Maliwanag is clear champ of 1st Youth 8-Ball League

In a first-of-its-kind event in the CNMI, the Marianas Youth Billiards Association Open 8-Ball League crowned its champion, 18-year-old Gelo Maliwanag, after he won seven games in a race-to-seven final against JM Ellama at Tom Yum Restaurant on Saturday, Aug. 29.

They played a total of 11 games, with Maliwanag sealing the win in the final game. He swept the first three games in a row, but Ellama didn’t bow out yet, winning two games after. It was a back-and-forth battle, with Maliwanag clinching two more wins while Ellama won the eighth game. Maliwanag then won the ninth, but Ellama bounced back one last time to win the 10th. However, Maliwanag needed just one more win and made sure he got it in the final game.

After winning the championship, Maliwanag said, “It feels really great. I got lucky, so thank you, Lord. My goal was just to enjoy the game. Of course, my goal was to win, but my mindset was just to enjoy the game and have fun, so maybe that way I could maybe win.”

As for the season which started in April, he said, “It’s really fun to me, especially challenging other youth, and there’s going to be a next season, so join, guys.”

When asked about his finals opponent, he said, “I respect all my opponents. I give respect. I just try to enjoy the game how they enjoy the game. Everyone’s tough.”

Maliwanag said he had only started playing billiards last year after being inspired by watching players such as Efren “Bata” Reyes and A.J. Manas on social media.

“I just look up to them, and that’s what made me start. It’s really fun,” he said. “I really love it. It’s just really fun for the people who play billiards. They could get better if they want to take it seriously.”