The FIP Silver Nairobi B-Active tournament is set to showcase a high-caliber field of international talent as top-ranked players descend on Kenya for the latest stop on the CUPRA FIP Tour. The competition, which runs from September 17 to September 20, features several decorated athletes looking to add another trophy to their 2026 campaigns.
Key Contenders and Tournament Outlook
The men’s draw is headlined by a formidable Spanish duo, while the women’s bracket features a powerhouse seed with an impressive track record this season. Here are the primary players and pairings to watch as the tournament progresses toward Sunday’s finals:
- Antonio ‘Pincho’ Fernandez and Mario Del Castillo: As the top-seeded men’s pair, Fernandez (ranked No. 58) and Del Castillo (ranked No. 66) are the favorites. Fernandez enters with momentum from titles in Texas, Dublin, and Mallorca, while Del Castillo brings his own winning experience from Parma and Doha.
- Pepe Aliaga and Alvaro Cepero: This Spanish pair enters the tournament as the second seeds. They are currently motivated to secure their first title of the 2026 season on the CUPRA FIP Tour.
- Marcos Gonzalez Blanco and Santi Pineda: Gonzalez Blanco is a standout competitor, having already claimed six titles this year across Wadi, Timisoara, Narbona, Caltanissetta, Bali, and London. He will be aiming for his seventh victory alongside his partner, Pineda.
- Gustavo Nunes and Tonet Sans: These two are identified as significant threats in the men’s draw and are among the players to keep a close eye on throughout the event.
- Virginia Riera and Julieta Bidahorria: The No. 1 seeds in the women’s draw, Riera (ranked No. 47) has had a dominant season. She has already secured five titles, including victories in Manila, Dubai, Jersey Island, Agrigento, and Bahrain.
- Alba Vazquez and Jimena Diaz: This pair is among the top competitors expected to challenge for the title in the women’s bracket.
- Raquel Piltcher and Christina-Styliani Ntanou: Another team to watch, Piltcher and Ntanou are positioned as strong contenders in the women’s field.
- Safina Madhani and Juliette Sirgant: Local interest will be centered on home player Safina Madhani, who is teaming up with French athlete Juliette Sirgant for the tournament.
The main draw action kicks off on Thursday, September 17. The tournament will culminate on Sunday, September 20, with the decisive semi-final and final matches determining the champions of the Nairobi B-Active event.
