NAIROBI, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ismail Changawa eased past Franco Mata of Mozambique 6-1, 6-1 to secure his team's promotion to the Davis Cup Euro/Africa Group II.
Ibrahim Kibet who had not featured in the singles during the group B matches played in the course of the week but stood firm to offer the Kenya team a flying start, stunning Bruno Nhavene 7-6 (6), 6-4.
The eight-team Africa Group III Davis Cup was held in Nairobi over the weekend with the host earning their coveted promotion, where they will brush shoulders with Europeans teams in next year's competition.
Last year, Kenya won four of their five ties in Africa Group III, defeating Uganda, Mozambique, Algeria and Benin, but falling to Namibia.
However, new rules by the International Tennis Federation and change of sponsors saw the country's push for promotion denied. But after the ranking system, Kenya will now move to play among the big boys in the Euro/Africa Group II.
Head coach Rosemary Owino heaped praises on Kenya team especially top seed Ismael Changawa and Ibrahim Kibet, who were instrumental to help the country secure promotion.
"It was my personal goal to get this win and I am glad I did. There were a lot of tension and pressure on the boys to perform and they have passed with flying colors. Anyone watching the match could sense the tension. Kibet was too tense and although that led to a few mistakes, I am glad that he managed to handle it well," said coach Owino in Nairobi.
Kibet said he realized his mistakes on time and could not contain his joy after flooring his opponent.
"I knew the mistakes I made during the break and I worked to undo them. My opponent was not the kind that gives up easily, and neither was I, so I made sure I was always on the lead," Kibet added.
The tournament brought together the best 32 players from the eight teams for the four-day competition.
The participating teams were host Kenya, Tunisia, Benin, Namibia, Nigeria, Algeria, Mozambique and Madagascar in Nairobi Club.
The other promotion playoff will see top seeds Tunisia clash with Madagascar for a chance to be elevated to Group II. Kenya had also beaten Madagascar, Benin and Algeria.
