Nakuru table tennis players showcase talent at Oronda Open
Harnox Mathenge (in red)and Derrick Kipchumba playing the men doubles finals at the Oronda Open
Nakuru table tennis players showcased their skills at the second edition of the Oronda Open, with Allan Sing'ar, Harnox Mathenge, Becky Masan and several other players competing across different categories of the tournament.
Sing'ar led Nakuru’s campaign in the men’s singles category, finishing second after losing 3–1 to Kenya One player Brian Mutua in the final. Despite missing out on the title, his performance highlighted Nakuru’s competitiveness in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Mathenge delivered a strong showing in the doubles categories, partnering with Derrick Kipchumba in the men’s doubles and Ivy Wabomba in the mixed doubles. He won in both categories, demonstrating his ability to compete in team events alongside his participation in the singles competition.
However, his run in the men’s singles came to an end in the round of 16, as he was unable to progress to the later stages of the competition.
In the ladies’ singles category, Masan also finished second after losing 3–0 to Ivy Nyokabi in the final, giving Nakuru another podium finish at the tournament.
Becky Masan (Left) playing against Ivy Nyokabi in the ladies Singles finals at the Oronda Open
Other players who represented Nakuru in the men’s singles included Steve Cheruiyot, Joe Mwaura, Arnold Mbocu, Godwin Kamau and Bethwel Kiplagat. However, their campaigns ended in the knockout stages as they faced competition from players drawn from different parts of the country.
Additionally, Cheruiyot and Kiplagat competed in the men’s doubles but exited the tournament in the round of 16, bringing their campaign in the category to an end.
Beyond the results, the Oronda Open provided a platform for players to test their abilities against different opponents, gain competitive experience and build on their performance in local and national table tennis competitions.
The tournament was organised to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, using sport as a platform to draw attention to the condition while bringing together players and other participants.
For Nakuru, the players’ performances reflect the role of competitive tournaments in nurturing local talent, giving athletes opportunities to improve their game and strengthening the county’s presence in Kenya’s table tennis scene.