Uganda’s most successful woodball player, Lillian Zawedde has slipped 5 places to 24th in the latest global women woodball ratings, released by the International Woodball Federation (IWbF).
Zawedde’s drop despite a consistent great performance is attributed to the limited international tournaments she has participated in, as explained by Uganda Woodball Federation (UWbF) administrator, John Baptist Kateregga;
The more international tournaments a player has participated in, the better chances of improving the ranking.
Even in those tournaments she participated in, resources were scarce and had to rely heavily on generous individuals to fund (sponsor) her trips.
In 2014, the three time Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) lady woodball player of the year competed in 4 out of the expected 12 international tournaments.
She played in the India Open (January 2014), Korea Open (June 2014), World Cup and China Open (China 2014).
Ironically, she accumulated 97.9 in 2014 compared to 74.5 in 2013 to drop 5 places from 19th in 2013 to 24th in the subsequent year.
Zawedde won silver and bronze from the Indian Open held at the St. Xavier’s sports complex in Jaipur in Rajasthan; scopped a single’s silver at the Korean International open before she participated in the Chinese open (despite being sick with malaria) and guided team Uganda to a respectable fifth place in the Woodball world cup held in Malaysia.
The Ndejje University Sports Management student remains the only African in the top 30 positions on the entire globe.
Yu-Mei Hong (Chinese Taipei) tops the ladies ranking with 263.45 points followed by the Thailand duo of Praewphan Chaithong (232.2) and Chonnipa Pengwichai (229.9).
Thailand tops the men’s log with Chnnakrit Imkrajag (322.85) and Klayut Mongkholsamai (296.95) in 1st and 2nd position respectively.
China’s Qi Wei Ye comes third with 216 points.
The International Tour Woodball Championship 2015 starts with Hong Kong Open Woodball Championship 2015 on April 10 – 12, 2015.
Lillian Zawedde Profile:
Full Names: Lillian Zawedde
Date of Birth: 18th September 1986
Parents: Gantus Mayambala (RIP) and Dezzerante Kafuko Mayambala.
Education: Nabunnyo Primary School, Iganga (P.L.E), Iganga Secondary School (O-level), Crane High Jinja (A-level), Ndejje University (B.Hons IT, Masters- sports Management- currently)
Best Meal: Matooke, Ground Nuts Downed by a cold Passion Drink Juice
Woodball Honors: Bronze 2013 Hong Kong Championships , USPA & UWbF Woodball player of 2012, Winner (2013 Uganda Open Ladies 2013-singles and mixed doubles), Silver (2014 Korea Open), Silver and Bronze (2014 Indian Open), Team Gold (with Ndejje University in 9th Eastern Africa University Games), Ndejje Opens titles and several local honours as champion.
