Uganda's top pool players set for 2025 Joy Heyball Masters in China

Uganda will be represented by elite pool players Caesar Chandiga and Joseph Kasozi at the 2025 Joy Heyball Masters Grand Final, scheduled to begin on Saturday in Chengdu, China.

The 13th edition of the tournament, running from April 26 to May 17, has grown into one of the world's most prestigious pool events.

Heyball, a Chinese variation of 8-ball pool, is played on a larger 9-foot table with bigger balls. Kasozi, Uganda's 2024 national champion, is sponsored by the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU), while Chandiga, the sport's African ambassador, is backed by Joy World Heyball.

Chandiga made history last year as the only African player to qualify for the main draw of 288 competitors, though he exited in the first round. He previously represented Uganda in the 2023 and 2024 editions.

The 2025 Chengdu tournament boasts a total prize pool of 1,618,357, with the winner taking home 684,932 and the runner-up earning 205,479.Third and fourth−place finishers will receive 82,192 and $41,098, respectively.

According to PAU publicity secretary George Katongole, organisers are inviting top players from active nations to promote the sport globally. Seeded participants from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and North African countries will compete.

Katongole noted that PAU is prioritizing Heyball as it has become part of the Africa Pool Championships, signaling the association's commitment to growing the sport on the continent.