The 2026 NCBA Kenya Junior Matchplay Championship delivered a day of intense head-to-head competition at Sigona Golf Club, with the field now reduced to the final eight players following a dramatic opening day of matchplay.
Among the standout performers was Brianna-Simone Ngecu of Muthaiga Golf Club, who emerged as the only girl to progress to the quarterfinal stage.
Ngecu produced one of the most convincing victories of the day, defeating Jemile Gacheru 6&4 to secure her place in the final eight.
Ngecu will now carry the hopes of the girls’ field into the quarterfinals as she continues her impressive run in a championship dominated by strong performances from the boys.
Mwathi Gicheru continued his strong form after topping the Strokeplay qualifier, overcoming Simo Dubajic 2&1 to book his place in the quarterfinals.
Ewan Widor also advanced after a closely contested encounter with Andrew Gathere, securing a one-hole victory, while his brother Sean Widor progressed after edging Nathan Mwangi by the same margin.
Other players making their way into the quarterfinals included Maahir Patel, who defeated Ronan Patel 3&1, and Jelani Kihanya, who overcame Kayden Wissanji 3&2.
Yuvraj Rajput produced one of the day’s most commanding performances, defeating Tsorav Soni 5&4, while Kevin Anyien secured a 3&2 victory over Alpha Ndungu to complete the quarterfinal line-up.
The results have set up an exciting quarterfinal stage featuring Mwathi Gicheru, Ewan Widor, Sean Widor, Maahir Patel, Jelani Kihanya, Yuvraj Rajput, Kevin Anyien, and Brianna-Simone Ngecu.
With the competition now down to the final eight, the margin for error becomes even smaller as players battle for a place in the semifinals and ultimately the championship final.