In an effort to revive and further develop the game of pool in Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Pool Association (SLPA) with support from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports through the Alternative Sports Programme hosted the inaugural Independence Island Champs Doubles Pool Tournament on February 18, 2024. The tournament, held at the Revive Restaurant & Bar in Marisule, Gros-Islet, featured 13 teams from across the country battling for the prestigious title of “Island Champs”.
While there were some surprising upsets early on in the tournament, the competition was fierce and the atmosphere was filled with excitement, underscoring that pool players were eagerly waiting for an opportunity to showcase their skills.
In the end, with a consistent high level of scoring throughout, the “Prodigal Sons” – Mr. Troy Cypal and Mr. Lestor George, emerged victorious over “Wolf Pack”- Mr. Joel Harding and Mr. Kenrick Victor. In addition to the highly sought-after title, the champions walked away with XCD 2,000.00 and a package from Chairman’s Reserve St. Lucia. The first runner up team walked away with XCD 1,000.00.
In the battle for third place, “Black Boys” – Mr Williamson Emanuel and Mr. Dwain Edward, emerged victorious over “Big Shots” – Mr. Wesley Alexander and Mr. Johnson Mondesir in a hill- hill finish.
Mr. Troy Cypal was the tournament’s MVP, and Mr. Joel Harding won the award for most impressive shot of the tournament. The event was live streamed on YouTube on the 911 Platform.
The Association expects to build on the momentum that this tournament has started. Currently, we are scouting for two females to represent Saint Lucia at the Annual Queen of the Greens Tournament in Barbados in May, 2024. Plans are also on the way to host a myriad of events in this calendar year. These include the following:
(1) Chaps Annual Memorial Trophy
(2) Open 7-side Teams Season – Battle for National Pool Trophy
(3) A national pool league to assist in player ranking
(4) Best 7 of the North versus Best 7 of the South Team Tournament
(5) Juniors Tournament
(6) Mixed Doubles Tournament