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Delta Beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the annual Delta Beverages sponsored Carling Black Label Pool Tournament are targeting at least 2 000 players to participate in this year’s edition that roars into life tomorrow with provincial finals.

Last year’s edition had 1 300 players competing in the men’s and women’s categories won by Chitungwiza’s Tendai Mubaiwa and Shamiso Musiiwa of Mutare at the finals held in Bulawayo.

In an attempt to get a record 2 000 participants, organisers have increased areas for regional competitions from 10 to 24.

Winners from these qualifiers that start tomorrow and end on October 30, booking places in the national finals set for Masvingo on November 5.

Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces kick start the month long qualifiers.

Raylton will play host to Bulawayo qualifiers with Hwange and Victoria Falls being Matabeleland North centres, while Bindura and Marondera complete the opening weekend programme.

Delta Beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda said for one to qualify, they’d have to purchase five units of Carling Black Label from the 375ml, 750ml or 330ml packs and attach five crowns to an entry form.

She said bankrolling the tournament shows the commitment her company has devoted in improving the game of pool.

“Delta Beverages, through its Carling Black Label brand has contributed tremendously to the development of pool in Zimbabwe. We have players that have benefited immensely from this marriage with pool through the CBL brand.

“Delta’s vision to enhance sport and culture in the country is well partnered by the objectives of the national association and the players or supporters at large,” said Murambinda.

“The marriage between the two dates back more than 10 years ago and each year has seen the tournament getting more organised and growing from strength to strength.

‘‘It is a win-win game for the Carling Black Label drinkers as they enjoy big value for their money and entertainment. It is a smart source of income for quality players.

‘‘We have no doubt that local talent is being afforded the chance for dreams as masters of the game to come to fruition.”

Pool dates

Bindura, Bulawayo, Hwange, Marondera, Victoria Fall (October 1-2); Beitbridge, Chinhoyi, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Masving (October 8-9); Gwanda, Kadoma, Gweru, Murewa, Zvishavan (October 15-16); Chegutu, Mutoko, Mutare, Rusape (October 22-23); Chitungwiza, Harare, Karoi, Kwekwe (October 29-30) — @ZililoR.