The 2024 edition of the Grand Open Pool Championship concluded with a mix of unexpected upsets and triumphant victories across various categories.
In the ladies’ category, the semifinals witnessed a dramatic showdown as Nansasi Rashida fell to the determined Kisakye Marion in a one-sided match with Marion securing a 7-1 victory.
Meanwhile, veteran player Namuyanja Vicky emerged victorious in a tense semifinal, narrowly edging past former PAU women’s affairs secretary Amina Faith Nganda with a score of 6-5.
In the finals, Marion clinched her first-ever PAU tournament title in a thrilling comeback from 5-2 down to win 6-5 as time expired, securing the championship in the race to 8.
In the gents’ category, defending champion Kasozi Joseph staged a remarkable comeback in the semifinals, rallying from a 7-5 deficit to defeat Ssenyonjo Glorious 8-7, setting the stage for a chance to defend his title.
In the other semifinal game, national team captain Ssebuguzi Habie secured a decisive victory over Bwiire Mustapha with a score of 8-4.
The final match culminated in a thrilling encounter as Ssebuguzi, trailing 3-0 initially, stormed back to claim victory over Kasozi Joseph in a 9-4 triumph.
In a groundbreaking moment for Ugandan pool, the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) category saw Dr. Achaye Innocent emerge as the inaugural champion, with Ssemakula securing the second position.
The doubles category also made its debut, with Ssenyonjo Glorious and Kayanja Ibra emerging as the champions, while the pair of Kasozi Joseph and Naiga Rukia secured the second position.
