Ebayo, Nankabirwa reign supreme

By Norman Katende

Computer Point Badminton Open

Singles

Men: H. Ebayo bt W. Tukire 2-1

Women: M. Nankabirwa bt S. Bangi 2-1

Doubles

Men: Ebayo/Musisi bt Ssenoga/Mayega

Women: Bangi/Nankabirwa bt Komuhendo/Nakamya

Mixed

Tukire/Bangi bt Ssuuna/Nakalyango

HERBERT Ebayo came out of his self-imposed exile on the Uganda Badminton Association court to down top seed Wilson Tukire in the Computer Point Badminton Open tournament. 

Seed two Margaret Nankabirwa also beat her nemesis Shamim Bangi, who has dominated all the top events to claim the women’s title in an exciting climax of the three day action.

Ebayo had vowed never to return to badminton, but he surprised the organisers when he made a sudden appearance and was seeded third.

He went on his way, downing seed two Brian Ssuuna in straight sets 21-17, 21-15 before he battled to beat the top seed Wilson Tukire 2-1.

Taking the first set 22-10, Tukire came back to take the second set 21-17 but Ebayo looked more refreshed to take the decisive set 21-17.

“I just played my game,” Ebayo said after the final.

In the women event, Nankabirwa looked strong and focussed as she strolled to the women’s title.

Top seed Bangi offered little resistance as she fell in straight sets 21-12, 21-14 and to hand Nankabirwa the ladies’ title.

“I am ready and focussed,” she said.

Action now shifts to the Uganda Communication Badminton Open.