The 2023 National Pool Open will have several games of the mini-qualifiers action this weekend at several clubs countrywide.
Upper Volta Bar and Restaurant
Upper Volta Bar and Restaurant in Kampala will be the most competitive venue, with 2016 Champion Sula Matovu headlining the event.
He will have tough competition from crowd favorite Gideon Bwanika, one of the best young players in the country.
Robert Tumusiime is the other top player expected to provide tough competition to the two, with Donald Ampumuza and Pius Mpoza, “Mutwe” with an outside chance to qualify.
Other Top Players to Compete
The other top player from Kasubi, Dan Mubiru, will be playing at Supremacy Gardens in Nakulabye, while Ashraf Misambwa has settled for Shades Bar in Makerere.
Meanwhile, 2014 first runner-up Ivan Kanyesigye will be at his favorite spot, Capital Pub in Kabalagala.
Kampala City will host more qualifying outlets at Afro Club, Club Totez, Victoria Club, Vox-Nakulabye, Happy Boys- Namasuba, Windy Bar in Entebbe, among others.
Chandiga “The Scorpion” Ready to Rule
Chandiga Caesar “The Scorpion” has enjoyed a string of victories in private tournaments and money matches since returning from Zambia late last year. He is arguably the most in-form player in the country this year.
But he must qualify first if he is to make the National Open grand finale. His choice of qualifying venue is BlackSpot Bar in Gulu.
However he won’t have it all his way, as key local players Didi Kilama and Samson Odong will be expected to give him a run for his money.
Steven Ojara is the other key player whose qualification at the venue is expected to have the crowd on its toes.
It will be fireworks at Blackspot, come Saturday with a slot to Kampala up for grabs.
Western Uganda Qualifiers
Nationally ranked 9th, Hazard Lukomwa is the top-seeded player in the Rukungiri district qualifiers.
He is expected to play at Downtown Bar and Restaurant in the western part of the country’s action. Local stars will be waiting to make a name off him by beating him at this weekend’s regionals.
In Mbarara, famously known as the western region capital, this weekend will mark the start of their qualification process. Most top players within Mbarara City are choosing to keep their cards close to their chest about the venues they are to compete at.
The little we can confirm is that Felix Twinomujuni will be playing at Senevin Gardens in Kabwohe.
Sula “Seed” and “Xraba” are rumored to be playing at Paul Games Bar. We will keep an eye on them all.
Apart from the above-mentioned areas, Western Uganda shall also host qualifiers in Kisoro, Bushenyi, Isingiro, Kyenjojo, and Kasese.
Courtesy Photos
