SEASONED veteran Ray Matsunaga won the championship of the New Bamboo Bar February 8-Ball Tournament at the New Bamboo Bar of Saipan Vegas.
Ray Matsunaga, center, poses with New Bamboo staff after winning the February 8-Ball Tournament at the New Bamboo Bar of Saipan Vegas.
Contributed photo
Matsunaga was simply unstoppable as he took down every opponent in his path.
He earned his first victory by beating Danny Miranda in a game of accuracy.
He then dispatched Albert Pangilinan to advance to the quarterfinals against another veteran, Nolan Cultura.
Both players approached the match with a defensive mindset, looking to deny any clear shots, but in the end, it was Matsunaga who reigned supreme, sending Cultura to the losers bracket while Matsunaga moved onto the semifinals.
Against Mervin Sahagun, he continued to deliver back-to-back shots en route to securing the first spot in the finals.
In the losers bracket, it was Jess Farinas who had everyone’s attention. Although he fell into the pits in round 2, he managed to create a path to remain in contention.
His loss to Cesar Sangalang only fueled his morale as Farinas then sent Senen Pangilinan, Albert Pangilinan, Jesse Guerra, Rowel Mariano, Nolan Cultura and Mervin Sahagun packing.
With his six consecutive wins, Farinas earned the right to face Matsunaga in the finals.
Despite Farinas’s valiant efforts, however, Matsunaga’s ball placements proved decisive.
Matsunaga ended the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record and the championship.
