Malawian pool gem Stanford Grieving, known as Ginte, emerged champion of Zambia Open Pool tournament after beating Ugandan Ibrahim Ssejemba 7-6 at Billiards Café, Lusaka, Zambia on Sunday.
In a final streamed live on Zambia Pool Facebook page, it was a highly contested and entertaining affair.
The Malawian started the final the strongest as he took a 2-0 lead with great play in the opening two games.
However, Ssejemba upped his tempo in the third match and reduced the arrears before Ginte won the fourth and the fifth rounds.
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Just as Ginte thought he was running away with the title, the Ugandan staged a late comeback to level the tie at 6-6 at some point.
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However, Ginte showed his class and calmness in the last game to claim the title.
For winning the tournament, Ginte received 50,000 Zambian Kwacha (about K4 million).
He said he was excited with the win.
“I came here to win the tournament. It was not easy but I showed my quality,” he said.
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The Ugandan, who was the tournament’s favourite, accepted defeat.
“Let me appreciate and congratulate the winner of the tournament for the good display of skill and competition despite being less popular, you proved to be a real champion,” Ssejemba said.
Another Ugandan player Caesar Chandiga finished third whereas Zimbabwean Tendai Mubaiwa finished on position four.
Zambian Victor Sinyiza finished on position five whereas Chileshe Mubanga came sixth.
Moses Chishimba and Zahid Munshi, both from Zambia came seventh and eight respectively.
Malawi Pool Association (Mapa) vice president Hastings Mpesi said 10 local players travelled to Zambia using their own resources.
“It was a self-sponsored trip to Zambia but we are happy that Ginte has done us proud,” Mpesi said.
The tournament attracted players from Zambia, Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
