01/08/2026
PIA'HU WAVES COMPLETE FAIRYTALE RUN TO CLINCH 2026 ROSSO SUPA 4's SNOOKER CHALLENGE
By Sylvester Gawi
Pia'hu Waves completed one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of the Rosso Supa 4's Snooker Challenge, defeating minor premiers Deron Falcons (1) 3-0 in the grand final at the Aviat Social & Sporting Club in Lae on Saturday.
After languishing in 13th place following the opening round, Waves produced a remarkable turnaround throughout the competition before capping off their fairytale campaign with a dominant grand final performance.
The title decider began with the Men's Singles, where Joshua Samol gave Waves the perfect start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Falcons' Ismael Bazo. Bazo claimed the opening frame, but Samol responded in style to level the contest before taking the deciding frame to hand Waves the first point.
Waves tightened their grip on the championship in the Women's Singles, with Natasha David-Siki overcoming Emma Monmai 2-0. Natasha's composed display pushed her side to within one win of the title.
Deron Falcons mounted a spirited fightback in the Mixed Doubles through Paul Kasokason and Emma Monmai, but Waves' pairing of Matu Bazo and Natasha David-Siki proved too strong, sealing the final match and completing a comprehensive 3-0 championship victory.
Despite entering the grand final as favourites after claiming the minor premiership, Deron Falcons (1) were unable to finish their outstanding season with the title.
For their championship triumph, Pia'hu Waves received the K7,000 winners' prize, while runners-up Deron Falcons (1) collected K3,000. Aviat Pokies and JJIL shared third place.
Individual honours went to Waves' Joshua Samol, who was named Best Male Player of the Tournament, while Cassowary Rangers' Cheryl Guluman received the Best Female Player award.
Sponsor representative Yax Tugula congratulated all participating teams and praised the organisers for another successful tournament.
"The success of this snooker challenge in its fourth consecutive year shows the growing interest in the sport. We look forward to continuing our support in the years ahead," Tugula said.
He also acknowledged Lae MP John Rosso for his continued commitment to supporting sport and family-oriented activities in the city.
Lae Billiard & Snooker Association Vice President Dr Joseph Garap thanked the sponsors whose support made the competition possible.
"Without committed sponsors, we would not be able to run an active competition. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed towards making the 2026 Rosso Supa 4's Snooker Challenge another successful event," Dr Garap said.
The LBSA also acknowledged its sponsors, including Hon. John Rosso MP, Lae City Authority, Deron Tacticals, Industrial Water Services, Lae Auto Clinic, Lae Everclean, Mountain Mangi Alluvial Mining, Morobe Disaster & Emergency Surveillance Service, Pia'hu Consultancy, Bogarei & Sons (Aviat Pokies), and the Aviat Social & Sporting Club for their invaluable support.
🙏💙🇵🇬
