Fred Semakula was the unlikely hero as he left the crowd in disbelief to win the Nile Special National Pool Open qualifiers at Diana’s Pub in Kanyanya. The 30-year-old came from 3-1 down to win the best-of-seven final 4-3 against home boy Idi Walusimbi in a scintillating manner.
On making it to the Lugogo finals due August 31, a second time in a row, Semakula was carried off his feet up in the air by his friends. “I kept calm and I did not lose hope,” with beads of sweat on his face, Semakula said. He got Shs 100,000 and a branded medal.
Meanwhile, Walusimbi, currently ranked the fifth most consistent player this year, only shook his head in disbelief. Despite the defeat, Walusimbi received a Shs 50,000 worth prize money. He also made it to Lugogo for the second time in a row.
Semakula had earlier beaten Patrick Lugibwa 3-0 in the best-of-five semifinal, a similar result Walusimbi scripted against Bernard Kyazze.