Kenyans sweep Bell Open

By Douglas Mazune THE just concluded Bell Lager Uganda open tennis tournament swept by Kenyans at Lugogo was the same old story as Kenyan Norbert Oduor powered his way to his third straight title without losing a set. As expected, Oduor met veteran John Oduke of Uganda in the singles final, whom he defeated 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 to bag sh1.25m. The Kenyan who defeated Rwanda's Sylvan Rutikanga in the 1998 and 1999 finals without losing a set, has no good news for his mediocre challengers. "I will be going to the US (United States of America) to sharpen up my game and play some tournaments as well. I am happy to win the third title in a row and I will be back for the fourth title next year," Oduor told The New Vision. However, Oduke got some consolation, when he later paired with Erick Ofuyuru to defeat Oduor/Shaban Lwanga 6-3,7-6 in the exciting doubles final. In the ladies event that had many upsets, saw Kenyan Esther Mbugua triumph over Edith Wamalwa in a highly contested final. The upsets claimed pre-tournament favourites Janet Magona, Rosette Musoke and Barbara Magona. This year's edition that had competitors from Uganda and Kenya only was less competitive. South Africa, Egypt, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Tanzania who were expected to take part pulled out due to the widely publicised deadly Ebola fever that has hit some parts of Uganda. Ends.