South Americans kick off in Feria de Manizales

MANIZALES - The big South American names in three-cushion are at the start of a major tournament in their own country next week. They make the kick-off of Colombia's Feria de Manizales, which is entering its 27th edition. Colombian Humberto Castaño was the last winner, in 1996 Oscar Castaño was the first winner. Luis Aveiga won the tournament three times (1997, 2006 and 2013) and is the record holder.

The Feria de Manizales is played over six days, with the finals on Saturday 13 January. The total prize amount is 60 million Colombian pesos, about 14,000 euros. The record list shows how important the event is for South American billiard players. Besides Luis Aveiga, American Sang Lee was one of the first winners: the legendary billiard player, after whom a major tournament in New York was named, won ahead of Armando Cubo in 1999 and Ramon Rodriguez in 2000. Further winners include Javier Teran (2002 and 2005), Henry Diaz (2012 and 2014) and Arley Galeano (2008 and 2011).

The last five winners were Robinson Morales, Huberney Cataño, José Melo, Arley Montoya and Humberto Castaño.

The recordlist produced by Roberto Molinos