Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE Pool League outfit, Rozvie Empire’s top dog, Godknows Masona is this year’s Carling Black Label tournament national champion.
For his outstanding exploits, Masona, who is fondly known as Sir Gode in snooker circles, walked away US$2 500 richer. He also received a pool table as well as crates of Carling Black Label beers.
Masona said: “This is something that I really worked hard to achieve, and I am over the moon about it, as it shows the level of commitment I have given into this game. I also want to thank my teammates at Rozvie Empire as well as our sponsor, Edward Gopo, who has been very supportive. Just like my fellow players of the game of snooker in Mutare, we look forward to more corporate partnership, especially at local level so that players have something to show for hours spent on the table.”
After the qualifying rounds at zone levels countrywide, the Carling Black Label Tournament last weekend reached its climax at the national finals, where a field of 128 players, comprising 64 men and 64 ladies from provinces clashed.
The annual event, bankrolled by Delta Beverages through their Black Label brand, saw thrilling and entertaining encounters from the onset, including zone qualifiers.
The tournament offered an impressive array of prizes for outstanding participants.
The first place champions in each category were awarded a pool table and a handsome cash prize of $2 500, while the runner-up received US$1 500, and the third place winner got US$1 000.
A wooden spoon prize of US$700 was on stake to acknowledge the efforts of the fourth place finisher.
Additionally, all the winners received cases and crates of Black Label beer, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of their spectators.
Alice “Bigdawg” Chiota claimed the third position.
Chiota reached the finals in the previous year’s tournament, finishing as a runner-up.
Bulawayo-based, Flatta Moyo reached the finals, in which he narrowly missed out on the top spot.
Ultimately, Mercy Nyabi Musekiwa from Pahukama Pool in Nevsun Premier Pool League in Harare emerged as the 2024 CBL female champion.
The growing sport of pool saw the prestigious CBL final being live-streamed, thanks to Cuepixels Photography for the gesture that allowed fans elsewhere to witness the action in real time.
