Kenya's Kotecha sails into ITF junior tourney semis

Kenya's Sheil Kotecha has beaten Gijs Akkermans of Netherlands 6-4, 6-3 to book a semi-final spot at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) East Africa Junior Circuit at the Nairobi Club here.

His compatriot, Kevin Cheruiyot, lost 1-6, 3-6 to Lorenzo Rottoli of Italy to say good bye to the tournament on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

The top seeded Kotecha will meet the winner of the match between Dutchman Rik Muller and George Loffhagen of Britain to contend for top honors.

In the women's semi-finals, top seed Ella Avomo of Gabon will meet Lara Van Der Merwe of South Africa, and Daevenia Achong of Netherlands will face Valeriya Rozenkova of Ukraine.

Kenya national tennis team coach, Rosemary Owino, said the gap between the Kenyan players and their international opposite numbers is narrowing.

"This year and last year Tennis Kenya accorded more players international exposure than usual and it is not wrong to say we are pretty much at par with the international players," the coach remarked.

Over 90 players from 24 nations are taking part in the tournament.

--IANS

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