The highly anticipated Nile Special National Pool Open Championship is underway with qualifiers taking place across 68 venues nationwide this weekend. The tournament, sponsored by Nile Special, is set to culminate in an exciting final at Lugogo Indoor Stadium on November 16th.
Former champions Fahad Ssewankambo, Sula Matovu, Amos Ndyagumanawe, Alfred Gumikiriza, and Fred Namanya are expected to negotiate the qualifying rounds as they are not among the top seeds who get byes. Reigning champion Ceasar Chandiga will be aiming to secure a historic back-to-back win.
Top-ranked players, including Rukia Naiga, Rashida Mutesi, Marion Kisakye, and Ritah Nimusiima among women, and Chandiga, Mansoor Bwanika, Joseph Kasozi, Kenneth Odong, Lawrence Ssengonge, Jonan Turigye, Azaali Lukomwa, and Ibra Ssejjemba among men, will bypass the preliminary rounds and enter the main event directly.
Tournament format
According to Donald Ampumuza, the PAU Tournament Secretary, the tournament will follow a race-to-four-frames format, with the top four finishers from each qualifying venue advancing to the regional finals. The winner of each regional final will receive Shs150,000 and a branded t-shirt. Ultimately, the champions from each region will compete for the grand prize: a brand-new car for both the male and female winners.
These are exciting times as both the National Open and National League will be played simultaneously. Friday and Saturday are reserved for the National Open while Sunday is for League activities.
