By: Carlos E. Calvo Silva
Player of the Decade Johnny Archer really likes the Puerto Rican Island. For the second year in a row he dominated the island’s biggest event, The Puerto Rico Shoot-Out. Even though there were other Pro Players in the event like Robb Saez, Corey Deuel, Gabe Owen, Pablo Matheu and Tony Robles, local hero Alan Rolon reached the finals against Archer once again. However, Rolon’s seasoning throughout last year, wasn’t enough once again as Archer dominated his winner’s side final 7-0 and the final match 9-4.
In what proved to be a tournament of upsets, Archer seemed unfazed and was the only one of the Americans who didn’t suffer the same fate. The tone was set early as local player Javi Perez upset Corey Deuel in the first round. The Puerto Rican players seemed to gain confidence from this match, as they went on to eliminate Deuel and Owen early and keeping them out of the money. Rolon proved once again he was the best player on the island, beating Owen, Robles and Robby Saez, who finished third.
The biggest surprise of the tournament was local veteran Enrique Montalvo, who battled his way to a 4th place finish with great shot-making all day long. He took out Robles, who until that point looked determined to take home the title from his hometown. Said Robles: “I really wanted to take home this title because I’m really proud of being Puerto Rican. This was very important to me because I wanted to dedicate this tournament to my grandmother who just passed away this Christmas. But I’ll definitely come back here next year to try to complete the mission.” Meanwhile, city mayor Abel Nazario, pleased with how the event turned out this year, promised to help make it even bigger next year. He also presented Robles with a proclamation when they honored him before the final match.
But in the end, the scene belonged to Archer. Archer said: “I felt I had a good stroke and playing well today. I felt really good and comfortable and that really helped me. I’m glad we have such good friends in Puerto Rico as the Calvo family and I’m looking forward to complete the three-peat next year.
Definitivamente este ha sido el mejor torneo de billar profesional en la Isla desde que se celebro el Gran Prix de Puerto Rico para el año 1996, en el Hotel Conquistador de Fajardo. En aquel entonces el Tour Profesional se llamaba el "Pro Billiards Tour" y la firma RJ Reynolds y la marca de cigarrillos Camel, promovieron y produjeron el evento.
El Puerto Rico Shoot-Out 2006 estara en la mente de todos aquellos buenos billaristas que presenciaron el evento. Demas esta decir que la presencia de Archer, Tony Robles, Gabe Owen y Corey Deuel, probados campeones profesionales le dieron al torneo, un gran prestigio.
En adicion, los jugadores puertorriqueños que se destacaron en el evento, como Javi Perez, Rafy Kilgore, Edgardo Ramirez, Alan Rolon, y Enriquito Montalvo, demostraron una vez mas que en Puerto Rico definitivamente se juega un billar de gran altura y seremos los proximos en llegar por contingentes a los Estados Unidos, tal y como lo han hecho los grandes jugadores de las Filipinas como Efren Reyes, Francisco Bustamante, Alex Pagulayan, Santos Sambajon, Jose Parica, etc.
Mis mas sinceras felicitaciones a toda la familia de Fernando Calvo, sus amigos, empleados y a todos los auspiciadores de este gran evento billaristico, que definitivamente entrara en los libros de la historia del billar en Puerto Rico.
Favor de indicar las direcciones fisica y postal de La Coctelera (Players Pool Hall). GRACIAS anticipadas.
Saludos Alvin. Te comunico que Players Pool Hall está ubicado en el Centro urbano del pueblo de Yauco. La dirección física es: Calle Betances #5, en los altos de la Joyería Suny. Esto es frente a la plaza de recreo del pueblo. Si deseas puedes llamar después de las 5 de la tarde a nuestro teléfono: 787-856-2090. Con gusto te recibiremos en Players. Te aseguro que podrás pasar un buen rato allí.
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