenever the Kenyan duo scored a point in a match that was also attended by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
"I was a bit nervous at the beginning of the match because Morocco is a very good team. As you can all remember before the tournament we had identified Morocco as one of the teams to beat," Okutuyi said after the match.
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On her side, Cheruto said: "It wasn't easy, the match was really tight otherwise I'm happy with the win and the atmosphere."
The match began with Okutoyi and Cheruto showing some signs of nerves, but they were able to dominate, displaying a combination of powerful serves, deft volleys, and lightning-fast footwork.
The Kenyan duo outplayed their opponents at every turn, securing a 6-4 victory in the opening set.
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As the match progressed into the second set, the intensity soared as El Aouni and Kabbaj fought back fiercely, determined to turn the tide in their favor.
However, Okutoyi and Cheruto remained unyielding, matching their opponents shot for shot.
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14:58 - 12.06.2023
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Home player Owegi lost to Moroccan Aya El Aouni in straight sets.
The set reached a thrilling climax with a tiebreaker, where the Kenyan pair showcased nerves of steel, and with precision and composure, they emerged victorious, securing a 7-6 triumph and sealing the upset.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the fact that Okutoyi had just finished a grueling singles match against Morocco's El Allami Malak a few hours earlier.
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Etot scored 13 goals last season where injury woes ruined her plans to grab the Golden Boot award.
Despite the fatigue, she displayed remarkable stamina and focus, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with on the court.
As they progress further in the Billie Jean King Cup, the rest of the tennis world will be eagerly watching to see if they can continue their remarkable journey and upset more established pairs.
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