The long anticipated National Guinness 9-Ball Tournament 2011 was held at Charishma Bar on Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28, in Belmopan. The champs of the various districts were all well-attired, and anxiety was in the air as the opening ceremonies got under way the first day. Mr. Giv Abadi – Chairman, Belmopan Sports Council, and Mr. Amilcar Umana – Deputy Mayor, Belmopan, welcomed the teams to Belmopan. Mr. Jorge Rosado – Vice-President of the Belize Billiards Sports Federation (BBSF), provided valuable remarks on behalf of the Federation; and Mr. Guillermo Salguero of Bowen and Bowen officially declared the tournament open, after a special trophy was issued by Mr. Isaias Lima of the BBSF to Mr. Sean Menzies of Bowen and Bowen as a symbol of appreciation to Bowen and Bowen from the Federation.
The two-day tournament was truly exciting and thrilling, but in the end, Waluco’s Billiards Team of Toledo emerged as the Champs, while G1 Unit of Corozal ranked 2nd. In this double elimination series, G1 Unit was undefeated up to the finals, while Waluco’s had lost one match before arriving at the finals. Therefore, G1 Unit only had to win Waluco’s once to be the champs, but Waluco’s had to beat G1 Unit twice. And, guess what? That is exactly what Waluco’s did. Waluco’s shot like pro’s, and in some cases like slow or fast tornado, as they hurt G1 Unit in a do-or-die situation.
Congratulations to Waluco’s team of Toledo, the 2011 Guinness Champs, which was comprised of: Antonie Balona (captain), Austin Ramclam, Leroy Vernon, Errol Myvett, Densford Mangar and Reylando Castro. Congratulations also to the 2nd place winner, G1 Unit of Corozal, comprised of the following players: Luis Campos, Lazaro Amaya, Luis Izab, Alex Chi, Dennis Torres and Joshua Kuylen. The MVP trophy was awarded to Errol Myvette of champions Waluco’s from Toledo.
The BBSF expresses thanks to Bowen and Bowen for sponsoring the tournament for the 15th consecutive year, and extends special thanks to Mr. David Craig, Mr. David Vasquez, Mr. Sean Menzies, Mr. Guillermo Salguero, Mr. Giovanni Cambranes and the entire Bowen and Bowen family and Guinness product who worked tirelessly and assisted tremendously in making the tournament a huge success.
The champs and sub-champs of each district, and of the National Tournament all received handsome and beautiful cash, trophies, and Guinness products in prizes. We also say thanks to the owner of Charishma Bar, Mr. John, for hosting the tournament, and to the umpires such as Mr. Williard Levy, Mr. Virgilio Ruiz, Mr. Bruce Pelayo, Mr. Pedro Avilez, and assistants: Mr. Elder Paredes, Mr. Edmund Guy, Mr. Erwin Paredes and Mr. Luis Najera.
We look forward to another Guinness sponsored tournament next year. Remember, Guinness advises to drink responsibly and legally.