Rollo, the new local pool master opens up

Fungai Muderere

HAIL new king of pool in Bulawayo!

It took Quinton Rollo, a very familiar name in the Bulawayo Metropolitan pool circles, a taxing two days to prove that he is the new master of billiards in the city after he emerged the winner in the recently held Mayez-Queens Pool Tournament that featured over 400 contestants.

Nicknamed The Beast, Rollo, admits he was involved in nail biting knockout encounters that saw him get the better of Saidi Mlalazi in the final match that was played at a packed Queens Sports Club last Sunday night.

For his indefatigable efforts Rollo, who at club level does duty for Bulawayo Province Pool Association (BPPA) seasoned campaigners Entumbane, went home US$500 richer while second placed Saidi Mlalazi pocketed US$250.

For coming out as the third and fourth best players respectively Takunda Mukombwe and Stanley Marko received US$150 and US$100 respectively.

“For a guy of my age (early 40s), it was a really taxing two days. It was a demanding knockout situation and I must say on my way to the final, I played very good players that included Paul Mutizo (Machesu), Proper Nsingo and Norman Moyo. It’s very rare for a person of my age to win such tournaments,” said an ecstatic Rollo who has been in the local pool circles for 10 years.

He dedicated his triumph to his family that has endured the agony of  not spending a lot of time with him while he will be busy fine tuning his pool skills.

“I dedicate the win to my family. My wife and my children have always seen me spend a lot of time training, hitting the pool balls to sharpen my pool skills. I thank them for that,” said Rollo.

Asked on what it takes for one to become a very good pool player, the new local billiards ruler went:

“It needs lots of training, that one has to spend a lot of time on the pool table. There is also a need for respect for the game and for your opponents plus discipline.”

His sentiments were echoed by ex BPPA publicity secretary Donald Wadawu, a celebrated pool leading figure who is now the Zimbabwe Pool Association (ZIPA) public relations officer.

“To be a fine pool player needs lots of training, participating in tournaments so that one gets to compete with many people. It also requires discipline, respect and appreciation of pool rules and regulations,” Wadawu.