Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
BULAWAYO’s celebrated pool star Stephen Paswani underlined his status as one of Zimbabwe’s finest pool players after producing a flawless display to win the men’s title at the Carling Black Label National Pool Tournament in Masvingo on Saturday.
Paswani, a familiar figure on Bulawayo’s vibrant pool scene, barely gave his opponent a chance as he whitewashed Mutare’s Godfrey Masona 5-0 in a one-sided final.
His commanding performance, characterised by precise potting, tactical awareness and clinical finishing, earned him one of the biggest titles on Zimbabwe’s pool calendar.
Speaking after lifting the coveted trophy, an elated Paswani described the triumph as a special moment in his career.
“It is a great honour to conquer at the national finals. Every player dreams of becoming a national champion, so this is a proud moment for me. I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my journey, especially the pool family in Bulawayo. This victory belongs to all of us,” said Paswani.
The victory further enhances Paswani’s reputation as one of Bulawayo’s most accomplished cueists and adds another major accolade to a career that has seen him consistently compete at the highest level.
While Paswani stole the show in the men’s competition, Alice Chiota successfully defended her Carling Black Label National Pool Tournament women’s title.
The 41-year-old once again demonstrated why she is regarded as Zimbabwe’s leading female cueist, retaining the championship with another composed and polished display.
Chiota’s remarkable rise to becoming the country’s dominant women’s pool player continues to inspire many aspiring female cueists.
The Carling Black Label National Pool Tournament attracted some of Zimbabwe’s best players, producing high-quality competition and reaffirming the growing popularity of cue sports across the country.
For Bulawayo, however, the loudest celebrations belonged to Paswani, whose emphatic victory ensured the City of Kings and Queens once again had a national champion to celebrate. — @FungaiMuderere
