A day after the highly favored pair of Americans Rodney Morris and Corey Deuel, Taiwan's Yang Ching-shun and Wu-Chia-ching, Holland A (Niels Feijen and Nick Van Den Berg) were booted out in the event, there was another upset in the jam packed PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool at the Outland Nightclub in Rotterdam, on Saturday.
The Filipino Team of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante failed to defend their title after crushing out in the quarter-final round in this 31 nation event which offers a total pot prize of $250,000.
The two Filipino warriors, both prize fighter of Puyat Sports stable succumbed to the tandem of Fu Jianbo and Li He-wen, of the rising China squad, 9-6, after Reyes failed to sink the Green 6-ball in the 14th frame that should have given team Philippines the equalizer at 7-all.
Li He-wen, the 2006 Manila World Pool Championship semi-finalists, his nick name Doreamon after a Japanese cartoon character, took the first rack after Bustamante made an error. From then, Team China known as "the sleeping giant" clustered three consecutive racks to take a 4-0 lead before team Philippines won their first rack in the 5th frame.
A spectacular 6-9 combination from Fu Jianbo moved China one step closer to victory and gave them a four-rack advantage at 5-1 but the Philippines trimmed down the gap at two racks (3-5) after winning the 7th and 8th frame.
After posting a stunning upset KO win against the Philippines team, China's next opponent will be team Japan (Satoshi Kawabata and Naoyuki Oi) for the semi-final round, who won over Singapore (Chan Keng Kwang and Toh Lian Han), 9-5.
China had reached the quarter-finals thanks to an 8-1 victory over South Africa (Juan de Beer and Clinton Rossouw) and an 8-6 triumph over France (Stephan Cohen and Vincent Facquet).
Meanwhile, Finland (Mika Immonen and Markus Juva) and Canada (Edwin Montal and Alain Martel) hurdled their respective rivals to dispute the other semi-finals berths.
Finland outplayed Switzerland (Dimitri Jungo and Marco Tschudi), 9-4, while Canada scored a similar 9-4 win over Belgium (Serge Das and Noel Bruynooghe), a late substitute of no-shows Malaysia.
Finland, Canada, China and Japan assured already of $16,000 for reaching the semi-final round, while losing quarter-finalists Philippines, Singapore Switzerland and Belgium had to settle for a $10,000 pay check. The winning pairs here will receive $60,000 while $30,000 goes to the runner-up.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
BATA, DJANGO IN QUARTER FINALS OF WORLD CUP OF POOL
FILIPINOS DYNAMIC DUO BATA AND DJANGO ADVANCE INTO QUARTER FINALS
THE FILIPINOS Dynamic duo of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante cruised to the quarterfinals after blanking the pair of Philipp Stojanovic and Ivica Putnik of Croatia, and became the first team who post a stunning 8-0 win in the ongoing 2007 PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool late Thursday at the Outland Nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.
With the impressive win, the two prized players of Puyat Sports sent a strong warning to their rivals that they intend to bring home the championship trophy and the top purse of $60,000 not to mention the honor for the country again.
Reyes and Bustamante, the reigning World Cup holders, have shown they will be a very difficult team to beat and will now face either France (Stephan Cohen and Vincent Facquet) or China (Li He Wen and Fu Jian Bo) in Saturday's quarter-final.
Puyat Sports events manager Ish Caparras is confident that the two Filipino icon will play very well. "Basta pumanig lamang ang bola kina Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante) kasama na ang luck, kasi 9-ball yan eh." She added.
The tandem of Reyes and Bustamante crushed the American duo of Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris, 13-5, in the finals to pocketed the inauguration crown last year in New South Wales, England .
In this year's edition, they survived a close 8-6 victory over Scotland's (Pat Holtz and Michael Valentine) in the round-of-32.
The Japanese pair of Satoshi Kawabata and Naoyuki Oi put tremendous performance by beating heavyweight Holland A consisting of Niels Feijen and Nick van den Berg in a thrilling 8-7 victory, also reached the quarter-final round in this 31 nation event applying the scotch doubles, winner-break format which offers a total pot prize of $250,000.
Japan on the other hand takes the winner of the "Sweet 16" matches between Singapore (Chan Keng Kwang and Toh Lian Han) versus Austria ( Martin Kempter and Albin Ouschan).
Meanwhile, Filipino-Canadian Edwin Montal, representing Canada who teaming up with Alain Martel defeated team India of Dharminder Singh Lilly and Manan Chandra , 8-3, in the round-of 32 to face Korea ( Kim Woong-dae and Rye Seung-woo) in the next round, a 8-5 winner over Vietnam, consisting of Luong Chi-dung and Thanh Nam Nguyen, reached the semi-finals in the last year's edition.
Other teams playing in the Sweet 16" are Taiwan (Wu Chia-ching and Yang Ching-shun) versus Belgium (Serge Das at Noel Bruynooghe), late substitute of no-shows Malaysia; England (Imran Majid and Daryl Peach) versus Finland (Mika Immonen and Markus Juva) and Switzerland (Marco Tschudi and Dimitri Jungo) over United States (Corey Deuel and Rodney Morris).
