Rodriguez rules pre-Christmas billiards tournament

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Roman Rodriguez, center, poses with Nolan Cultura, left, and Manny Mariano after winning last week’s pre-Christmas 8-Ball billiards tournament held at the Joker’s Bar & Grill in Garapan. (Contributed Photo)

Roman Rodriguez received a pre-Christmas gift last week when he ruled the Saipan Billiards Association-organized 8-Ball Christmas tournament held on Dec. 23 at Joker’s Bar & Grill in Garapan.

Rodriguez swept past his opponents to bring home $120, a ham courtesy of Joker’s, and the champions trophy provided by Pacific Amusement, Inc.

He completed his title run after beating Nolan Cultura in the finals following an undefeated campaign in the tournament that used a double-elimination round format.

Rodriguez’s other victims were Rey Hermogenes, Rodel Dela Cruz, Ray Matsunaga, and Manny Mariano to clinch the first finals berth.

Cultura, on the other hand, was relegated to the loser’s bracket after an opening round loss to Albert Pangilinan.

He then clawed his way back into contention as he dispatched the other players in the loser’s bracket beating Mariano, Joseph Achas, John Reyes, Sene Pangilinan, and Brian Nelvis.

Cultura then secured a finals date with Rodriguez after a semifinals win over Mariano.

His impressive run came to a halt when he lost to Rodriguez and settled for $80. He also received a ham and runner-up trophy, while Mariano finished third and bagged $40, a ham, and a trophy.

Warlee Ellama, Erwin Gomez, Randy Sablan, and Jack Thornsaket were the other players that joined the tournament but were sent packing early in the contest.

The tournament was held since no games were played in the Thursday League on Christmas Eve and again on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

Results of the Open 8-Ball Tuesday League where not yet available at press time, while action in the Open 8-Ball Thursday League will resume on Jan. 7.

The Joker’s WildBoyz will take on National Alamo, the Joker’s Homeboyz will be hosting Jonny’s Team SCS, and the Wild Bill’s Rack ‘N’ Roll faces off with sister team Wild Wild West next year.

Jon Perez | Reporter
Jon Perez began his writing career as a sports reporter in the Philippines where he has covered local and international events. He became a news writer when he joined media network ABS-CBN. He joined the weekly DAWN, University of the East’s student newspaper, while in college.

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