Onen fires first shot in Nile pool

By Samson Opus

RICHARD Onen booked the first ticket to the Nile Special Open Championship after beating David Owor 3-2 at Capital Pub in Kansanga.

The champion who started off on false note had to dig deep in his chest to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Owori. 

“It was a tension packed game. I had to give all my best. My dream is to win the car,” remarked Onen after pocketing his prize of sh100,000.

To reach the final, Owor saw off Ivan Mwesigye in the semi-finals while Onen stopped Ali Naseem.

Both players, however, qualified for the grand finale slated for August. A top prize of a car awaits the overall winner courtesy of sponsors Nile Special.

Onen jubilates after potting the final ball to claim victory over Owor.

The Makindye event rolls off a countrywide qualifying campaign that runs up to August 10 with action in 60 centres in all regions. 

The top two players from each centre earn a berth to the grand finale. Altogether 128 players qualify for the grand final. 

Others who made the cut over the weekend are Kramimar Kibirige and Ronald Kizito who stood out shooters Pub. 

At Millennium Pub, Muchael Kugonza and Richard Tukahirwa qualified while Robert Mugabe and Isaac Lwanga were the lucky pair at Makindye House. At Kasanga, Joseph Serwanja and Nicholas Lukyamuzi defied the odds.

The best 120 players after the qualifiers will be joined by the top eight national seeds that dig into action at the grand finale.