Pool Queen and King Championship launches countrywide qualifiers

The Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) has launched the highly anticipated Pool Queen and King Championship.

This year's event marks a significant milestone for the sport, with the introduction of countrywide qualifiers kicking off on the weekend of June 1st and 2nd across eight regional centers.

64 men and 32 women will play in the grand finale that will be held on the weekend of June 21-22, 2024 at Paradise Spot in Jinja.

This year's edition promises even more nail-biting competition as players from across the nation vie for the coveted crowns.

‘’The Pool Queen and King Championship will feature qualifiers held across eight regional centers for the first time. This exciting development opens the door for talented players nationwide to showcase their skills and compete for a spot in the grand finale in Jinja City’’. Donald Ampumuza, Tournament Secretary, Pool Association of Uganda said during the press conference held at PAU offices in Kamyokya.

‘’The nationwide qualifiers represent a crucial step in the PAU's journey towards becoming a full-fledged federation. By expanding the championship's reach, the PAU is fostering a vibrant pool scene throughout Uganda, attracting new players and elevating the sport's profile’’. He added

He noted that the nationwide qualifiers will unearth hidden gems, providing a platform for aspiring players to compete and hone their skills. This, in turn, will fuel a robust national pool scene, propelling Uganda to greater heights.

According to him, the tournament is open with no age limit, meaning that any player can register and participate. "The expected number of Male players from the countrywide qualifiers is 56 who will join the top 8 seeded men, 28 Ladies will come from the qualifiers to join the top 4 seeded female players’’ he said.

‘’ I have prepared myself well for the championship on the table & mentally. With the intense training, I feel fit and ready to defend my title’’. Said defending champion Sejjemba Ibra during the press conference.

‘’I know it's not going to be an easy championship but it's only 1 player to be crowned. I know I can do it again with the training I have done and luck too comes in handy’’. There are many good players out there and I have to give it my whole to become victorious. He added.

Prizes: Men

1. Winner: Shs3m, gold medal and trophy
2. First runners-up: Shs1.5m and silver medal
3. Second runners-up: Shs750,000
4. Third runner-sup: Shs400,000
5. Quarterfinalists: Shs150,000

Prizes: Women

1. Winner: Shs2m, gold medal and trophy
2. First runners-up: Shs1m and silver medal
3. Second runners-up: Shs500,000
4. Third runner-sup: Shs250,000
5. Quarterfinalists: Shs10,000