NATIONAL pool player Blessing Muzarurwi took home US$2 000 in prize money after winning the first-ever Nevsun Select Pool Tournament last weekend at Mangoma in Westlea, Harare.
Muzarurwi, affectionately known as Bibido in the pool circles, defeated Leeroy Office 11-6 in the final.
The tournament, a brainchild of Nevsun Aggregates, a pioneering company in the construction sector, drew inspiration from Africa’s top pool championships, The Nile of Uganda, Mchana of Kenya and Billiards Cafe of Zambia.
At least 128 players from across the country exhibited their skills in the two-day pool extravaganza with a multitude of top-tier players that included Eshca Chimbwanda, Malvern Mukonza, Timothy “Sakala” Onida and Pakanati Jimu, among others.
Laston Manene, secretary-general of the Nevsun Premier Pool League (NPPL), was ecstatic about Bibido’s victory in the debut competition.
“Blessing is an NPPL exceptional player. Last season, he was justifiably named our player of the season and most disciplined player,” Manene said.
“His success is testament to the fruits of his labour, based on years of consistent honesty, discipline, and hard work.
“He has earned his place at the top, and I am pleased that the NPPL was well-represented in the event, with six players appearing in the last eight.”
- Muzarurwi wins inaugural Nevsun Select pool tourney
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The tournament’s flawless organisation, which included a well-structured prize plan, accurate timekeeping, crowd control, and a large venue, set a new benchmark for pool events in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, on Friday, cleric Emmanuel Makandiwa, the founder and leader of United Family International Church, celebrated his birthday by hosting a world-class pool competition, setting a new standard in Zimbabwe.
The competition, known as The Patriarch’s, took place at the famous Life Haven in Mt Hampden and featured the top 16 men in the nation vying for the coveted title.
Eventually, Ronald “O’Sullivan” Kazembe ruled the roost, defeating Bulawayo-based Stephen “Mafana” Paswani 9-8 in the final to walk away US$2 500 richer.
Mafana received US$1 000 as consolation, while Pakanati Jimu, who defeated Onida in the third and fourth play-offs, received US$600 for coming third.
For his sweat, Onida got US$400.
