Squash star Rukunya hopes for more victories

Ian Rukunya believes his 3-1 victory over Michael Kawooya in the finals of the Kabaka Birthday Squash tournament at Kampala Club, has opened the door to get more victories over his rival.

It was sweet victory for the seed two who has always played second fiddle to Kawooya in several local competitions, and last registered a win over the seed one four years ago.

Rukunya, who lost last year's final 3-2 and this year's first set 15-1, recovered to win the subsequent sets, 11-6, 11-7, and 11-8.

"This win has been a long time coming I should have done this last year, games were too close, we were only two points apart in the final game but it is a pleasure winning it and I hope to defend it even next year," Rukunya said.

"But overall I think I was calmer and fitter and for the first time I played my game, and didn't play to his; but overall I'm in top shape right now. We have played together for a long time and it is about time I started beating him," Rukunya stated.

Kawooya who almost abandoned the match in the second set because of a ‘bad' call from the umpire blamed his loss to a leg injury he sustained when he slipped after a slight collision with his opponent.

 Prince Chrispin Junju (2nd left) and USRA chairman JB Tusingwire (2nd right) pose with  Michael Kawooya and Ian Rukunya (right) before the Kabaka Birthday Squash tournament at Kampala Club.

"After that fall I couldn't push because of the injury I got," Kawooya showing a small bruise that came with the fall said.

USRA chairman JB Tusingwire welcomed Rukunya's win saying it was a sign that the sport was not stagnant.

"When a seed two beats a seed one it makes us happy because it goes on to show that he has also improved. The only challenge we have is we have not so many youth coming up that why we have appealed for public squash courts to be set up,"

The prize ceremony was presided over by Prince Chrispin Junju who conveyed Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi's message to the squash fraternity.

Junju hailed the officials for nurturing young talent and encouraged the players to always work hard and be winners at every level of competition.

"World over sport is a great developmental and unifying tool amongst all kinds of people, it does not discriminate in color, religion or gender and we must emphasise our energies in this unifying tool," Junju stated.

The final was graced by the first and second deputy Katikkiro as well as ministers and dignitaries from the Buganda government.
The tournament was sponsored by Centenary Bank, Sasi Wine, City Forex Bureau, Rock Classic Hotel, Makerere SS-Nansana, Albayan, Freshman's, USRA and Kampala Club.