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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE country’s top pool players will battle it out at the Carling Black Label National Pool Finals at Mutare Motoring Club today.

A total of 96 players comprising 64 men and 32 women will be hoping to pocket the top prize in their categories at the pool fiesta.

Harare-based mechanic Blessing Chatoma was crowned the Carling Black Label National Pool champion last year after defeating 2015 winner Tendai Mubaiwa by two frames to nil in the men’s final held at The Barn in Gweru.

In the women’s section, Charity Ncube of Kadoma took the honours by defeating Patience Pasipamire 2-0 in the deciding match.

Chatoma and Ncube each walked away with cash prizes of $1 000, cue sticks and a case of Carling Black Label.

Mubaiwa and Pasipamire walked away with $600 apiece accompanied by cue sticks and a case of Carling Black Label.

Delta Corporation marketing manager Patricia Murambinda believes the competition gives local pool players a chance to showcase their skill.

“We have players who have benefited immensely from this sponsorship of pool through the CBL brand. This partnership dates back to more than 10 years and each year has seen the tournament getting better organised and growing from strength to strength. Delta’s vision to enhance sport and culture in the country is well partnered by the objectives of the National Pool Association, the players and supporters at large.

“It is a win-win game for the CBL consumers as they enjoy big value for their money and entertainment. We have no doubt that local talent is being afforded the chance to be masters of the game,” Murambinda said.

Organisers of the premier pool tournament increased regional competition areas from 20 to 24 this year in an effort to take the game of pool closer to the people. There were 2 150 players that participated in qualifiers held across the country, 150 more than last year.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo’s top woman pool players Christine Sengwe and Priscilla Chisoro, who are no strangers to the annual national finals, will represent the province alongside Stephen Paswani, Mpumelelo Moyo and Kelvin Manyaye at today’s finals. — @ZililoR.