The first ever Ben Bounahra 9-Ball Tournament, that was sponsored by Mirab and Company through the Belize Billiards Sports Federation (BBSF), was held on Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, at Elements Bar in Belize City. It was a tremendous success, as twelve teams from across the country participated, namely: MJ’s Challengers and Sea Side Heights from Toledo; Dolphins and Shattaz from Belmopan; Eagles from Cayo; Elements, Extra Gold and La Cabana from Belize City; Dem Boyz, Tijuana and JR’s from Orange Walk; and Cerros Sand from Corozal. Here’s more:

There was no electricity available by BEL at the start of the tournament due to upgrades in the area at Elements Bar, but the owner of Elements Bar acquired a backup generator that allowed the tournament to start, though a little later than expected. There was the brief opening ceremony, whereby Mr. Mike Bounahra of Mirab and Company opened the tournament with the first shot, easily pocketing the 9-ball. Then, it was show-time. It was a race to 4, double-elimination format, and certainly teams had to show-up their skills to stay alive. By the end of the first day, a number of teams were eliminated, then it got more interesting and exciting on the second day.

Going into the finals were Sea Side Heights and Elements (undefeated) to see who would be the champs. Sea Side Heights hurt Elements in the first match, but since Elements was undefeated, they had to beat them twice; and on the second attempt, Elements was victorious, thus emerging as the champs, because it was Sea Side Heights’ second loss of the tournament. Third place went to Cerro Sand of Corozal. The MVP was awarded to Manuel “Policeman” Ramos of Elements Bar of Belize City. Nuff respect, Mr. Ramos.

Thanks extended to Mirab and Company, Elements Bar, the Belize Billiards Association, the BBSF, umpires, teams, fans and everyone who made the tournament possible and a success.