The Nile Special National Open Championship is up and running, with regional qualifiers taking place this weekend.
The top 8 seeds have already qualified, but 9 more spots are up for grabs at 3 regional qualifying tournaments in Kampala.
Mango Shade Bar – Busega
This is one of the toughest qualifying regional centers in the country, with two-time national champion Fahad Ssewankambo and Rashid “Dog City” Wagaba in the mix.
Fahad got himself in trouble after falling out of the top 8 seeded players where he belonged for all editions of the event since he became of age.
Wagaba is fresh off a win in the VS tournament in Kenya, and he has been one of the best players in the country this year.
If he and Ssewankambo are not drawn in separate brackets, one of them could be in for an early exit.
But the tournament will not only be about these two. A certain Ibrahim Ssewali is in the mix too, with the ability and temperament to knock out both; especially in a race to 4.
Other players to watch out for at Mango Shade Bar include Meddie Kalanzi, Bob Kateregga, and Ronald Waninga.
Casablanca – Wandegeya
Sinkers Pool Club kingpin Innocent Tumushabe is the favorite to qualify from Casablanca.
He will face stiff competition from teammates Meddie Mugisha and Pecos Rwigyema, who is famous for eliminating Alfred Gumikiriza in the PAU Grand open ’22
Alfred “Black Sheep” Gumikiriza
Innocent will however face his toughest competition against Scrap buyers short gun William “Bebe” Mirembe.
Hotpool veteran Kenneth Kakiiza is also a dark horse.
Pot It – Najjanankumbi
Another of the hard venues to qualify from with all players having relatively good ability to compete.
However 18-year-old secondary school student Farouk Mutumba is the favorite to qualify from Pot It.
He has been in good form for Capital Night Pool Club, and he recently defeated defending champion Bwanika Mansoor in a weekly competition in which Farouk narrowly lost to Caesar Chandiga 7-6..
However, he will face tough competition from Mahad Mivule and veteran Isaac “Mzee” Lwanga.
Ladies Category: STAR INN – KATOSI
About 8 players familiar with the venue as routine trainers are expected to try and make a mark for the first time on the national scene.
They are likely to be surprised by the rumored registration of Julie Namuhanga and Michelle Kyomugisha at the venue.
Mukono pool club’s Rhoda Nakaweesa is the favorite to qualify, but she will face competition from Serena Ogumoshabe and Natasha Ndibalekera.
It will be interesting to see who comes out on top at these regional qualifiers. The field is stacked with talent, and it should be a great weekend of pool.
May the best man/woman have their day!
Courtesy Photos
