The first ever Christmas 8-ball Pool tournament on the island, held its finals on Sunday, December 20th at Average Joe’s Sports Bar. Four of the eight registered teams made it to the third round of games, competing for the coveted championship of the tournament. SandBar Ballers, Un-expected, AJ Shootaz, and Top Shatta gave their all in the last round of the competition. After a series of heated games, team Top Shatta emerged as the champion of the tournament, claiming the grand prize of $1,000 plus five cases of beer.
The teams were challenged to win the best out of seven games in order to claim their prizes. Each team consisted of three players, and shortly after 3PM the first matches for the third place between SandBar Ballers and AJ’s Shootaz tipped off. SandBar Ballers began taking the lead in the first game and at some point, it looked like they were going to win the first four games required to win. However, AJ’s Shootaz rallied and walked away with the third place title, $300 and a case of beer. Following the third place championship, it was time for the first place title match, which was between Team Un-expected and Team Top Shatta! Fans for both teams cheered loudly for their players. Un-expected was no match for Top Shatta, however, as Top Shatta quickly won the best of out of seven games and was crowned as the champion for the Christmas 8-ball Pool Tournament for 2015. Team Un-expected graciously accepted their second place title with a prize of $500 and three cases of beer.
At the award ceremony, each team was commended for their participation on the tournament. Organizer Macadonio Sanchez stated that this is a giant step for the sport, which has the potential of reaching the national and international levels. He indicated that San Pedro has a lot of talented players and that more sporting opportunities should be available on the island for the development of the youth’s sportsmanship. After the different winning teams were given their respective prizes, the youngest player of the tournament, 17-year-old Mark Pineda, was recognized and encouraged to keep up the good work.
Event organizers would like to thank all those who have sponsored the tournament and contributed to its grand success. These include Tropic Air, Pedro’s Inn, Caribbean Villas, Elito Arceo, Harmouch Center, David Harmouch, Time Out Golf Cart Rentals, Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar and Fido’s Restaurant and Bar.
The next 8-ball Pool Tournament has been slated for January of 2016, at a date yet to be announced.
