Hosts Uganda, Madagascar win golds in ITTF Eastern Africa Regional Senior Championships

KAMPALA, April 23 (Xinhua) — Uganda and Madagascar won the women’s and men’s team events respectively at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Eastern Africa Regional Senior Championships 2024.
After seeing off favorites Madagascar in the semifinal 3-0, the hosts defeated Kenya 3-0 in the women’s final played at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium here on Tuesday.
Jemimah Nakaawala opened Uganda’s win with a 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-5) victory against Lisa Nasimuyu, while Judith Nangozi beat Juma Doreen 3-1 (11-4, 9-11, 11-3, 11-7). Shanitah Namaala put the icing on the cake for Uganda with a 3-1 (11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4) win against Lydia Setey.
In the men’s final, Madagascar proved a hard nut to crack for the hosts Uganda when they won 3-0.
Uganda’s upcoming star Joseph Sebatindira who also played at the African Games in Ghana lost 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-9) to Fabio Rakotoarimanana. In-form Antoine Razafinarivo from Madagascar also saw off Jonathan Sengonga 11-5, 11-8, 11-9.
The last men’s match saw Uganda’s Samuel Ankunda put up a good show but lost 3-2 (11-8, 11-13, 12-10, 5-11, 11-9) to Stephen Ravonison. To reach the final, Madagascar defeated Djibouti 3-0, while Uganda ejected Kenya 3-0.
Robert Jjagwe, President of the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) told Xinhua that he is very happy that the women’s team eventually won the gold after they won the bronze in 2022.
“This is steady improvement because after one year we are now the best in the Zone. We are also proud of the men’s team that has managed to win silver,” added Jjagwe. Enditem