Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere
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THE first qualifiers set of the 2023 Carling Black Label (CBL) National Pool Championship qualifiers played on Saturday in Zvishavane, Mutoko, Chinhoyi, Rusape and Chitungwiza got off well without any incidents warranting disciplinary proceedings.
Zimbabwe Pool Association (ZIPA) public relations officer Donald Wadawu confirmed that the qualifiers for the premier pool tournament were incident free.
The weekly provincial qualifiers that have over the years attracted hordes of billiards players are set to end on July 3.
Only provinces that are compliant with ZIPA requirements relating to affiliation fees and player databases or have made acceptable arrangements have been allowed to take charge of CBL tournaments within their area of jurisdiction
“The first set of the qualifiers were successfully held. All the games went on smoothly. After having such a bright opening of this exciting contest, we are looking forward to week two where we hope to continue on that bright footing. We are pleased to say action now shifts to Harare, Gwanda, Kariba, Kwekwe and Mutare,” said Wadawu
More than 2 000 players are expected to compete in this year’s edition of the Carling Black Label National Pool Championships qualifiers.
Sponsored by Delta Beverages, the national finals will be played in Masvingo on July 9 after completion of provincial qualifiers at a venue to be announced in due course.
Week two games will see players from Marondera, Chegutu, Mvurwi, Gweru, Murambinda and Chiredzi carry their cue sticks in search national finals berth tickets
Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Beitbridge and Chivhu will be joined by Harare in hosting qualifiers for the weekend of June 24. The last qualifiers set for July 1 will be held at Kadoma, Hwange, Chipinge, Bindura and Masvingo.
The competition is open to participants above 18 years.
Registration is being done online by dialing *788# and following the instructions.
To qualify for the tournament, each participant is required to purchase four pints/cans or 4 quarts of a Carling Black Label beer, with ZIPA providing tokens.
Wadawu is on record saying participants will only be allowed to register at a single venue and will not be allowed to compete elsewhere in the event that they are knocked out of the tournament.
In the past, some players reportedly cheated the system by participating at multiple qualification venues in their bids to secure a national final ticket.
Tournament organisers are particular about presentation of players, with Wadawu, a renowned Bulawayo based pool administrator underscoring that: “No shorts, gumboot, slippers shall be allowed to be worn by players playing on the table. Wearing the above will lead to automatic loss of the game. All players shall wear a Delta shirt or t-shirt given during the registration process.”
— @FungaiMuderere
Online Reporter