PTI Jam Shooters, Hyatt Pomec top CNMI Billiard League

The PTI Jam Shooters and Hyatt Pomec were recognized for their efforts in the CNMI Billiards League, receiving their trophies and cash prizes last Wednesday at Shooters.

By topping the A Division, the Jam Shooters took home individual trophies and pocketed $300. Members of the team will also have their names engraved on a large trophy, which will be displayed at a public establishment.

The team is comprised of team captain Jerry Soriano, Rommel Crisostomo, Senen Pangilinan, Rowell Mariano, Erwin Gomez, and Joey Lucido.

Second place went to the Destroyers, who received a $120.

For their part, Hyatt Pomec topped the B Division and received identical awards as the Jam Shooters, while Los Cabos placed second and won $120. All members of the winning teams received individual trophies as well.

Shortly after the presentation of awards, about 21 players competed in a double-elimination 8-ball tournament.

Nolan Cultura, Rolly Villanueva and Roger Espiritu worked their way past their opponents and reached the winners’ bracket semifinals, while Roman Rodriguez, Erwin Gomez and Marvin Cabo fought their way to the losers’ bracket semifinals.

In the losers’ bracket, Erwin Gomez was able to top Cabo, then prevailed against Rodriguez.

In the winners’ semifinal bout, Villanueva faced Cultura, with Cultura putting on the right touches to claim victory. Cultura’s run, however, came to a stop, as Espiritu was able to beat him to reach the finals.

Relegated to the losers’ bracket because of their losses, Gomez and Villanueva faced off in a do-or-die match, and it was Gomez who was successful as he was able to eliminate his opponent. Gomez, however, was not able to stop Cultura, who earned the second finals ticket.

Determined to avenge his loss to Espiritu, Cultura tried to put on a show in the finals, however, his effort came to no avail as Espiritu was able to handle his business and cruised to victory.

A raffle drawing was also held as part of the awards ceremony with prizes donated by Budweiser and Bud Light courtesy of MARPAC.

Organizers of the league are also encouraging interested teams to submit their rosters by tomorrow, May 24. The next season is scheduled to kick off on June 31.

For more information, contact Fred Prinz at 235-3733 after 5pm.