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Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
STEPHEN “Mafana” Paswani put up a performance that will see him counted as one of the best pool players in Zimbabwe as he successfully defended the Mayez Open Pool Tournament played at Dawn Sports Bar in Bulawayo on Sunday.

Paswani, who is now managed by Forever Potting, won the last tournament which was played in June and managed to do it again this month to add to his impressive collection of pool accolades.

The tournament saw the finest pool players from around the country battle it out for the top honours of the prestigious championship. 34 players turned up for the event.

The champion, Paswani, started his title charge with a 7-2 win over Paka in the second round.

Paswani was among 28 others who did not play the first round of the tournament which had four players battle it out for two vacant spots in the second round.

The first round was played by Perla, who beat Clive 7-4 to make it to the next round and Fisani who lost against Polite 7-4.

In the last 16 of the tournament, Paswani cruised over Perla crushing him 7-0 to book his spot in the quarter-finals of the event.

The other results saw Sauro beat Ghost 7-2, Maluvha beat Saema 7-2 as well, Mjuda overcame Privy 7-3, Madobha got the better of Benjani, beating him 7-2 as well.

A close contest between Mayweather and Bhudi ended 7-6 in favour of the former. Rooney knocked out the Zambian, beating him 7-3 and in the last match of the round of 16. Mambo beat Peter 7-6.

Paswani continued his fine run with a hard fought 7-5 victory against Sauro in the quarter-finals to book his place in the last four.

Stephen Paswani and his manager Frank Masuku

Mayweather beat Madobha 7-3, Mjuda lost against Maluvha 7-5 and Mambo beat Rooney 7-5 as well in the other quarter-final games.

In the semi-finals, Paswani faced a tough Maluvha and had a difficult time overcoming his opponent, but managed to come out as a 7-6 victor to make the final against Mambo who beat Mayweather 7-6.
An interesting final between Paswani and Mambo was on the cards.

Despite being 6-4 down at one point, Paswani managed to show his prowess and win three straight frames to secure a 7-6 and take home the title of the best player on the night.
Paswani took home the US$700 prize money for winning the tournament.

Speaking to Chronicle Sports, Paswani’s manager Frank “Moscow” Masuku, who is also one of the tournament’s organisers, said they are happy with the win and wish that their player continues with his fine run and wins more accolades.

“As Forever Potting, we have managed to conquer and defend the title and we look forward to more wins before year end,” said Masuku.

Since October last year, Paswani has managed to win the National Elite Pool Players of Zimbabwe (Nepaz), five Bulawayo weekly tournaments, one Chitungwiza weekly tournament, one Doubles Nkomo tournament and also managed to finish as fourth runner up in the Black Label Finals.