Thirteen countries and 320 players are battling for top honours at the second edition of the Grand Open Pool Tournament in Nairobi, which is set to conclude on Sunday.
Kenya’s national team captain, Doreen Wandia, who also serves as the vice chairperson of the Africa Pool Billiards Association, highlighted that this year’s tournament is unique as it features an exclusive women’s category for the first time in history.
This addition aims to encourage more female participation, with 64 women competing alongside 256 men.
The men’s competition kicked off on Wednesday, with defending champion Ssejemba Ibrahim from Uganda looking to retain his title.
However, he faces stiff competition from 8-ball pool world champion Senzo Gumeda of South Africa, as well as his compatriot Caesar Changida, the current second-ranked player at the All-African Championships.
Doreen Wandia in action.
Kenya is up against representatives from Europe, including Britain and Portugal, while other African nations such as Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Ghana, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Ethiopia will be fighting for top prizes in the four-day international event.
