Black Ball pool tournament winner crowned
Players - Royden Naidoo, Phillip Plaatje, Abdul Halliday and Thabo Maduo the owner of Ida’s place where the tournament was hosted. Picture supplied
Pool player Phillip Plaatje was crowned as the winner at the city’s first Black Ball Pool tournament that was held in Kimberley on December 22.
Event organiser Boyce Makodi said it was a nail biting finish between Plaatje and Rivaldo Leaven.
“The fan favourites proved their skill and showed why they they were the top players in the tournament. However, there could only be one best player.
“Leaven and Plaatje held on to make it to the finals - a pulsating match which saw Leaven lead by three games. However Plaatje showed his experience and patience to come back and win the final 7 games to 5.”
He added that while Leaven was touted to win the tournament, Plaatje proved that it was not over until the last ball was struck.
“The tournament was a huge success. People came in huge numbers to watch the tournament.”
He indicated that despite a slight delay when the power tripped due to heavy storm conditions, they managed to complete the tournament.
“The tournament sparked a lot of hype around the sport and created a healthy rivalry amongst players. There's also a lot of talk of having all teams and pool structures in Kimberley to adopt the black ball rules.”
Makodi stated that the Galeshewe Liquor Outlet Pool Association and Black Ball Association were committed to promoting and growing the sport in the new year.
