Singleton Challenge: Race for British Open ticket intensifies

The fight for an all-expenses paid trip to the 146^th British Open in Scotland, in July, intensified at Entebbe Club on Saturday as eight pairs battled for the single slot available for the winning pair in the Singleton Golf Challenge.

Enock Nuwagaba and Paul Nsereko had the easiest win on the day eliminating Jude Ochieng and Alex Nkuyahaga; 5&4.

Jadu Patel and Anthony Agaba also found it relatively easy against Mark Kaddumukasa and Peter Mukiibi who they beat 4&3 to qualify for the round of eight to be played on April 15.

Despite putting up stiff resistance, the only ladies pair of Maureen Okura and Irene Nakalembe that had claimed two men's teams in the previous two rounds found the going tough this time eventually losing to Allan Muhereza and Moses Matsiko, 3&2.

As consolation Muhereza and Matsiko donated their winning prizes (fire extinguishers) to the ladies, leaving themselves Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort vouchers that will see them enjoy a round of golf there.

In other matches Ray Kahigi and Ibra Bagalana beat Dennis Onyango and Andrew Ankunda, 1up while the pair of Isaac Mariera/John Muchiri eliminated John Kato and Phillip Ssebaale with a similar score.

Moses Ssebugwawo and Emmanuel Mugabi saw off David Balaka/George Nkambwe; 1up as Dan Kajungu/Collins Nuwagira eliminated Jerry Owach/George Nkya with a 2up score.

Like in the previous round Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Elly Mukasa had another walk over past Vincent Katutsi/Harry Hakiza who did not show up for their match.

Professional golfer Opio Onito reacts to his shot during the Singleton Golf Challenge at Entebbe Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Moses Matsiko (L) and Allan Muhereza celebrate taking one of the holes during the round of 16. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The professionals were also in the fray with Fred Wanzala beating Gerald Kabuye, 2&1. Phillip Kasozi beat Grace Ocici 4&2 as Denis Anguyo eliminated George Olayo 4&3.

There was also wins for Herman Mutawe, Abbey Bagalana, Vincent Byamukama and Dickson Lagoro over Opio Onito, Saidi Mawa, Peter Sendaula and Henry Lujja respectively and a walk over for Deo Akope over Sadi Atibu.

At the 19^th hole it was an all-white themed party as the sponsors Uganda Breweries spoiled the golfers with their Singleton brand before they danced to hits of the 90's. 

Results

Ray Kahigi/Ibra Bagalana bt Denis Onyango/Andrew Ankunda 1UP

Kiryowa Kiwanuka/Elly Mukasa v Vincent Katutsi/Harry Hakiza W/O

Dan Kajungu/Collins Nuwagira bt Jerry Owach/George Nkya 2up

Moses Ssebugwawo/Emmanuel Mugabi bt David Balaka/George Nkambwe 1up

Allan Muhereza/Moses Matsiko bt Maureen Okura/Irene Nakalembe 3&2

Isaac Mariera/John Muchiri bt John Kato/Phillip Ssebaale; 1up

Patel Jadu/Anthony Agaba bt Mark Kaddumukasa/Peter Mukiibi 4&3

Enock Nuwagaba/Paul Nsereko bt Jude Ochieng/Alex Nkuyahaga 5&4