2014 Christmas Pool Cup Winners:
Men: Alfred ‘Black Sheep’ Gumikiriza
Women: Tilda Nabbanja
Uganda Pool Cranes aces; Alfred ‘Black Sheep’ Gumikiriza and Tilda Nabbanja won their maiden Christmas pool titles at Icon Club, Nansana on Sunday.
The duo overcame a strong pool of over 160 players to win the last event on the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) calendar.
An overwhelmed Gumikiriza, christened Black Sheep revealed to Kawowo Sports after the prize giving ceremony.
I have been adequately training for this championship as it has been the only accolade missing from my trophy cabinet
Gumikiriza had a smooth ride from the round of 32 to the semi finals where he narrowly survived a semi final ejection had home bred talent, Allan Nsubuga not chocked upon pocketing the final black ball.
The absence of the three time Christmas Pool cup winner, Amos Ndyagumanawe could have been a blessing in disguise for Gumikiriza as the reigning national champion, Fahad Ssewankambo easily bowed out at the round of 32 level.
Nabbanja’s Journey to Success:
Nabbanja herself gritted her teeth to the title; edging the reigning USPA pool player of the year, Ritah Nimusiima in the first round.
The Lumas Club player swore after the crowning;
After overcoming Ritah (Nimusiima), deep inside me, I realized there was no one who would stop me from my first Christmas cup title.
The national team player easily outwitted Damalie Nakato in the last eight before she humiliated the top seeded lady player, Vivian Kagoye 4-1 at the last 4 stage.
In the finals, Nabbanja, who featured for champions, Lumas club in the national women’s league pipped Vicky Namuyanja 4-3 in a closely contested affair.
Deaf pool player, Ivan ‘Kasiru’ Kanyesigye finished the third best player at the tournament; beating an already disappointed Allan Nsubuga 4-3 in the third place play-off.
Vicky Namuyanja overcame Vivian Kagoye 3-1 in the best of 5 third place women play off.
Winners’ Purse:
Gumikiriza pocketed U.shs 700,000, William Busingye took 350,000/- as Ivan Kanyesigye took home 175,000/-.
Tilda Nabbanja won U.shs 500,000 as the first runners up (Sofie Nakigudde) bagged 250,000/- and Vicky Namuyanja took home 175,000/-.
The event was sponsored by Icon Club, Nansana, Top Bet and Pool Association of Uganda (PAU).
2014 Christmas Cup (Selected Results):
Women:
Semi-Finals:
Sophie Nakiggudde 4-3 Vicky Namuyanja
Tilda Nabbanja 4-1 Vivian Kagoye
Third Place: Vicky Namuyanja 3-1 Vivian Kagoye
Finals: Tilda Nabbanja 4-3 Sophie Nakiggudde
Men:
Quarter Finals:
Wesley Wasswa 0-4 Ivan Kanyesigye
Fred Namanya 2-4 William Busingye
Sula Matovu 3-4 Alfred Gumikiriza
Musa Bali 2-4 Allan Nsubuga
Semi Finals:
Ivan Kanyesigye 3-5 William Busingye
Allan Nsubuga 4-5 Alfred Gumikiriza
Third Place: Allan Nsubuga 3-4 Ivan Kanyesigye
Finals: Alfred Gumikiriza 7-3 William Busingye