The 2026 Carling Black Label National Pool Championships concluded in spectacular fashion at Urban Lifestyles Arena in Masvingo on Saturday, with history made as Alice Chiota successfully defended her national women's title, while Bulawayo's Stephen Paswani emerged as the new men's champion.

Chiota, a 41-year-old cueist from Chitungwiza, became the first woman in recent years to retain the Carling Black Label National Women's Pool Championship, cementing her place among Zimbabwe's finest pool players. She defeated Diana Kabasa in a thrilling final to walk away with US$2,500 and a brand-new pool table.

Her remarkable journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport. Once a local hairdresser, Chiota has used her success in pool to improve her family's livelihood, build her own home and provide for her children's education.

Reflecting on her achievement, Chiota credited the opportunities created by the tournament for changing her life and encouraged more women to embrace the sport despite lingering misconceptions surrounding female participation in pool.

In the men's category, Stephen Paswani of Bulawayo delivered a commanding performance, defeating defending champion Godfrey "Sir Gode" Masona of Mutare 5-0 in the final. Paswani's road to the title included overcoming reigning champion Timothy Onida in a hard-fought semi-final before producing a flawless display in the championship match.

The victory earned Paswani US$2,500 and a new pool table, rewarding months of preparation and determination. 

Im feeling very very happy for winning today, I was prepared and ready for this big tournament of the Carling black Label pool tournament, he said.

The championships once again highlighted Carling Black Label's commitment to developing pool in Zimbabwe by providing a professional national platform that rewards excellence, nurtures talent and elevates the sport across the country. Beyond the competition, the tournament continues to create meaningful economic opportunities for players, with prize money helping transform lives and careers.

The women's competition once again showcased the growing standard of Zimbabwean pool, with players from across the country battling for national honours in an increasingly competitive field. Women outnumbered men in this years competitions. 

As the curtains came down on another successful edition, the Carling Black Label National Pool Championships reaffirmed their status as Zimbabwe's premier cue sport competition, celebrating talent, resilience and the growing popularity of pool among both men and women nationwide.