Masse holds court at Round Two

Veteran cue artist Wade “Masse” Maratita had his whole repertoire of billiard shots working for him last Sept. 2, en route to winning the Miller Lite Invitational 8-Ball Tournament at Round Two Bar and Grill in Garapan.

Maratita blew away the nine-man field that evening opening up with victories over Senen Pangilinan and Primo Ferrera. He then beat up on Joe Shaffer his third time up to secure the first finals slot and all important twice-to-beat advantage in the championship.

Shaffer eventually joined Maratita in the battle for all the marbles following his upset of Pangilinan. Shaffer continued his hot streak by topping Maratita in the first game. But Maratita rebounded from the loss by reverting back to championship form in the second to capture the title.

Maratita took home $70 and a trophy for the win, while Shaffer and Pangilinan settled for the $40 and $25 runner-up purses, respectively.

Others that joined the cue-off were Boyet Sequioco, Manny Mariano, Kippy Aiken, Larry Guerrero, and Zheng Jian Qing.

A week earlier, Mariano hoisted the Thursday night trophy after getting the better of Sequioco in their finals match-up.

Mariano victimized Aiken and Greg Calvo in his first two rounds then overwhelmed Sequioco to advance to the finals.

Although his perfect run was halted by Sequioco in the first game, Mariano came back with the vengeance in the second to secure the championship trophy and the $70 cash prize that came along with it.

Sequioco and Zheng finished second and third and were $40 and $25 richer. Guerrero, Ferrera, Matthew Kisa, and Ed Propst each also brought out their cue sticks for the tournament.

On Aug. 19, Jackie Sasaki became the latest woman to win the Miller Lite Invitational 8-Ball Tournament after she outdueled Sequioco in the finals.

Sasaki caught a speed bump on her way to the title after losing to Sequioco in the first game but wrapped it all up by playing superbly in the second.

The win was worth $120 for Sasaki, while Sequioco and Mariano went home with $70 and $50, respectively.

The pool event also attracted the likes of Maratita, Shaffer, Guerrero, Joey and Tony Arriola, Gene Sablan, Emi Peter-Palican, Nathan Palican, Sixto Igisomar, Adam Hopper, Tom Quitugua, and U.S. servicemen Donald Burcher and William Schmochel.

Sequioco brought home the bacon on Aug. 1 following his victory in Sunday Winner-Take-All Fun Tournament. The Olongapo, Philippines native outclassed Don Bufton to earn the $60 prize.

Round Two hosts three regular tournaments a week. The Sunday Winner-Take-All Fun Tournament starts at 1pm and entry costs is $5 per player. Depending on the number of lady participants, the competition switches from regular to an 8-ball handicap format.

The Tuesday Ladies Handicap 8-Ball Tournament is held every Tuesday starting at 8pm and has an entry fee of $10.

On Thursdays, Round Two holds the exciting Miller Lite Invitational 8-Ball Tournament starting at 8pm. Entry fee is $15 on regular days but goes up to $25 every last Thursday of the month.

For more information on Round Two’s tournaments, please call 234-6930.