BACOLOD City — Western Visayas stamped its dominance in billiards at the 2026 National PRISAA Games after Capiznon cue artists Elijah Alvarez and Garlyn Delfin captured the men’s and girls’ 9-ball championships, respectively, at the Forth here.
Alvarez delivered one of the most commanding performances of the tournament, crushing Heroshi Ramos of MIMAROPA, 5-0, in the race-to-five men’s final to clinch his first-ever PRISAA gold medal and spearhead Western Visayas’ strong showing on the national stage.
The 22-year-old Filamer Christian University standout from Roxas City remained steady throughout the competition before completing a flawless sweep in the championship match.
“Thank you kay God kasi hindi niya ako pinabayaan ako rito. First gold ko po ‘to. Sobrang saya po na nakakakuha ng medal rito,” Alvarez said. “Gusto ko po talagang mag-world champion sa future.”
The Business Administration sophomore admitted that the road to the title was challenging, particularly due to the playing conditions during the tournament.
“Medyo mahirap po ‘yong naging preparation and sobrang init po rito,” he said.
Western Visayas also ruled the girls’ 9-ball division through fellow Capiznon Garlyn Delfin, who overwhelmed Bicol’s Rizza Mae Valdez, 5-1, in the title showdown.
The Negros Island Region likewise produced two more billiards champions as Jo Vincent Martir ruled the boys’ division with a 5-2 victory, while Joana Mariel Remo dominated the women’s class after a 5-1 triumph./PN
