Fungai Muderere
CHIN up princess or the crown slips!
Weeks after watching Quinton Rollo, a very familiar name in the Bulawayo Metropolitan pool circles, being crowned the new king of billiards in the City of Kings and Queens when he won the top accolade at the Mayez Queens Pool Independence contest, equally renowned Christine Sengwe had to keep her chin up lest her Queen crown slipped from her head.
This was after she got the better part of 44 other female pool players at the fourth edition Zimbabwe Women Pool Association (ZWPA) tournament that was played at Palace Hotel last Saturday.
In the first edition of the competition, Marondera’s Maria Mubata was crowned the winner.
The second instalment saw seasoned Sengwe, who is now based in Harare, conquer all and sundry to emerge as the champion.
Bulawayo’s Petronella “Queen Petty” Sibanda won the top prize in the third edition of the monthly event before Sengwe, who is fondly known as Killer C, summoned all her cue stick skills to reclaim her crown.
“It really feels good to be a winner for the second time. I’m happy that I have maintained my good form which has come through lots of practice,” said Sengwe.
Mid last year, Sengwe finished fifth at the Arnold Classic Africa Games that were held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The 33-year-old Sengwe, one of the country’s best female pool players played five matches at the three-day event held at Ruimsig Stadium in Roodepoort.
She was knocked out in the quarterfinals by South African Bianca Naude who went on to finish third.
Before being knocked out, Sengwe had won three matches out of the four in the group stage.
All her opponents in the group stage were men.
ZWPA chairperson Priscilla “Vari” Chisoro reckoned they had a successful tournament.
“We had a successful fourth edition of our monthly tournament The tournament attracted a total of 35 participants. A big thank you to our host and sponsor Palace Hotel. The gesture is much appreciated.
We would also like to say thank you to all participants, supporters and all other stakeholders as they contributed to the overall success of the tournament.
“Congratulations to all that managed to scoop prizes, with special mention going to Kwanele Sibanda (Queen Blake) of Bulawayo who managed to scoop the fourth prize on her debut tournament.
Congratulations to current log leader Christine Sengwe who has bagged the top prize for the second time this year,” said Chisoro.
