Joseph Kasozi defied the odds and emerged victorious in a thrilling Pool King Championship final, defeating powerhouse Caesar Chandiga 7-6 on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Marion Kisakye aka Ankah Sheilah, clinched the Pool Queen title in a nail-biting penalty shootout against national champion Rukia Nayiga.
Kasozi stages comeback for the crown
Kasozi displayed remarkable resilience throughout the championship, solidifying his reputation as a “comeback king.” Trailing 4-2 in the final against Chandiga, Kasozi called a timeout and used it to his advantage.
He stormed back, taking a commanding 6-4 lead. Though Chandiga clawed his way back with two wins, Kasozi held his nerve and secured the final point to claim the coveted Pool King title.
Elated with the win, Kasozi acknowledged the high level of competition and expressed his confidence throughout the match. His triumph was rewarded with a cash prize of Shs3m.
Kisakye clinches Queen’s title in tense penalty shootout
The Pool Queen final was an equally captivating display of skill. Kisakye and Nayiga battled fiercely, deadlocked at 5-5 when the allotted time expired.
This sent the match into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Both players displayed exceptional talent but Kisakye capitalised on a miss by Nayiga to secure a narrow 9-8 victory.
The Jinja crowd erupted in celebration, their cheers echoing through the venue as Kisakye was crowned the new Pool Queen.
Delayed finals and looking ahead
The championship finals were unfortunately delayed due to a player protest. Despite this setback, the award ceremony eventually took place at 9 pm.
The Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) will now set sights on the upcoming Nile Special National Open Pool Championships and the National League.
Previous Champions
Pool King
2021 – Mansoor Bwanika
2023 – Ibra Sejjemba
2024 – Joseph Kasozi
Pool Queen
2024 – Marion Kisakye
2023 – No event
2022 – Rashida Mutesi
2021 – Rasheda Mutesi
2017 – Victoria Namuyanja
2016 – Victoria Namuyanja
2015 – Angela Busingye
2014 – Victoria Namuyanja
2013 – Carol Kanzira
2012 – Jacinta Kajubi
2011 – Jacinta Kajubi
2010 – Brenda Tendo
2009 – Winnie Tushabe
Courtesy Photos
