The battle for the Singleton top prize entered a crucial stage on Saturday as golfers fought tooth and nail to progress to the round of 8 (quarterfinal stage) at the par 71 Entebbe Golf Course. The round of 16 saw defending champions and favorites Peace Kabasweka and Sheila Kesiime bow out of the tournament after they lost 3&2 to Odere Charles and Kato Samuel Pair. Okura Moureen and Babirye Martha pair beat Mbaguta Gloria 4&3 who missed her compatriot Evelyn Asiimwe due to other engagements.
Ibra Bagalana and Raymond Mwesigye defeated Greg Patterson and Salani Josef 5&4 while the on-form pair of Wendy Angudeyo and Doreen Mwesige saw off Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Elly Mukasa 3&1. Robert Busingye and Lutwama Richard edged Collins Odere and Namutebi Caroline pair 2-up.
2017 singleton match play winners Isaac Mariera and John Muchiiri existed after they lost to Geoffrey Orach and Atuhairwe Andrew 3&2. Rugambwa Silver and Bagalana Ashraf saw off Dan Kajungu and Collins Nuwagira at the 1st play-off hole contest.
Meanwhile, the match between Tim Mwanda and Ssubi Kiwanuka Vs Bogera Joseph and Hamya Charles was postponed to next Saturday after it ended all square and they couldn’t proceed for the play offs due to the evening darkness.
In the pros category, Wanzala Fred beat Toolit Brain 5&3, Deo Akope lost to Happy Robert 2&1, Muhumuza Adolf existed after he was thumped by Ainamani Abraham 2&1, Bagalana Abbey gave way to Kabuye Gerald who won 5&4, Mutawe Herman beat Opio Onito on the second play off. Kamulindwa David saw off Opio Silver 1-up, Mutebi Deco beat Byamukama Vincent 1-up while Ronald Rugumayo beat Baguma Richard 3&2.
The 19th hole African wear theme party was christened with performances from King Saha and the awarding of Singleton whiskey bottles to the eight best dressed golfers of the night. The quarterfinals are slated to take place on Saturday May 11, 2019. All the amateur golfers who were knocked out at the round of 16 walked away with accolades for their fighting spirit.
Quarterfinal Draw (Saturday May 11, 2019).
Rugambwa Silver & Bagalana Ashraf Vs Robert Busingye & Lutwama Richard
Okura Moureen & Babirye Martha Vs Kato Samuel & Odere Charles
Atuhairwe Andrew & Geoffrey Orach Vs Raymond Mwesigye & Ibra Bagalana
Mwanda&Kiwanuka/ Bogera&Hamya Vs Wendy Angudeyo & Doreen Mwesige.
