BELMOPAN–The 2nd Annual Hon. Rene Montero Christmas 8-Ball Tournament, which began six weeks ago, ended on Sunday, December 21, at Link-Up Bar in Santa Elena, Cayo.
The Finals was truly a grand Christmas dance, as if it was a national tournament, with Shooters going up against the defending champs, Link-Up, whereby it was the best-of-two matches, meaning two teams had to win four games to become the champ.

In the first match, Shooters started shooting sharply by defeating Link-Up, 2-1. For Shooters, Gilbert Luna calmly won Juan Villanueva, 4-2; and David Fernandez used his sling like when David took down Goliath, as he won Jimmy Rudon, also 4-2. But, Wayne Wiltshire stepped up big time for Link-Up and won Luis Usher, 4-1, to give his team hope.

So, we were off to the second match, and this time it was Link-Up defeating Shooters, 2-1. For Link-Up, Wayne Wiltshire won again, as he downed David Fernandez, 4-2; and Jimmy Rudon shot beautifully over Gilbert Luna, 4-2. For Shooters, it was Luis Usher over Erwin Woodye, 4-1.

So, the teams were now tied, 3-3, and it was down to a tie-breaker, where one player from each team played a race to 4 for the big one. Quite easily, two teams chose their players, which were Luis Usher from Shooters and Wayne Wiltshire from Link-Up. Wayne won the first game, which made David Fernandez, captain of Shooters, keep walking around, showing he was a bit nervous and discouraged; while Juan Villanueva, captain of Link-Up, was hyped with the lead, saying, “We got this!” But, thereafter, Luis Usher won 4 games in a row, slicing some shots like a nice piece of ham, and won Wayne, 4-1. Though Luis won 4 in a row, every game was exciting and down to the wire; but Luis won also by some huge defensive plays, like how some kids around Christmas time would hold on to their toys, saying, “This is mine,” and no one can take it away.

Luis is one of the humblest players one can meet; and after the game he did not brag, but congratulated Wayne for a great game, as it was not like Wayne was Santa Clause giving away any game; but Luis had to go into his own bag to pull off some plays, so that Shooters can sing the song: “We are the champs, 2014!”

Before the big dance, Camp Six and Rookies played for 3rd and 4th place, where Camp Six roughed-up Rookies, with Rogelio Boteo and Mark Trujillo being victorious.

The champs, Shooters, received $1,000.00 from Hon. Rene Montero and trophies from Hon. Elvin Penner. Sub-champs Link-Up received $300.00 from registration and Link-Up Bar, and 3 cases beer from Bowen and Bowen. 3rd place Camp Six received 1 case of beer from Mr. Fidelio Montes, and $50.00 cash from Ms. Ruby Sabala of Link-Up Bar. 4th place Rookies received 1 qt Black Label from Mr. Kevin Reyes of K & J Bar in Esperanza. Both MVP awards (regular season and finals) were won by Luis Usher, beating Wayne Wiltshire by a close margin, as by now you know these two players are two BAD BOYS on the billiards table.

Hon. Montero was present giving the awards, and vouched to sponsor again next year. From Link-Up and the Billiards Association, we thank the Hon. Rene Montero for being the Gold sponsor of the tournament; Hon. Elvin Penner for the trophies; Link-Up Bar, Mr. Fidelio Montes of Camp Six, Mr. Giovanni Cambranes and Bowen and Bowen Ltd., Mr. Kevin Reyes, all the teams who participated, and thanks to Amandala for continuously assisting in publishing the updates.

Season’s Greetings to ALL!