BELMOPAN, Thurs. Aug. 8, 2019– The National Belikin 8-Ball Billiards Tournament 2019 has concluded in most regions, and coming to an end in Orange Walk and Belize District regions. Below is a an update on this magnificent tournament, as teams prepare to represent their region in the upcoming National Finals in Punta Gorda on August 17 & 18, 2019.
Belize District
The two teams in the finals are: Long Island and Warriors. In the first match of the finals, played at Luxy Bar at the Princess on August 7, it was Long Island over Warriors, by 4-2. The second and final match will be at 3:00 p.m. at Long Island Bar. Long Island only needs to win two of five matches to be declared champs. However, both teams will be allowed to participate in the national finals in P.G. due to the number of teams that participated in the Belize District Regionals.
Belmopan
The two teams in the finals were BRC Shooters and Palma’s Strikers. In match #1, BRC Shooters won, 3-2; and won in match #2 by the same score, 3-2, to become the champs. Palma’s didn’t surrender their cues easily, as the second match went down to the last rack of the 5th game. It was truly exciting and nail-biting. MVP Regular Season was awarded to Orlando Cassanova; and the Finals MVP was awarded to Santos Palma.
Corozal
The two teams in the finals were Elite 7 and Mighty Ducks. In the first match, Elite 7 defeated Mighty Ducks, 3-2; then in the second match, Mighty Ducks won, 3-2, and forced a tie-breaker. It was a one-player tie-breaker between Immer Lima of Elite 7 and Luis Valdez of Mighty Ducks. After Immer was up 3-0, Luis Valdez made a huge-comeback to win 4-3. What a way!! Luis Valdez was MVP of tournament.
Cayo
The two teams in the finals were Rookies Reloaded and CK Shooters. In match #1, Rookies defeated CK Shooters by 4-1. The second match saw CK Shooters winning by 4-1 and forcing a tie-breaker. For the tie-breaker, it was Luis Usher and David Fernandez winning for CK Shooters, so CK Shooters is the champ in Cayo.
Orange Walk
The two teams in the finals are Chattas and Emalee. The first match is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, at 5:45 p.m. at Chattas, while the final match will be on Sunday, August 11, at 3:45 p.m. at Nostalgia. A third-place match will also be played at Nostalgia between Zia’s and Darvis at 1:25 p.m., also at Nostalgia.
San Pedro
The two teams in the finals were Mean Machine and One Shot One Kill. Mean Machine was victorious and declared the champs.
Stann Creek
The two teams in the finals were Warriors of Independence and Green Hills of Middlesex. In match #1, Warriors won Green Hills, 3-2, at home; and again defeated Green Hills, 3-2, at their home, to be crowned the champs. Third place was won by Scorpions. Regular Season MVP went to Oscar Morales of Scorpions; and Finals MVP went to Aldon Foreman of Warriors.
Toledo
Challengers and Sarstoon are in the finals. In Match #1, Challengers defeated Sarstoon, 4-1, at Dreamz Bar in Forest Home Village; while Match #2 is scheduled for Friday, August 9, at Sarstoon Bar in P.G. Town.
The Belikin 8-Ball Nationals
So, remember, all roads lead to Sports Complex, Punta Gorda, on August 17 and 18, starting at 9:00 a.m. with official opening ceremonies. The defending champ is Long Island of Belize City; so let’s see who will be the 2019 champ.
The Belize Billiards Sports Federation (BBSF) thanks Bowen and Bowen for sponsoring this 22nd Annual National 8-Ball Billiards Tournament; and as we say, Belikin and Billiards is the best team ever!!!