Pink Panda powerfully pawed out a win in the mix-doubles tournament in the pool competition.
The champs blacked out the premiership title, claiming the prestigious K3,000 cash prize and two trophies presented to team members, Kelly Yambi and Dolly Berua, in a handy 4-1 victory in a best-of-7-frames battle on Thursday last week.
The three-week mixed doubles pool tournament, organized by the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby, featured 40 teams and was divided into 8 pools of 5 teams each.
From the 40 teams, Black Panther, Pink Panda, Ariku Snipers and Besties made the semifinals before Panda and Panther went head-to-head in the grand final after belting Snipers and Besties respectively.
The Panthers, consisting of James Kuni and Mary English, had to retract their claws, walking away with K2, 000 cash.
In other awards, semifinalists Ariku Snipers (Ralph Kaina & Mrs. Kaina) and Besties (Noel Ramos/Gina Matapere) received K500 each.
Four teams that made the quarter-final and received K250 each were Karameka (Ipi Oala/Konio Vani), Welawee (Willie Vaieka/Kila Vare), Aripuari (Welton Gai/Emily Andrew) and Chalk & Pot (Lee Thomas/Loi Nou).
The top-seeded prize of K200 went to team 1 Piece (Eure Kea/Ore Kea).
Kelly, Panda’s team captain, expressed gratitude towards Lamana Hotel and Tournament Director, Maryanne Accorin for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the tournament and also conveyed appreciation to their sponsor Jacky Woo and Dr. Sam Yakopua for their generous support.
In return, Accorin, extended thanks to all participants, emphasizing their indispensable contribution to the tournament’s success and progression.