Fahad Ssewankambo, 19, gritted his teeth to beat Ivan Kanyesigye, a deaf player 7- 6 in a thrilling final of the 2014 Nile Special national pool championships in Lugogo over the weekend.
“I am so happy to win this year’s championship. Glory be to Allah”, Ssewankambo, who earned a brand new Toyota brevis, U.shs 2M and a pool table, said shortly after the final game.
Sswankambo, a Skin Samona pool player took advantage after some of the most feared opponents succumbed in the opening rounds.
2012 winner, Alfred ‘Black Sheep’ Gumikiriza and the on-form Amos Ndyagumanawe were eliminated as early as the third and second rounds respectively.
This year’s championship was one of the most tricky and interesting. There were lots of surprises and this is great for such a growing sport as pool”, tournament director, Robert ‘Pipo’ Kayanja told Kawowo Sports.
For the record, a record number of playing centers and players (over 3000) were registered in the main qualifiers.
Finals:
Fahad Ssewankambo 7 – 6 Ivan Kanyesigye
Third Place:
Sula Matovu Beat Ezra Kaggwa
Semi finals:
Kaggwa Ezra 3-5 Ssewankambo Fahad
Kanyesigye Ivan 6-1 Matovu Ssula
Quarter finals:
1. Matovu Navy 0-5 Kanyesigye Ivan
2. Kaggwa Ezra 5-0 Ssekiliba Musa
3. Matovu Ssula 5-0 Lukwaago Andrew
4. Kirama Bob 2-5 Ssewankambo Fahad
All National Pool Open Winners:
2001 – Bob Menani
2008 – Turigye ‘Joker’ Janan
2009 – Fred Namanya
2010 – Jonan ‘Joker’ Turigye
2011 – Khalifan Ntwali
2012 – Alfred ‘Black Sheep’ Gumikiriza
2013 – Jonan ‘Joker’ Turygye
2014 – Fahad Ssewankambo