Uganda won a thrilling men's doubles encounter in the third round of the Thomas & Uber Cup badminton World Cup qualifiers for Africa against Algeria at Sharing Hall, Nsambya yesterday.

Team captain Wilson Tukiire paired with Brain Ssunna to squeeze past Algerians Salim Nourine and Mohamed Mahlous 21-19 in the first set before bashing the North Africans 21-9 in the second.

Elated fans

"At this stage there are no easy draws (countries), so we are ready for anyone," said Tukiire as elated home fans cheered on relentlessly.

Uganda had taken a 2-0 lead after Tukiire defeated Algeria's Adel Hamek 21-15, 21-10, while Ssunna edged Mohamed Belarbi 21-18, 15-21, 21-15. However, the Algeria managed to draw level by winning the next two games.

Draws for the quarterfinals will be held this morning.

Thomas Cup (men)

Egypt bt Kenya 5-0

Algeria bt Uganda 2-3

Burundi bt Ghana 0-5

Uber Cup (women)

Kenya bt Ghana 3-2