The journey to crown the next champion of the Nile Special National Pool Open kicked off with a series of regional qualifiers throughout Uganda.
Several top contenders have managed to triumph, earning their spots in the grand finale set to take place at Lugogo Indoor Stadium on November 16 of this year.
Some of the top seeded players for the grand finale include: Ceasar Chandiga (Seed no.1), Mansoor Bwanika, Joseph Kasozi, Kenneth Odong, Lawrence Ssengonge, Jonah Turigye, Hazard Lukomwa, and Ibra Ssejjemba.
Both the men’s and women’s champions will receive a car as the grand prize, along with other exciting rewards from Nile Breweries.
Over 100 competitors are expected to take part in this year’s highly competitive tournament.
Last year’s national championship saw Ceasar Chandiga triumph over Hazard Lukomwa in a thrilling men’s final, while Rukia Naiga claimed victory against her sister Rashida Mutesi in the women’s final.
Lubuulwa survives narrowly
Amos Ndyagumanawe, a former champion, and Rashid Wagaba, alongside Simon ‘Computer’ Lubuulwa, made a significant impact in the opening round of the regional qualifiers.
Lubuulwa, considered a top contender for the title, encountered a challenging match against Davis Akankwasa in the semifinals. Although Akankwasa made a strong push towards the end, Lubuulwa’s seasoned expertise and talent shone through, earning him a place in the championship showdown.
Time keeping concerns
The Tournament Secretary of the Pool Association of Uganda, Donald Ampumuza, has raised alarms regarding the delayed conclusion of certain qualifiers, noting that games in Mbale and Nansana wrapped up after 5 AM. To promote punctuality in match completions, Ampumuza highlighted the necessity for players to reach their venues by 1 PM and is contemplating the introduction of walkovers for those who arrive late in upcoming qualifiers.
Regional Qualifiers Results:
New Labamba – Kisoro: Rashid ‘Dog City’ Wagaba, Amos Ndyagumanawe, and Emmanuel Hashaaka.
Timeless Bar Nansana: Dan Mubiru, Mike Mugenyi, and Martin Ssenyonjo.
The Oak Bar – Mbale: Bashir Kanakulya, Abdul Nabugu, and Edward Modi.
Da Place – Tororo: Edgar Bwitira, Innocent Ariyo, and Joab Ssekaja.
Townsend Bar – Ntinda: Simon ‘Computer’ Lubuulwa, Ian Atwine, and Mustapha Bwire.
Round Bar – Gayaza: Ibrahim Mayanja, Idd Walusimbi, and Brian Mugenyi.
