The duo Rishi Roopnarain and Vic Naidoo achieved a convincing victory in the first regional stage of the World Series of Thunee tournament, held in Midrand, Gauteng. They secured a decisive 3-1 win against former teammates Jonathan Nayar and Saeshan Pillay, with scores of 12-3, 12-5, and 12-5.
Achievements and Awards
This victory not only secured them the regional title and a share of the prize fund amounting to 50,000 rounds for Gauteng but also guaranteed their participation in the long-awaited national playoffs.
Winning Team's Strategy
Roopnarain noted that the team's success was achieved through patience and tactical execution, rather than risky plays. He emphasized that they developed a strategy aimed at quickly gaining an advantage and preventing opponents from building momentum. Furthermore, the team plays unconventionally, capable of winning even with a poor hand, and possesses high card counting proficiency.
Development of Thunee Game
The tournament's expansion into the interior of the country marks significant progress for this cult card game, which is rapidly expanding its presence across South Africa. Initially a pastime among working-class Indian communities in South Africa, Thunee is transforming from informal home games into a highly structured national competition.
Organizational Steps
Following successful opening rounds in Chatsworth and Durban, the Gauteng stage gathered 32 pairs. During this event, the Gauteng Thunee Association was officially established. Tournament director Jaya Naidoo explained that this administrative achievement will serve as a model for growth in other provinces and lay the foundation for a unified South African Thunee Association.
Tournament's Future Plans
Naidoo added that the tournament demonstrated a high level of competitiveness, strategic skill, and sportsmanship, while also highlighting the cultural heritage of Thunee. The next stop is KwaZulu-Natal, where the grand finals will take place on September 5, 2026. At this national event, the best qualified participants will compete for an impressive prize fund of 250,000 rounds, and the first official national champion will receive 150,000 rounds.
