Ebayo beaten to UCC Men's title

By Norman Katende

UCC Badminton Open

Men Singles

Fred Kirabo bt Yakoub Musisi (W/O)

Women Singles

Margaret Nankabirwa bt Daisy Nakalyango 2-0

Men Doubles

Brian Ssuna/ Kirabo bt Herbert Ebayo/Musisi (RTD)

Women Doubles

Annet Nakamya/Aisha Nakiyemba bt Nankambirwa/Monisha Khotia 2-0

Mixed Doubles

Kirabo/Jovia Kyomuhendo bt Musisi/Nankabirwa 2-0

HERBERT Ebayo's dream of winning a second consecutive major title in a row on the national calendar was dealt a blow after he was eliminated at the semi-final stage of the Uganda Communications Commission badminton tournament at the MTN Arena.

Ebayo who came back to competitive action during the Computer Point Open tournament in early September after a year-long self-imposed exile was outclassed by Yakoub Musisi. 

Musisi won 2-0 in straight sets but later pulled out of the final to grant Fred Kirabo his first men's title courtesy of a walk over after he picked up an injury while playing in the men's doubles final.

“I could not continue,” said Musisi, who had paired with Herbert Ebayo and they were losing the first set 14-12 against Brian Ssuna and Kirabo before they abandoned the encounter.

The tournament was however devoid of top seeds Wilson Tukire (back injury) and Shamim Bangi (hamstring).

Annet Nakamya combined with Aisha Nakiyemba to beat Margaret Nankabirwa and Monisha Khotia to the women double title.

Nankabirwa took her second women's singles title after she beat Daisy Nakalyango in the final.

The next badminton tournament is the City Tyres Open tournament due October 24-26.