Action in the Guinness Pool Tournament continues to heat up and it was Edmund Branch who took the top spot in the tournament’s third round, which was held at the West Side Bar at Rose Place, Kingstown.{{more}}

This leg of the tournament, which took place last Saturday, February 7, had 34 competitors, but it was Branch and David Legair who fought through the rounds to make it to the finals where they faced each other.

Though Branch won the first two of the proposed three-game final, it wasn’t as clear-cut as it sounded, as Legair put up a good fight, but in the end, Branch proved too much for Legair.

Branch, who is from Level Gardens, has been playing pool for 15 years.

“I feel good about winning this round and it is left to be seen if I will win the finals, but surely I don’t think I would be beaten by Ozzie for sure,” said Branch jokingly. Ozzie refers to Osmond ‘Ozzie’ St Hillaire, the winner of the second round.

Added Branch, “This tournament is a good thing. This is the first time in terms of the scale that something like this is happening and it is bringing people together in a friendly atmosphere, while it opens up new avenues for players to explore in terms of pool here.”

Branch described pool as a relaxing game, while it is great that Guinness is getting people involved in pool “on this level.”

Meanwhile, Legair, who has also been playing pool for the last 15 years, described the competition as “good.”

He said that competition on the night was “stiff” and [he] “…didn’t expect to reach so far.” Legair, who is from Paul Over, said that he will be trying his luck at the other venues in an attempt to reach the finals.

Meanwhile, Oseah Thompson was first in the fourth leg of the competition, which took place at Nani Billingy’s Bar in Pembroke, also on Saturday, February 7th. Thompson beat Simeon Cambridge in the finals.

The Guinness Pool Tournament’s other legs will be held at Big City Life Bar in Richland Park on Friday, February 13, Aza DaSilva’s Bar in Troumaca on Saturday, February 14, the Police Canteen in Kingstown on February 20 and in Bequia on February 21. The games begin at 8 p.m. Each preliminary winner gets $500.

The tournament ends on February 28 after 10 preliminary rounds. The finals of the competition will be held at a place not yet decided on. During the finals, 10 persons will compete for EC$5,000.

Other persons already into the finals are Osmond ‘Ozzie’ St Hillaire and Alson Barker.

To enter the tournament, persons have to go to the various venues during game time (8 p.m.) and purchase three Guinness beverages. On purchasing the drinks, the person is automatically entered in the round of competition and will play three games against an opponent. The overall winner from that particular venue goes on to the finals.