In a gripping final that captivated fans, Uganda’s Ceasar Chandiga “The Scorpion”, Africa’s Heyball ambassador and former national champion, triumphed in the Heyball category at the inaugural Commonwealth Billiards Games 2025 that were concluded on Sunday, in Mauritius.
Chandiga outplayed Indian standout Shivam Arora in a closely contested 9-7 match, securing Uganda’s first-ever gold medal at the Games.
Displaying exceptional skill, composure, and tactical brilliance, Chandiga dominated key moments in the final to etch his name in the history books. His landmark victory is not just a personal triumph but a proud moment for Uganda on the international stage.
Chandiga, outsmarted United Kingdom’s Chris Melling (The Magician) in very tight match which ended in 9:7 in a penalty shootout to get into the semifinals, in one of the most outstanding games.
The intense contest saw Chandiga taking an early lead, only for Melling to mount a comeback and level the score at 7-7 within the allocated time.
With the match tied, the players were forced into a penalty shootout, where Chandiga’s nerves proved stronger.
He emerged victorious in the sudden-death round, securing his spot in the semifinals of the event.
His win is a testament to relentless dedication, hard work, and undeniable talent. Chandiga’s success is sure to inspire a new generation of cue sports players across Uganda and Africa.
Uganda’s top-seeded cueist 2025, Joseph Kasozi “The Sharpshooter” won a silver medal in the Blackball (BB) taking the second position in the game after delivered an outstanding performance.
He advanced to the finals after an impressive run, where he faced off against reigning world champion Senzo Gumede of South Africa.
The final proved a formidable challenge, with Joseph trailing early at 5-0 in a race to 7.
Despite a valiant comeback attempt, he ultimately fell short, with Gumede taking the match 7-3. Nevertheless, Kasozi’s silver medal marks Uganda’s first podium finish in this category at the Games.
His journey to the final showcased resilience and elite-level talent. And hats off to Senzo Gumede, who now holds both the World and Commonwealth Blackball Champion titles.
Uganda’s medal haul continued at the Commonwealth Billiards Games 2025 as Marion Kisakye (Ankah Sheila) and Rukia Naiga also delivered stellar performances to secure bronze medals in BB and Heyball respectively.
Both women battled fiercely through the tournament, reaching the semifinals with skill and determination.
Though they narrowly missed out on spots in the finals, their efforts earned Uganda two well-deserved bronze medals.
Their success highlights the rising strength of women’s cue sports in Uganda and serves as a powerful inspiration to future athletes.
