Soriano tops Marianas Turkey Shoot at USSP

Cue artist Jerry Soriano had a successful defense of his title after winning the 2nd Annual Marianas Turkey Shoot Pool Tournament at the USS Peleliu Club in Garapan last Nov. 18.

Soriano, who is no stranger to the list of elite billiards players in the CNMI, had his reputation work its magic even before the start of the tournament as eight players pulled out after recieving word that the veteran was going to compete.

A total of 16 players registered at first, but that number was dropped due to Soriano’s presence in the field.

The first round featured John Mongami defeating Chris Chlarson, Ron Chisato beating Annie Tesiro, Joey Lucido topping Victor Hocog, and Soriano stopping Taylor Watanabe to advance to the winners bracket.

Soriano and Mongami were able to defeat their opponents to advance deeper into the winners bracket.

For their part, Chisato and Hocog kept their hopes alive after Chisato eliminated Tesiro and Hocog did the same to Lucido.

In the showdown of unbeatens, Soriano had what it took and was able to hand Mongami his first loss.

Chisato was then able to beat Hocog, with Chisato grabbing the highlight of the day when the 8-ball found the pocket on his break.

Chisato and Mongami then faced off for the right to battle Soriano in the finals, and this time around, it was Chisato that earned the finals slot with an impresive victory over Mongami.

Determined to hold on to his title, Soriano quickly put an end to the contest. Chisato was given the opportunity to break, and after doing so, didn’t get a chance at dethroning Soriano.

Soriano got to the table and pocketed all the balls to reign again.

Soriano and Chisato recieved cash and Budweiser gift packs, while Mongami and Hocog took home turkeys with gravy for finishing in third and fourth place. Soriano, Chisato, and Mongami also took home shiny trophies.

All that participated also went home with Bud gear giveaways courtesy of MARPAC.

Coordinator Rose Phillips expressed appreciation to main sponsor MARPAC for assisting with the tournament.

“On behalf of the players, we would like extend our appreciation to Jojo and Melvin and the MARPAC family for all their excellent giveaways to all the players,” she said.

Phillips also added that USSP is looking to host the event again next year and will do so in the years after.