Zheng zaps opponents in 9-ball

It really helps to run a billiards hall.

Zheng Jian Qing rose to the top of the Monday 9-Ball Tournament at Corner Pocket last Nov. 22 ending Jerry Soriano’s four-week grapple-hold on the weekly pool competition.

The manager of Top Pool Bar in Garapan got a bye in the first round and in the process escaped upset city, which had Soriano lose to last week’s runner-up Mario Diola 4-3.

Other games in the opening round saw James Cabrera dominate Boyet Sequioco 4-1, Rommel Crisostomo upend Primo Rivera 4-2, Santi Sablan outplay Manny Mariano 4-1, Juancho Mendoza slink by Erick Caisip 4-3, and Vic S. Hocog nip Nolan Cultura 4-3.

In the second round, Sablan challenged Zheng in what probably was the best match of the evening. Sablan had a nine-on-a-break to go up 2-0 but Zheng responded with a nine-on-a-break of his own. Sablan had a chance to wrap it all up but had crucial misses that Zheng capitalized en route to a 4-3 win.

Cabrera also advanced after getting the better of Crisostomo 4-2. Also moving on were Roger Espiritu and Hocog. Espiritu defeated Mendoza 6-2, while Hocog dominated Diola 4-1.

Zheng continued his lucky roll in the third round besting Cabrera in no less than a skunk 4-0, while Hocog ousted the 6-handicap Espiritu 4-4.

In the championship, the two CNMI Billiard League A division teammates battled it out, but it was clear from the very beginning that Zheng was feeling it. Zheng won the first two matches and never looked back, sweeping Hocog 4-0 to raise the weekly championship trophy.

The week before on Nov. 18, Hocog won the Thursday 8-Ball Tournament, outlasting Senen Pangelinan in the finals.

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.

Corner Pocket has also moved its Tuesday 8-Ball Tournament to Thursday. Play starts at 8:30pm. Participants must fork over $15 to enter the double-elimination competition. Progressive pot for 8-ball in a break will apply.

Both the regular 9-ball and 8-ball tournaments use the rules of the Billiards Congress of America. For more information on the regular Monday 9-Ball Tournament and upcoming Thursday 8-Ball Tournament, please contact Ken Phillips at 233-POOL (7665).