Tura Boys pool champs of champs

Namibia Cue Sports Federation’s (NCSF) - formerly Namibia Pool and Billiard Federation (NPBF) - Tura Boys team was last weekend crowned champion of the pool and billiard community's final event for the year - the Namibia Champ of Champs competition - held at Club Sunset in Walvis Bay.

The event attracted a record-breaking 120 players – the highest yet recorded at a single pool and billiard venue at the coast.

The tournament featured 15 teams, comprising both male and female players, competing in a round-robin format to determine the top contenders.

After a series of intense matches, three Windhoek-based teams - Tura Boys, Namshooters and Team Apex - advanced to the finals. A highly competitive showdown saw Tura Boys emerging victorious, scoring an impressive 53 points to secure the championship title and N$6 000 cash prize.

Reflecting on the victory, Tura Boys captain Tangeni Andreas expressed delight. "We are very excited to have won the championships. I feel very special [to be the captain of such dedicated players]."

Andreas added that the victory was particularly rewarding because of the rivalry from other teams. Looking ahead, the club aims to build on its success in next year's league and continue its winning streak.

The championship runners-up were Namshooters, which secured 46 points to clinch the second-place trophy and N$5 000, ahead of Celtic (N$4 000) and Team Apex (N$3 000), both with 41 points - with the winner decided in a tiebreak match - in the third and fourth places, respectively.



Individual challenge format

The NCSF's Champ of Champs also featured the prestigious President's Cup, which introduced an individual challenge format. The top three players from each team, based on their performance in the team stage, advanced to compete as individuals.

Onesmus Mwadinovanhu claimed the President's Cup title, showcasing outstanding skill and focus.

Tangeni Andreas was named the overall Player of the Tournament for his consistent and exceptional performances throughout the competition.

Kelly Williams stood out as the Women's Player of the Tournament, demonstrating remarkable determination and skill, having won 10 out of the 15 frames she played.

Reflecting on this achievement, Williams said: "I am honoured to earn the title of Top Lady of the tournament, even though I struggled under pressure in some games. Thankfully, I managed to control my nerves and focus on just playing the game.

"What made this experience even more special was competing not only against other women but also against men from all over Namibia. I was proud to prove myself and even outperform some of them."

The experience has left Williams wanting to see more women involved in the sport, as she believes more ladies at the table would make the competition even more exciting and dynamic.

The youngest participant of the tournament, 16-year-old Linken Andrew impressed spectators with his talent, having started playing pool at just 12 years old.

Giving highlights of the competition, one of the organisers, Charmaine Kotze, underscored the ladies' team Queen Cues' commendable 12th-place finish.

"The competition marks a big step forward for the ladies, especially Kelly, who performed outstandingly throughout the competition. It's very inspiring to witness her put up a good fight and dominate in the men's world. This just goes to show that hardworking women can climb the ladder as well," she said.

The event was sponsored Castle Light and Club Sunset.