Ben Bounahra 9-Ball Tournament – Elements back-to-back champs!
The Belize Billiards Sports Federation (BBSF) organized the 2nd Annual Ben Bounahra 9-Ball Tournament on April 12 and 13, where the venue was Mike’s Cue Club in Belmopan. Here’s more and how it concluded with a bang.
Twelve teams from across the jewel registered, namely: Toledo United of PG; Di Rookies, Camp 6 and Link-Up from Cayo; Barrio Fino, Special Effects, Twin Stars and BRC Shooters from Belmopan; Riverside and Elements of Belize City; Route 88 of Orange Walk; and a Team Corozal. By the end of the second day, it was only two teams left standing around the table in the final, which saw Elements and Toledo United showing their talent and skills to become the champs.
It must be mentioned that it was “déjà vu” all over again, as Toledo needed to win Elements twice, since they were undefeated going into the final; but Toledo won the first match and failed to do so on the second, which is exactly what transpired last year.
In the first match, it was do or die for Toledo United, but they got the victory, to push a second match and stay alive, as they won, 3-2. First for Toledo, it was Jevon Parham who embarrassed Nain Rosado, 4-0; but Nain had done this to him earlier in the regular games, so it was pay-back time. In the second match, Larry Lisbey of Elements took the “W” over Ewart Duncan in a tight game, 4-3. Then came Manuel Ramos, who also got the “W” for Elements over Horace Arnold of PG, 4-3. Really a breath-taking game, as it was down to the wire, and Horace left a difficult shot for Manuel; but hey, Manuel made a magnificent bank shot to close it off. Everyone was like, WOW! Match 4 was awarded to PG, as Angel Vargas of Elements was not attired according to the by-laws of the Federation. So, we go to match number 5. This was won by the veteran and calm player, Isaac Ranguy of PG over Wilman Mejia, 4-3. Yes, indeed, it was believed that it was all over, but Isaac made a big comeback which made Toledo United win this one, 3-2.
It was now time for the grand match, and it was Elements winning 3-1, emerging as the champs. For Elements, Nain Rosado dropped Ewart Duncan in the first match, 4-2. Then, Larry Lisbey, shooting like the Larry everyone had admired playing, and back to the top continued the streak by edging Jevon Parham, 4-3, in a thrilling match. The next match was between Horace and Manuel, and if you recall, they met in the first one, so Horace was probably saying it’s retribution time, baby. And it was indeed, as he defeated Manuel, 4-3. So, it was now 2-1 in favor of Elements, and it was Allan Chen of PG up next versus Angel Vargas. But Angel looked like a pro, as he downed Allan by 4-2. There was no need for the fifth match, as Elements had already won 3 matches; so Isaac Ranguy of PG, who was to line up against Wayne Wiltshire of Elements, didn’t have to play, as Elements was declared the champs, and Mr. Ernest Arzu, owner of the team, can say they are back-to-back champs, and has the bragging rights. Third place was won by Route 88, and fourth by Special Effects.
The most valuable player was Larry Lisbey of Elements, from Belize City, who was undefeated throughout the entire tournament. YOU BIG, Larry Lisbey!
The BBSF recognizes Mirab and Company for being the main sponsor; Mike’s Cue Club for financial contribution, use of table and venue; the umpires, namely Arturo Pelayo, Thomas Myers, Virgilio Ruiz and Emil Zelaya; and sponsors of all teams in their own right.
More grand tournaments are up-coming, so look out for the next one near you.