Senior Sports Reporter
THE country’s top pool players will converge at Bulawayo’s Raylton Sports Club on Saturday to compete in the finals of the Delta Beverages sponsored Carling Black Label Pool tournament.
A record 1,300 players took part in the qualifiers that were held around the country’s 10 provinces and 80, who include 64 men and 16 women, booked their places in the finals.
The men’s defending champion Obert Nyarumwe of Chitungwiza didn’t compete in the provincial finals, but is part of the 64 that will compete in his category. Someya Mulauzi of Zvishavane is the reigning women’s champion.
Pool Association of Zimbabwe president Trust Chifadza said all is set for the final.
“We’re ready for the finals and the players are raring to go. It is going to be a fun filled pool weekend. We are grateful to Delta Beverages for their continued partnership that has seen the sport grow and become popular over the years. The Carling Black Label Pool tournament is the country’s biggest and as association we’re happy to have corporate support from a big company like Delta Beverages,” said Chifadza.
The tournament will start on Saturday morning with the knockout stage from 9AM-1PM. According to the programme, the quarter-finals will be played between 3PM and 4:30PM followed by the semi-finals.
The final has been slated for 5PM.
Chifadza said the winner of the men’s competition will walk away with a cash prize of $1,000, a trophy and three cases of Carling Black Label, with the runner-up getting $600 and two cases of Carling Black Label.
The third-playoff winner will get $300, a t-shirt, cap and a case of Carling Black Label.
The player that emerges fourth will pocket $200, a t-shirt, cap and a case of Carling Black Label.
Losing quarter-finalists will each get $100, a t-shirt, cap and a case of Carling Black Label.
Chifadza said there will also be 16 pool tables to be won at the finals.
For one to stand a chance of winning a pool table, they have to purchase five units of Carling Black Label from either the 375ml, 750ml, 330ml or 440ml bottles and cans, attach five crowns or five red ring pulls for an entry form.
Delta Beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda described the competition as a “win-win” for everyone.
“It is a win-win game for the Carling Black Label drinkers as they enjoy big value for their money and entertainment,” said Murambinda.
She said bankrolling the tournament, which is in its 10th edition, shows commitment that her company has in improving the sport.
“Delta Beverages, through its Carling Black Label brand has contributed tremendously to the development of pool in Zimbabwe. The marriage between the two partners dates back 10 years and each year has seen the tournament getting better organised and growing from strength to strength. We have no doubt that local talent is being afforded the chance for dreams as masters of the game to come to fruition,” she said.