Kenya wins Kampala Squash Open

By J. L. Andrew

The 2024 Kampala Club Championship Squash tournament witnessed the impressive performance of two Kenyan players. James Dalidi claimed victory in the men’s category by defeating Uganda’s top seed Paul Kasirye in a closely contested final that ended with a 3-2 result in five sets.

This win was particularly significant for Dalidi as it marked a comeback after his previous loss to Kadoma with the same results.

Additionally, Jane Njeri from Kenya emerged as the winner in the women’s category.

Amidst a day filled with excitement and anticipation, the top seed from Kenya won the toss and began the match by serving first, impressively winning the first set with a score of 11-5. Kasirye who is known for his exceptional speed and agility that exhausts his opponents, made a strong comeback in the second set, winning it with a score of 11-8.

The third set witnessed Dalidi coming back stronger, securing a victory with a five-point margin of 11-7, but Kasirye responded in the fourth set with a spectacular performance that left the Kenyan player stunned.

In the second set, a three-minute run of play resulted in an 8-5 score, showcasing the players’ endurance.

Dalidi made a strong comeback in the third set, winning with a five-point margin of 11-7, but Kasirye fought back in the fourth set with a spectacular performance that surprised the Kenyan.

The fifth set, considered a do-or-die moment, saw Dalidi starting strong despite showing signs of tiredness.

Kasirye, on the other hand, played with more energy, sending Dalidi to the floor once again but ultimately losing the set 11-5.

Though he merged victorious, Dalidi applauded his opponent for putting up such an endurace on the day.

“I am happy to have this as a trophy the previous time the story was different but this time round I won. I know I will be back soon for the next edition to fight for my crown,” he noted.

Dalidi walked away with the trophy and money of shs1.2million while Kasirye got shs800, 000/=.

Njeri also dominated the 14-year-old USA-born Myra Muyonjo in the final, winning 3-0 and claiming the title walking away with the trophy and money prize of shs600,000/= while her opponed Muyonjo walked away with shs300,000/=.

Despite losing all her sets 11-5, 11-2, and 11-8, Myra’s confidence and zeal were greatly appreciated by the crowd, especially considering her age.

List of winners

Winner Men: James Dalidi (Kenya)

Winner Women: Jane Njeri (Kenya)

Runners Up Men: Paul Kasirye (Uganda)

Runners Up Women: Myra Muyonjo (USA)

Plate Finalists

Winner: Samuel Mwogeza (Uganda)

Runners Up: Jason Muyonjo (USA)

Semi Finalist Men

1. Mwegamire Jonathan (Uganda)

2. Kyagulanyi Samuel (Uganda)