Kawooya proves better than Rukunya
MICHAEL Kawooya capped a brilliant week by claiming the Nile Gold Open on Saturday at Kampala Club with a 3-1 victory over Ian Rukunya.
Men’s final
M. Kawooya bt I. Rukunya
9-2 8-9 9-8 9-0
Women’s final
D. Cordan bt K. Kabenge
9-8 9-1 5-9 6-9 9-6
Plate final
A. Wogute bt M. Aliho
9-2 9-2 9-1
By Phillip Corry
MICHAEL Kawooya capped a brilliant week by claiming the Nile Gold Open on Saturday at Kampala Club with a 3-1 victory over Ian Rukunya.
The second seeded Kawooya overcame his hard-fighting opponent in the final 9-2 8-9 9-8 9-0. The two youngsters seen by Uganda Squash Rackets Association as the future prospects of the game put up a spirited fight that kept the crowd on tension most of the time.
“It was a tough tournament and the seeding was tight, but am glad that I have won my first major,†the 22-year-old Kawooya said after the final.
“My main objective this year is to maintain my form and win the remaining tournaments.â€
Rukunya, 21, hailed the winner. He said it was difficult to beat Kawooya because his game plan was good.
“He was very good and I could not play him on his back hand which was his biggest weapon,†said Rukunya, adding that changing the opponent to the backhand, which was his weak point, made him (Rukunya) drive a lot and at the same time drop the ball at crucial points.
South African Denise Cordan beat second seed Kate Kabenge 9-8 9-1 5-9 6-9 9-6 to the women’s title. Nile Breweries sunk sh10m into the tournament.
M. Kawooya bt I. Rukunya
9-2 8-9 9-8 9-0
Women’s final
D. Cordan bt K. Kabenge
9-8 9-1 5-9 6-9 9-6
Plate final
A. Wogute bt M. Aliho
9-2 9-2 9-1
By Phillip Corry
MICHAEL Kawooya capped a brilliant week by claiming the Nile Gold Open on Saturday at Kampala Club with a 3-1 victory over Ian Rukunya.
The second seeded Kawooya overcame his hard-fighting opponent in the final 9-2 8-9 9-8 9-0. The two youngsters seen by Uganda Squash Rackets Association as the future prospects of the game put up a spirited fight that kept the crowd on tension most of the time.
“It was a tough tournament and the seeding was tight, but am glad that I have won my first major,†the 22-year-old Kawooya said after the final.
“My main objective this year is to maintain my form and win the remaining tournaments.â€
Rukunya, 21, hailed the winner. He said it was difficult to beat Kawooya because his game plan was good.
“He was very good and I could not play him on his back hand which was his biggest weapon,†said Rukunya, adding that changing the opponent to the backhand, which was his weak point, made him (Rukunya) drive a lot and at the same time drop the ball at crucial points.
South African Denise Cordan beat second seed Kate Kabenge 9-8 9-1 5-9 6-9 9-6 to the women’s title. Nile Breweries sunk sh10m into the tournament.