Golpu One hand comp leaders second loss in Lae pool clash

By LARRY ANDREW
MT Golpu Lae Corporate Eight-ball Pool competition leaders Kuima Security suffered their second loss to Team Golpu One in the top-of-the-table seven-frame clash over the weekend.
Golpu’s Ringy William set the pace for his team to win the first frame of the singles against Jojo Illustrisimo.
William had three balls on the table against Illustrisimo’s two.
But Illustrisimo failed to make the most of the advantage, giving William the opportunity to pot the remaining three balls and then the black for his side to lead 1-0.
The second frame, women’s singles, went down to the wire but Golpu’s Captain Carolyn Matawai held her nerve against Josephine Tamporang to put her side further in front with a 2-0 lead.
But Golpu could not continue the momentum as they lost the third frame (men’s singles) for Kuima to trail 1-2.
The fourth frame, open singles, saw Nico Bokame edging out his opponent for a 3-1 lead.
The win for Golpu was ensured in the mixed doubles where Nicole Monmai and Joey Santos beat Kuima Francis Mortel and Evelyn Bazo for a 4-1 lead.
Kuima bounced back in the last two frames (open doubles and men’s singles) to trail 3-4.
But it was not enough as Golpu inflicted a second loss on Kuima.
Matawai said the game was challenging.
“After beating Kuima, I’m sure we are on track,” she said.
“I acknowledge my players as it was a team effort and we are confident of winning our remaining games.”
Coordinator Nicole Monmai said the competition would go into round four for the next two weeks with the finals to be staged on the third week of this month.
“New teams should by now have had a fair idea of the game, so they should be on par with all other teams for the final challenge,” she said.
“Games have now been scheduled on three tables and will be conducted under strict Niupela Pasin measures.
“If everyone complies with the rules, we will complete the games as scheduled.”
After the weekend’s matches, Kuima, Golpu One and Lae Auto Clinic retained their top-three spots with Golpu Two climbing from sixth to fourth spot.
Gamoga Lawyers Legal Eagles and Guard Dog Security are fifth and sixth respectively while Andersons occupy seventh spot.