Chandiga launches own chalk brand

Uganda’s top pool talent Caesar Chandiga is expanding his empire off the table with the launch of his own chalk brand named ‘Da Scorpion’.

Chandiga, 25, has proved Uganda’s top player challenging top African players with great success.

A trailblazer, Chandiga was officially the first pool player to play professionally when he signed for UTH Pool Club in Zambia four years ago. Although Rashid Wagaba played in Zambia and Azali Lukomwa in South Africa, their moves were not sanctioned by the mother body, PAU.

Last year, the 25-year-old became only the second African player after South Africa’s Jason Theron to be signed by Chinese billiards table manufacturer, JOY Billiards Company, based in Qinhuangdao City as their brand ambassador after he qualified to the main event.

Under the ambitious Advanced Talent Agency (ATA), a promotions company that offers online streaming of sports events, Chandiga unveiled his chalk brand to join the queue of top billiards players like Alex Pagulayan and Mark Williams, who are associated with Taom chalk.

Other top players like Shane Van Boening (SVB), Efren “The Magician” Reyes and Niels Feijen, among others, have their own lines of merchandise, including cue sticks.

Da Scorpion chalk was unveiled by the 2023 National Champion at Adi’s Spot Arena in Kireka.

The chalk comes in a standard square shape that fits most chalk holders.

It has a creamier texture which makes it long lasting and sticks to the tip extremely well.

The chalk has two categories with Grade A for the highly professional players who mind a lot about the texture, aesthetics, the size and shape while Grade B is the normal quality for public purpose.

“We needed to capitalise on a brand and we personalised chalk to Caesar as we aim to commercialise his skill and character,”

– said Paul Okello Opiyo, the Public Relations Manager of ATA, adding that the first consignment will be available for sale starting in February 2025.

First impressions

Chalk adds ‘motion-resistance’ between the cue and the spot where it hits the cue ball. This prevents the cue from sliding off the ball prematurely. Over time, the tip of a pool stick becomes worn and smooth from use.

Chalk provides the friction necessary to make a shot. It also significantly improves spin control. By applying chalk to the cue tip, players can more effectively impart English (sidespin), topspin, or backspin on the cue ball. This allows for more precise shot execution and strategic gameplay.

Some cue chalks leave a lot of residue, others are gritty or oily but the top players who attended the launch such as the 2012 National champion Alfred ‘Black Sheep’ Gumikiriza and Pool Cranes captain Aminah Faith Nganda, recommended the chalk saying it was completely clean on the ferrule, cue ball and hands.

“There’s no mess with this chalk as it stays on your tip and not the cueball,”  – Nganda said.

With this new initiative, Chandiga remains an influential figure in Uganda’s pool.

Source: monitor.co.ug

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Iwo Bulski

Issues related to the gambling business is engaged in more than 30 years. My empirical experience gives me the opportunity to present events and companies from this business with full knowledge and industry knowledge.

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Iwo Bulski

Issues related to the gambling business is engaged in more than 30 years. My empirical experience gives me the opportunity to present events and companies from this business with full knowledge and industry knowledge.