Chronicle Editor
Brandon Ndlovu, Sports Reporter
Defending champion Stanley “Bhuru reMusha” Marko successfully defended his National Elite Pool Players of Zimbabwe (NEPAZ) championship at a tournament which was played at Queens Pool Academy in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Marko began his title defence with an easy 5-0 win over debutant B Hlasera. Marko continued the fine run in the last 32 with another 5-0 win against Escha to book his place in the quarter finals.
In the other last 32 results, Afrique lost 5-3 against Lucky Junior, Venom beat Dubula 5-4, Pakanati beat Hillary 5-2, Sakala won 5-4 against Tyris, Hardlife and Prince played a 4-4 stalemate. Benjani beat Taku 5-0 and Zabhe lost 5-2 against Lindani.
Golden beat Richard 5-1, Sullivan recorded a 5-2-win, Peter lost 5-0 against Fisani and Pitbull was beaten 5-0 by Malanso. Mayweather beat Leon 5-2, Michael lost 5-1 against Dilele, Bezely beat Gode 5-1 and Maluva beat Kille 5-1.
The defending champion beat Maluva 4-1 in the last 16 of the tournament.
Marko continued his fine run with a blitz over his competitor, Bezely in the last eight of the championship. He won 5-1 to book his place in the semifinals against Mayweather who also cruised to the quarter final match against Peter, beating him 5-1.
In his bid to make history, Marko was unstoppable in the semis and he also walked over Mayweather in a one-sided affair. Marko beat him 5-1 to book a place in the final.
In the other semifinal match, Venom beat Prince 5-3 to set a date against the defending champion in the final.
A highly contested and interesting final between Marko and Venom was played. Venom was however not a pushover as he fought all the way despite being 3-1 down at some point. The dynamic Marko however managed to sail through with a 5-4 win.
Speaking to Chronicle Sports, Bulawayo Provincial Pool Association (BPPA), marketing and publicity officer Ozzy Dziko said they are happy with the way the tournament went despite having a few challenges.
“The tournament went smoothly, we had a lot of tables which made things easier but players should learn to stick to the given time, the tournament finished at around 10pm and that is not good for the sport,” said Dziko.
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