Uganda squashers attack Parklands Open

A four-man Ugandan team of squash players is in Nairobi to compete in the Parklands International Open tournament due at the Parklands Sports Club on November 21-26.

The Derrick Banyu led team that comprises of Michael Kawooya, Ian Rukunya, Paul Kadoma and Lawrence Matovu arrived in Nairobi on Monday ready to do battle.

The Uganda Squash Rackets Association players based at Kampala Club will be fighting for honours with established Kenyan players, in the annual five-day event.

Kawooya and Rukunya will tread on familiar ground having been consistent contestants in Kenya tournaments over the years. Rukunya won the Nakuru Open in October which he followed with the Kabira Open early this month a feat that should help him stabilize going into the Nairobi tournament.

The draw pits Rukunya against his Ugandan counterpart Lawrence Matovu in the second round, where one of them will have to bow out.

Last year Kawooya reached the semis of the same tournament, after winning the Nakuru and Diani Opens in Mombasa and wants to do better even this year.

"I'm seed number two in the main draw, so I have to work very hard to reach the finals," Kawooya stated.