The top three players in the Shark Bar Johnny Walker Black National Pool Tournament have been rewarded by Digicel.{{more}}

The men, Sabri “Old Ninja” Ishmael (1st), Osmond “Ozzy” St Hillaire (2nd) and Desmond “Bow” Wilson (3rd) collected their winnings on Tuesday from marketing executive at Digicel, Justin John.

During the short handing over ceremony at Digicel’s Corporate Headquarters in the Lewis Building on James Street, John handed over to Ishmael a Blackberry Curve handset, while St. Hillaire was rewarded with $300 credit. Wilson received $200 credit.

Organiser of the tournament Anthony De Freitas said that he was very grateful for Digicel’s involvement in the tournament, as the company helped to, among others, improve the prize pool. The first place winner, apart from the Digicel smart phone, received $750, a bottle of Johnny Walker Black and three cases of Guinness. Second place got, apart from the free credit, $500, a bottle of Johnny Walker Black and two cases of Guinness, while third place received $250, a bottle of Johnny Walker Black and one case of Guinness.

De Freitas said that the second annual pool tournament attracted some 50 players including Alvorne Anderson, the lone female.

“The tournament was a success, very competitive and everybody had a good time,” said De Freitas on Tuesday. He added that he is looking forward to next year when he hopes the tournament will be bigger and better and attract more females.

After collecting his winnings, Ishmael said that he felt good to have won. He said that he has been playing pool locally for the last five years. He beat St Hillaire in the finals.

“To beat a man like The Scientist (St Hillaire) in the finals is a great achievement for me,” said Ishmael.

Commenting, St Hillaire said that he felt good to have placed second, as last year he was knocked out in the preliminary round of competition.

“The games were good and I am glad that I redeemed myself,” said St Hillaire.

Last year’s winner, Phillip Martin, did not participate this year due to unforeseen circumstances.

The tournament was sponsored by Digicel, Guinness and Johnny Walker Black. It was held at the Shark Bar on Grenville Street.