By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE wait is officially over for the island’s youngest billiard talents as the Marianas Youth Billiards Association launched its inaugural season of the MYBA Open 8-Ball Tournament on Saturday at multiple venues.
Managed by Pacific Amusement, Inc., which is celebrating its 30th anniversary of operations on Saipan and Guam, the tournament features competition across three of Saipan’s local venues, including Tom Yum Restaurant, Buenas Café, and Kanto 10 Grill & Sports.
Leading the opening day were Angelo Maliwanag and Samuel Cabrera, who both delivered dominant 5-0 victories.
Playing at Buenas Café, Maliwanag was in control throughout his match against Kane Eusebio, winning five consecutive racks to complete the sweep.
Meanwhile, at Tom Yum Restaurant, Cabrera matched that performance against Antonio Timas, controlling the pace of play and preventing Timas from building any momentum.
While the sweeps drew attention, strong performances from Miles Borja and JM Ellama produced key 4-1 victories to keep them close to the leaders.
Borja competed at Kanto 10 Grill & Sports against Marl Balignasay. He took the first three racks with precise shot-making before Balignasay claimed the fourth. Borja then closed out the match in the fifth rack for a 4-1 win.
At Tom Yum Restaurant, Ellama followed a similar path against Jasmyn Tolentino, taking early control to win the first three racks. Tolentino claimed the fourth, but Ellama secured the match in the fifth to complete a 4-1 victory.
The most competitive match of the day featured Sean Ivan Licayan and Nolan Cultura Jr., who battled through a tightly contested 3-2 match at Tom Yum Restaurant.
Cultura won the opening rack, but Licayan responded strongly, taking the next three racks to secure the match. Cultura claimed the final rack, but Licayan held on for a 3-2 victory.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
