ROLLY Villanueva not only bagged the Saipan Billiards Association Budweiser Open 8-Ball League Thursday Division championship title with his team, Marpac Eagle’s Eye, but he also topped the banquet tournament at the New Bamboo Bar of Saipan Vegas.
Twenty-four players saw action in the single elimination, race to three tournament, but it was Villanueva who proved that his skills were a cut above the rest.
The veteran made quick work of his opponents with Rey Hermogenes as his first “victim.”
Villanueva then went head-to-head against Ray Matsunaga. They fought till the very end but it was Villanueva who came out on top, claiming the three wins needed to advance to the semifinals.
His match against Chester Hamoy was close with both players claiming two games each, but Villanueva outlasted his opponent to advance into the finals.
Meanwhile, Nolan Cultura was working his way to the top. In round one he triumphed against Roman Rodriguez 3-2.
In his next match against Robert Sanciangco, Cultura’s flawless performance resulted in a 3-0 victory and earned him a ticket to the quarterfinals.
Against Daniel Miranda, Cultura was likewise dominant, winning 3-0.
In the semifinals, Albert Pangilinan nearly snapped Cultura’s streak as they were neck-to-neck with two wins each.
Cultura, however, proved to be the more consistent player whose smart placements allowed him to keep the rhythm flowing.
In the finals, he faced Villanueva. Both players gave it their all with Cultura drawing first blood, but Villanueva answered back to even the score.
The match then came down to the final do-or-die game which Villanueva won.
He went home with the championship trophy and $150 cash prize.
Cultura settled for second place and received a trophy and $100.
Albert Pangilinan and Chester Hamoy tied for third place and each received a trophy and $45.
Nolan Cultura, right, and Rolly Villanueva pose with the second and first place trophies of the SBA Budweiser Open 8-Ball League banquet tourney at the New Bamboo Bar of Saipan Vegas.
