The country’s finest cue-ball (snooker) players are currently battling for honors at the Carling Black Label National Pool Championships underway at the ZITF Hall 2 in Bulawayo.
A total of 74 men and 74 women, drawn from the country’s 10 provinces after a round of 31 regional qualifiers, are competing for honors on the national stage, with an eye on the ultimate prize.
This year, the build-up to the national stage saw a significant increase in participation, with a total of 31 regional showdowns since May 2025, up from 26 during the same period last year testament to the sport’s continued growth in the country.
Godknows Musona and Mercy Musekiwa are the reigning champions, having conquered in the capital in 2024, but have all to do this year if they are to retain their respective titles.
The two national champions to be crowned tonight in the men’s and women’s divisions will be awarded US$2 500 and a pool table each, while the first runner-ups will pocket US$1 500, and the third and fourth place winners will receive US$1 000 and US$500, respectively.
The event will be succeeded by an entertainment spectacle, as top disk jockeys from Bulawayo, including DJ Tino, DJ Mateu, and DJ Papito, are set to grace the stage, while The Travellers Band and DJ Nospa will officially bring the curtains down with a live performance.
