Kayanja and Naiga lead the pack at thrilling pool year-ender
The final was a spectacle, with Kayanja staging an incredible comeback. Despite trailing 3-1, he rallied to lead 7-3, much to the delight of the audience.
Ibra Kayanja targets the ball on his way to win the 2024 Pool End of Year tournament at La'Mour Kansanga December 28. (Credit: Silvano Kibuuka)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Some of the top winners of the 2024 End-of-year Pool Tournament at Kansanga. From the left is Rukia Naiga, Kelvin Nkandu, Rashida Mutesi, Ibra Kayanja, Ean Kazibwe and Glorious Ssenyonjo December 28 2924. (Credit: Silvano Kibuuka)
KAMPALA - The Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) wrapped up 2024 with a thrilling End of Year Championship, where Ibra Kayanja and Rukia Naiga triumphed in the men’s and women’s categories.
The tournament, held at La’Mour Pub in Kansanga, was a two-day event that featured players from across Uganda and Zambia. Kayanja and Naiga left the venue victorious, each earning a medal, a placard, and a handsome cheque for their stellar performances.
Kayanja, popularly known as 'The Machine', claimed his first major PAU tournament victory after five years of competing in elite pool.
Representing Scrap Buyers in the national pool league, Kayanja defeated Zambia’s Kelvin Nkandu 9-7 in a thrilling final to take home a prize of sh2 million, while Nkandu secured sh1.5 million.
The final was a spectacle, with Kayanja staging an incredible comeback. Despite trailing 3-1, he rallied to lead 7-3, much to the delight of the audience.
However, his lead was short-lived as Nkandu fought back to level the game at 7-7. Kayanja regained composure in the final moments, displaying skill and determination to win the last two sets and secure the championship.
“I am very excited because I won my first-ever big tournament. In the Christmas tournament at Masaka, I was second. I thank PAU and the venue organisers, along with my fans,” said an ecstatic Kayanja.
The road to victory was challenging, as Kayanja eliminated several prominent players, including Ronald Akampurira, Ibra Ssejemba (a Nile Special finalist), Ceaser Chandiga (the 2023 Nile Special Pool winner), and Ian Kazibwe in the semifinals.
In the women’s category, Rukia Naiga retained her title by defeating her sister and Mukono Pool Club teammate, Rasheda Mutesi, 6-4 in the final. Naiga took home sh1.5 million, while Mutesi earned sh1 million for her efforts.
Defending her accolade for the first time was a significant milestone for Naiga, currently ranked as Uganda’s top female pool player.
“I am excited because this is my first time defending any pool title,” Naiga said. She also commended her sister for putting up a strong fight. “She put up a big fight, but I was just lucky to finish all the sets where she made mistakes,” she added.
The tournament attracted 80 male and 43 female players.
Men’s Finals: Kelvin Nkandu (Zam) 7 Ibra Kayanja (Ug) 9
Third Place: Ian Kazibwe 7 Glorious Ssenyonjo 5
Semifinals
Ibra Kayanja 7 Ian Kazibwe 6
Kelvin Nkandu 7 Glorious Ssenyonjo 2
Women’s Finals: Rasheda Mutesi 4 (retired) Rukia Naiga 6
Third Place: Rita Nimusiima 4 Marion Kisakye 2 (retired)
Semifinals
Rukia Naiga 7 Rita Nimusiima 2
Marion Kisakye 4 Rasheda Mutesi 7