Govender and Narainsamy scoop R150,000 in thrilling World Series of Thunee

Theo Govender and Eric Narainsamy emerged victorious in the thrilling final of the R150,000 Goldrush World Series of Thunee held in Chatsworth. Their triumph was a testament to their exceptional skill, strategic prowess, unwavering concentration, and exemplary sportsmanship as they battled against the country's finest card players.

The marquee final saw Gary Dayalan Naidoo and Ashley Hanuman, along with Nishlan Rungasamy and Vinothan, earn R50,000 and R30,000 respectively, while Justin Chetty and Jeeran Dunpall secured R20,000 for their impressive performance. For Narainsamy, this victory marked an unforgettable milestone, describing it as a special moment that will be cherished forever.

Govender, Narainsamy's playing partner, reflected on the decades-long dedication required to hone their card-playing skills and emphasized that the win was their greatest achievement. The tournament brought together top qualifiers from various provinces, including Durban, Johannesburg, Chatsworth, and Gauteng. Twenty-one teams—comprising 42 players—journeyed hundreds of kilometers to compete on South Africa's biggest Thunee stage.

Tournament Director Jaya Naidoo praised the high standard of competition and the dedication of all participants, highlighting the Gauteng players' commitment to representing their province with pride. Robbie Naidoo, representing the host venue, acknowledged the significant financial and cultural impact of the event, noting that the total prize money approached half a million rand.

The World Series served as a celebration of the rich heritage of Thunee, a trick-taking game deeply rooted in South African culture.