Kenyan siblings sail to African tennis quarterfinals

Kenya's hopes in the ongoing African Nations Cup in Nairobi rest on the Changawa siblings as Ismail and Shufaa made it to the men and women singles final.

Ismail later partnered with Ibrahim Kibet to reach the semi finals of the men double's at the tournament where Kenyan women apart from his sister Shufaa suffered a bad day in court at the tournament being played at Nairobi Club.

The US-based Kenyan top seed Changawa survived an almighty scare from Ivan Matata of Congo before prevailing in straight sets of 6-3, 7-6 (5), confirming his passage to the last eight by taking the second on a tie break.

Ismail later teamed up with Kibet to dispatch Ethiopians Abdella Nedim and Melkamu Sereche 6-2, 6-0 in the men's doubles to set up a semi final clash against Abdoul Shakur and Fabrice Tuyishime on Wednesday.

Kibet saw his run in the singles end at the hands of Tunisian Ali Bellalouna Mohamed.

Ismail will take on against Amine Ahouda of Morocco in the last eight as the national champion seeks to add the continental crown on home soil.

"I came and won for my school here as well as the US nationals in Arizona. I will try to get the best for myself and Kenyans," the Kenyan said after the match.

"We have played doubles together since juniors until now, and have won a couple of titles together. We still want to win tomorrow and its tough out here, and we are at hope and it will be a bonus for us. I have high hopes to win at home," Kibet added after making the doubles last four.

Shufaa is the only local female player after breezing past Admon Marie of Ivory Coast in straight sets of 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the last eight where she will play Chiraz Bechri of Tunisia on Wednesday afternoon. Endit