Nile Special National Open Pool Championship: 10 Fascinating Facts

The Nile Special National Open Pool Championship is Uganda’s most rewarding pool tournament, attracting participants from across the country and beyond.

The grand finale on the 11th of November has attracted 32 female and 128 male participants. The defending champions are Rita Nimusiima and Mansoor Bwanika.

Here are 10 fascinating facts about this prestigious event:

1. Uganda’s National open has remained the most rewarding Pool Tournament on the African continent.
2. Carol Kanzira was the first female to qualify for the grand finale; playing alongside men. She won the Tororo regional qualifying event in 2014 and reached the round of last 64 at the grand finale after overcoming Abitegeka Primrock in the first round.
3. Turigye Jonah and Fahad Ssewankambo are the only players to have won the competition twice. In particular, Fahad has never failed to qualify since coming of age in 2013 when he came 3rd.
4. Since 2014, the worst performance from Fahad has been quarter finals, and on all 3 editions loosing to the same player. Nsubuga Humphrey
5. Only one none-Ugandan has won the competition. Tanzanian Haliphan Ntwali in 2011.
6. All past winners; besides Turigye Jonah (2013) have ended up being ranked no.1 in the following year. No single champion has successfully defending the title in the following year.
7. This year’s edition shall be the first to have live Television coverage. The Semis and finals shall be relayed Live on NBS SPORT TV
8. Only the first and last winners(Bob Menani and Mansoor) are the only winners of the National open without attachment to Samona Pool club.
9. Yudah Ssembuusi will become the first male player at the grand finale who has never participated in a qualifying tournament.
10. The 2023 edition has attracted the biggest number of participants in the history of the competition in both men’s and ladies’ categories.

Courtesy Photos