Espiritu wins one but loses another in 9-ball

Roger Espiritu finally reached the top of the mountain in Corner Pocket’s Monday 9-Ball Tournament last Jan. 10 at the Garapan sports bar.

Espiritu began his quest for Monday’s billiards crown on a high note, skunking James Cabrera, 4-0, serving notice to the 15 other pool sharks on the venue that he brought his “A” game.

Other opening round results had Zheng Jian Qing beat Alex Ayeras (4-2), Luis Fajardo sweep Nolan Cultura (3-0), Erick Santos dominate Primo Rivera (4-1), Manny Mariano made mincemeat of Rommel Crisostomo (3-1), Joey Lucido turn back Leonard Sablan (4-2), Jerry Soriano defeat Mario Diola (4-1), and Rolly Villanueva upset Vic. S. Hocog (3-1).

Espiritu continued to showcase his mastery of the green felt table in the second round, when the player they dubbed “The Ghost” outlasted close friend and fellow 5-handicapper Santos, 4-3.

Lucido, Villanueva, and Zheng joined him in the semifinals. Lucido drubbed Mariano (5-1), while Villanueva surprised Soriano (4-1) and Zheng swept Fajardo (5-0).

The Ghost continued his spooking ways in the Final Four, as he drilled Zheng, 4-0, to advance to the finals. Villanueva, who stopped Lucido’s amazing run, 4-1, joined him.

In the finals, Espiritu encountered rough sailing against the heady Villanueva, but made shots when they counted the most in a 5-2 victory.

After winning Monday, Espiritu had a letdown of sorts in the Thursday 9-Ball Tournament at Corner Pocket three days later.

The Ghost lost to up-and-coming cue artist Boyet Sequico, 4-1, in the first round. Other opening round results had Hocog beat Leonard Sablan (4-2), Villanueva sweep Mariano (3-0), Senen Pangilinan top Rivera (4-1), Soriano skunk Crisostomo (4-0), and Cabrera skunk Mel Pangelinan (3-0). Erick Caisip, another former champ, got a bye.

Hocog, Villanueva, Pangilinan, and Sequioco continued their strong play in the second round. Hocog upended Caisip (4-1), Villanueva got the better of Soriano (4-3), and Sequioco ousted Cabrera (4-1).

In the semis, Hocog and Villanueva prevailed with the former surprising Pangilinan, 4-1, and the latter denying Sequioco, 4-3.

Hocog and Villanueva figured in a well-played championship with the match going into an eighth and deciding game where Hocog pulled out all the stops to annex the title.

Corner Pocket’s Monday 9-Ball Tournament rolls off every Monday beginning at 9pm. The competition uses a handicap system to give beginners a chance against top-caliber players. Entry fee is $10 and first place and second place are guaranteed prize money.

The Thursday 9-Ball Tournament, meanwhile, is played on the fifth day of the week. Play starts at 8:30pm. Participants must fork over $15 to enter the double-elimination competition.

Both Monday and Thursday 9-ball tournaments use the rules of the Billiards Congress of America. For more information, contact Corner Pocket owner and resident pool historian Ken Phillips at 233-POOL (7665).