120 itching to show class at pool finals

The winner of the finals will drive away in a brand new Toyota Brevis prize. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

What you need to know:

Defending champion Jonan Turigye opens defence against Julius Bwogere while 19-year-old Fahad Ssewankambo faces Ernest Kalala.

KAMPALA

Winners from the 40 qualification venues around the country have over the past eight weeks vowed to showcase their skills come the Nile Special National Pool Open finals on September 6.

And the 120 finalists are all eager to go beyond displaying their cue abilities by flooring the top eight seeds at Lugogo Indoor Stadium. Kabale winner Edward Byaruhanga, who attended the main draw in Kampala yesterday, is among those seeking to steal the limelight. “I only want to beat defending champion Jonan ‘Joker’ Turigye to make a statement,” he said.

On his third successive appearance at Lugogo, Byaruhanga will face Alex Drate in the first round.

Many can doubt Byaruhanga’s words but not until dawn sets in at Lugogo in 11 days’ time.
“It is true many players want to beat the top eight,” 2012 champion Alfred Gumikiriza told Daily Monitor. “But I am ready to face anyone.”

Gumikiriza, also the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) seed three will open his account against Davis Akankwasa.

Last year’s semifinalist and tournament seed one Fahad Ssewankambo too, is unphased.
“I know many people are preparing for us (top seeds). But I am not worried,” the 19-year-old said after being drawn with Ernest Kalala for the final match of the opening round. “We have put in a lot of time, hard work and all will pay off in Lugogo,” chipped in tournament seed four Asuman Bukenya, who faces Joram Nabaasa.

Meanwhile, Turigye (seed five) will open his defence against Julius Bogere, seed two Joseph Mutawe faces Erias Makumbi while Amos Turyagumanawe (seed seven) will play Richard Onen.

The overall winner of the finals will take home a brand new Toyota Brevis car and a branded pool table, will pocket Shs2m cash prize and is also guaranteed a fully sponsored trip to next year’s World Pool Championships.

2014 NILE SPECIAL NATIONAL POOL OPEN TOURNAMENT BREAKDOWN
MAIN QUALIFICATION
120 players earned slots to the Lugogo finals from 40 regional centers join the PAU top eight seeds
PAU TOP EIGHT SEEDS
1 - Fahad Ssewankambo
2 - Joseph Mutawe
3 - Alfred Gumikiriza
4 - Asuman Bukenya
5 - Jonan Turigye
6 - Sula Matovu
7 - Amos Turyagumanawe
8 - Oscar Ochacachon
PAST WINNERS
2013 - Jonan Turigye
2012 - Alfred Gumikiriza
2011 - Khalifan Ntwali
2010 - Jonan Turigye
2009 - Bob Minan