3-Cushion
HUANCAYO - In the Peruvian city of Huancayo, the first Grand Prix of the year was played to gather points for the Pan-American ranking. The Colombian star player Huberney Cataño was the undisputed winner in a final against the Peruvian Max Aguirre. Cataño played a fantastic final match: 40-29 in 16 innings. ,,It is really a dream for me to win such a great final'', the Colombian said. Super Cataño, as he was called after the tournament, already showed his high class in the first innings with 13 points in five and 20-5 for the break. In the second part, Aguirre tried to come back with two runs of six, but it was not enough to come closer. Cataño had an excellent finish and raised the top prize of 3000 dollars. Aguirre earned 1800 dollar.
In the semi-finals, three great Colombian champions, Huberney Cataño, José Juan García and Robinson Morales and Peruvian champion Maximo Aguirre entered the billiard palace. The most tension-match was between Morales and Aguirre. Morales scored 34 in 26 innings, but could not finish it off. Aguirre was the better in the final part and punished his opponent for his mistakes. Cataño was never in danger. The classic with his teammate José Juan García was decided in favor of the champion: 40-22 in 18.
The challenge to organize a Grand Prix with 10.000 dollar price money gave the organization a certain pride in the city where the love for three-cushion is growing. The businessman Juan Linares received the credits from the organization with his entire group of employees, referees, sports management and logistic personnel. ,,We do everything we can to give the players the best'', he said. ,,We took the Korean Min tables to Huancayo, Aramith balls, electronic scoreboards and trophies made by a friend of mine. They are true pieces of art, the replica of a billiard table.'' The sports management was led by Wilder Zamora and Roberto Molina.
Cataño was not the only winner with a record average. Another Colombian, Santiago Carmona, improved his own individual record with 30 in 10 innings, 3.000 average. The Peruvian Guido Saco, who eliminated Cataño at the World championship in Bolivia two weeks ago, now lost to Cataño, who took revenge, 40-33 in 32 and a run of 11.
On the podium were also Robinson Morales (1.450) and in fourth place José Juan García (1.182). Garcia was taken to hospital in the first days due to a throat infection.
The final ranking:
1. Huberney Cataño (Col) 1.746
2. Max Aguirre (Per) 1.366
3. Robinson Morales (Col) 1.450
4. José Juan García (Col) 1.182
5. Henry Diaz (Col) 1.534
6. Erick Tellez (CRC) 1.287
7. Jhon Fredy Martínez (Col) 1.159
8. Mauricio Aguilar (Col) 1.020
9. Arley Galeano (Col) 1.235
10. Carlos M Villegas (Col) 1,233
11. Alejandro Piza (Col) 1.129
12. Carlos Campiño (Col) 1.025
13. Guido Sacco (Col) 1.011
14. Alexander Salazar (Col) 0.943
15. Mauricio Grajales (Col) 0.915
16. Luis López (Per) 0.759.
The field of final players in the Grand Prix Huancayo
Santiago Carmona shows his joy after his match in 10 innings (30-3)