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Ricky Zililo, [email protected]

AT least 2 000 players are expected to compete in the 2023 edition of the Carling Black Label National Pool Championships qualifiers which starts on Saturday, June 3 and end on July 3.

The first qualifiers set for Saturday will be played in Zvishavane, Mutoko, Chinhoyi, Rusape and Chitungwiza.

Sponsored by Delta Beverages, the national finals will be played on July 9 after completion of provincial qualifiers at a venue to be announced in due course.

Delta Beverages

After the first round, action will move to Harare, Gwanda, Kariba, Kwekwe and Mutare on June 10, with the following weekend’s qualifiers played at Marondera, Chegutu, Mvurwi, Gweru, Murambinda and Chiredzi.

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.

Zimbabwe Pool Association’s (ZIPA) public relations officer Donald Wadawu said the stage is set for the country’s premier billiards competition.

“Everything is set for the 2023 CBL qualifiers which will run from 3 June 2023 to 1 July 2023 with the venue and date of the final to be announced in due course. We’re grateful to our sponsors Delta Beverages for their contribution to the sport of pool.

“Only provinces that are compliant with ZIPA requirements relating to affiliation fees and player databases or have made acceptable arrangements will be allowed to take charge of CBL tournaments within their area of jurisdiction,” said Wadawu.

The competition is open to participants above 18 years.

Zimbabwe Pool Association (Zipa)

Registration is being done online by dialing *788# and following the instructions.

To qualify for the tournament, each participant shall be required to purchase 4 pints/cans or 4 quarts of a Carling Black Label beer, with ZIPA providing tokens.

Wadawu said 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 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 saying: “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.”

— @ZililoR