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Morris, Mettao are last week’s best
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Posted on Jul 07 2004
Jon Morris and Bert Mettao took separate paths in winning pool tournaments last week at Round Two Bar and Grill in Garapan.
Morris literally rose from the grave to lift the Miller Lite Invitational 8-Ball Tournament Thursday, while Mettao lost only one game in claiming the Sunday Winner-Take-All 8-Ball Fun Tournament last June 27.
Morris couldn’t have started Thursday evening’s competition any worse after faltering against Ben Sablan in his first game.
Relegated to losers bracket play, Morris performed impressively with a noose around his neck, knowing too well that one more loss meant outright elimination.
He first beat sure shot Jerry Soriano in his comeback trail before moving on after topping Joey Arriola. He seemed more comfortable with his back against the wall and kicked out Mark Vidal and Nate Palican to reach the semis.
Ranged against defending champion Boyet Sequioco, Morris deposed the crafty veteran and advanced to the finals opposite the CNMI’s Dean of Billiards David Peter.
Building confidence with each passing victory, Morris added to his miracle run by upsetting Peter in the first game. He then completed his Phoenix-like rise from the ashes by turning back Peter in the second to bag the championship.
Morris earned $85 for his win but probably got more in terms of respect from his peers. Peter had to settle for the $45 runner-up purse, while Sequioco took home $35.
Other players that participated in the Thursday pool event were Kim Wook, Tony Arriola, and Z. Lozano.
Mettao had none of the drama surrounding Morris’ victory when he took his place in the winner’s circle Sunday.
He triumphed over Peter in the second round after getting the customary bye in the first. Mettao then put Joey Arriola and Soriano in their proper places to gain twice-to-beat advantage in the finals.
The advantage proved handy in the championship after Soriano surprised Mettao in Game 1. But Mettao learned from his mistakes and wrapped up the championship by winning Game 2.
The championship was worth $60 for Mettao. Ken Coutere, Joey Arriola, Sequioco, Dave Schelling, Donald Kapileo, Mike Cohen, Dave and Joey Hokin, and Allen Thomas also took part on Sunday’s billiards competition.
