The Pool Association of Uganda 2024 King/Queen Championship cued off over the weekend in seven venues with major shocks.
Three-time champion Victoria Namuyanja was eliminated in the Mukono qualifiers by Serena Ogumushabe at iTaano Lounge (formerly Black Sheep Arena). The two players who train from the same venue gave the audience a match full of brilliant pocketing.
Ogumushabe beat Namuyanja by 4-2 frames in the quarterfinals. The venue was taking two ladies to the National Finals that will be held in Jinja on June 21-22 at Paradise Spot.
The former champion potted the black but the white also entered the pocket in game frame six missing an opportunity of pushing the game into a decider.
The other surprises had Ian Kazibwe and Rashid Wagaba (Dog City), both national team players also being knocked out. Kazibwe was eliminated from Kireka while Dog City was eliminated by Jonathan ‘Savimbi’ Ouma in Mukono.
Ouma was the eventual winner ahead of Grand Open winner and Cranes captain Habib Ssebuguzi. Savimbi beat Patrick Ssekirime on speed pool after coming from 4-1 to draw 4-4 frames draw.
Away from the shocks, the future of the sport, 13-year-old sensation Junior Asiku took second place in the Kireka qualifiers held at Were Beri Pool Arena losing to his coach Ibrahim Kayanja aka Musiraamu.
Still about qualifying, players who missed last weekend’s qualifiers, this weekend (8th to 9th June 2024) presents another opportunity with five qualification events in the country.
Rwenzori Pool Association will host theirs at Jam Lounge, while Greater Masaka will be housed by Cloud 9. Icon Lounge will be the place to be in Kitgum, the same as Oak Bar of the Elgon Pool Association, and Kings Spot Arena Entebbe.
National Finalists so far
Ankole:
Keith Kananura, Shakibu Tumusiime, Michael Mugume and Zidan Mugabi.
Angela Busingye and Martha Nakabaale.
Tooro:
Sofian Kumalirwa, Ivan Murungi, Lora Isagara, and Benjamin Rujumba.
Gorret Kabasinguzi and Lucy Nalongo.
Greater Mityana:
Abubaker Nakabaale, Yuda Ssembuusi, Joseph Balikuddembe and Fahad Ntambi.
Amina Faith Nganda and Maria Namatovu.
Greater Mukono:
Jonathan Ouma, Patrick Ssekirime, Habib Ssebuguzi, and Ivan Ssemayenje.
Serena Ogumushabe and Lucky Namugenyi
Kireka:
Ibrahim Kayanja, Junior Asiku, Emma Chuol, Morgan Malinga, Mustapha Bwire and Kevin Kaboha.
Rhoda Nakaweesi and Michelle Nandawula.
Jinja City:
Eric Mugabo, Cyrus Mawejje, Jamadah Mutumba and Ismail Kimera.
Juliet Namuhanga and Cindarella Kobusingye.
Gulu winners:
Moses Omara, Walter Odoki, Samson Odong and Haron Opiyo.
Annah Lakot and Dosolin Aciro
Courtesy Photos
