CARLING Black Label champion Godknows “Sir Gode” Masona, who defied odds to win the Men’s Carling Black Label National Pool Championship finals, is harbouring ambitions of playing for the national team after Saturday’s success.
Masona despatched Lindani Gumpo 4-2 in the final before a capacity crowd at the Zimbali Events & Lifestyle auditorium to pocket a cool US$2 500 plus a pool table.
After putting his hands on the coveted gong, the talented pool player vowed to continue pursuing the sport to dizzy heights.
“I am thrilled with the win, especially given that this is my first time reaching the finals of the Black Label tournament . . . I never imagined that I would reach this level in the sport,” said an ecstatic Masona.
“Now my target is to go far with the sport and possibly represent the national team in future, much like some of my colleagues have been doing. I would like to pay tribute to all my fans who were fully behind me throughout the tournament. I am grateful to all those who have been encouraging me to keep on pushing myself.”
Mercy Musekiwa emerged the queen of the sticks after flattening Flatta Moyo 5-2 in the Ladies final.
A veteran of four CBL tournaments, Musekiwa was elated with her victory.
She pocketed US$2 500 and a pool table, while the losing finalist, Moyo, took heart as she returned home US$1 500 richer.
“I am over the moon because I have travelled a long journey to get to this stage. I have been trying for so long, sometimes coming out third and sometimes getting eliminated in the provincial competitions,” Musekiwa said.
“So I am glad that in my fourth year playing this competition, I have finally won the big prize. I have worked hard to get here and if they also knuckle down and keep at it, they will get there.”
Musekiwa added: “I would like to express my gratitude to our sponsors Carling Black Label for the support they keep giving us. A lot of us have been uplifted because of their sponsorship and I would like to encourage them to keep supporting us, especially us the women.”
Delta Beverages marketing manager lager beer Kundayi Mawema was thrilled with the exhilarating end to the championships, with 128 players turning out for the finals, 64 men and 64 women.
“There was an increase in participation across centres as the champions came through to battle it out for a chance to be crowned the national champion. The Carling Black Label National Pool Championship lived up to its billing as an electrifying event that was filled with incredible displays of sportsmanship,” Mawema said.
“Our consumers witnessed the best players in the country go head-to-head in exciting clashes that kept everyone on the edge of their seats as we celebrated the culmination of hard work, dedication and passion for the game.”