DE LUNA, ZERNA ARE POOL SHOWDOWN MATCH OF THE WEEK
TWO YOUNG GUNS from different giant billiard stable draws first blood in the opening of a new sports program.
2006 Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna and 2007 Winner Take All 9-ball champion Ricky "Bai" Zerna will be the Match of the Week after winning their respective group in the ring game Tuesday's affair of "Pool Showdown" dubbed as "Who will be the last man standing" held in Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Manila.
De Luna from the Bugsy Promotion Stable and Negros Billiards Stable ace player Zerna are set to meet today (Saturday), September 29 to determine week's "Hari ng Mesa" which will be aired live telecast on ABC-5 at 8:00 to 10:30 P.M.
"Pool Showdown is a huge boost for RP pool program, our match of the week on Saturday will be a very exciting game between two young players Jeff (De Luna) and Ricky (Zerna), Bugsy Promotion against Negros Billiard Stable. This reminds us of the battle between Lee Vann Corteza and Dennis Orcollo in the 2nd BSCP National Pool Championship semi-final round" said Raya Sports and Events President and BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta.
Fresh from winning the WTA 9-ball, the 25 yrs. old Zerna from Dumaguete City scored 10 points to topped the group A 10-ball event, his opponents are Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva (2 pts.), Edgar "Malabon"Acaba (5 pts.), double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano (5 pts.), Roberto " Pinoy Superman" Gomez (1 pt.) and Carlo "Cool" Biado (4 pts.).
"Puspusan ang ginagawa kong paghahanda sa One Side billiard hall (Malate, Manila) at sana pumasok ang game plan namin ni coach Toper (Christopher Palses, NBS coach) sana pumanig ang bola sa akin" Zerna lamented.
While De Luna easily conquered group B in the 8-ball event with a huge margin, 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist Renemar "Revo" David, both have four points, 2005 Taiwan World 9-Ball semi-finalists Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo and 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist and 8-ball silver medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica has three points and two points for 2005 SMB Asian 9-ball tour Singapore leg winner Gandy "Sapsal" Valle.
"Bai (Ricky Zerna) is no pushover, i know his strength, he can be full of surprises but i'm ready and will do my very best to win the first match of the week" said the 23 yrs. old De Luna.
Zerna and De Luna received a cash prize of $800 after winning in the ring game event and whoever wins in their match will get $1,000.00 as the match of the week champion.
Grand finals champion of the said tournament on December 15 will bring home $12,000.00 while the second, third and fourth placer will received $5,000, $3,000.00 and $1,500.00 respectively.
Pool Showdown is a new TV sports program that will be aired in ABC-5 every Tuesday and Saturday is a joint program of Raya Sports and ABC Sports. Pool Showdown has three events (8-ball, 9-ball and 10-ball) in the ring game to be played as the players are selected by drawing lots.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
THE FILIPINOS Dynamic duo of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante cruised to the quarterfinals after blanking the pair of Philipp Stojanovic and Ivica Putnik of Croatia, and became the first team who post a stunning 8-0 win in the ongoing 2007 PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool late Thursday at the Outland Nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.
With the impressive win, the two prized players of Puyat Sports sent a strong warning to their rivals that they intend to bring home the championship trophy and the top purse of $60,000 not to mention the honor for the country again.
Reyes and Bustamante, the reigning World Cup holders, have shown they will be a very difficult team to beat and will now face either France (Stephan Cohen and Vincent Facquet) or China (Li He Wen and Fu Jian Bo) in Saturday's quarter-final.
Puyat Sports events manager Ish Caparras is confident that the two Filipino icon will play very well. "Basta pumanig lamang ang bola kina Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante) kasama na ang luck, kasi 9-ball yan eh." She added.
The tandem of Reyes and Bustamante crushed the American duo of Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris, 13-5, in the finals to pocketed the inauguration crown last year in New South Wales, England .
In this year's edition, they survived a close 8-6 victory over Scotland's (Pat Holtz and Michael Valentine) in the round-of-32.
The Japanese pair of Satoshi Kawabata and Naoyuki Oi put tremendous performance by beating heavyweight Holland A consisting of Niels Feijen and Nick van den Berg in a thrilling 8-7 victory, also reached the quarter-final round in this 31 nation event applying the scotch doubles, winner-break format which offers a total pot prize of $250,000.
Japan on the other hand takes the winner of the "Sweet 16" matches between Singapore (Chan Keng Kwang and Toh Lian Han) versus Austria ( Martin Kempter and Albin Ouschan).
Meanwhile, Filipino-Canadian Edwin Montal, representing Canada who teaming up with Alain Martel defeated team India of Dharminder Singh Lilly and Manan Chandra , 8-3, in the round-of 32 to face Korea ( Kim Woong-dae and Rye Seung-woo) in the next round, a 8-5 winner over Vietnam, consisting of Luong Chi-dung and Thanh Nam Nguyen, reached the semi-finals in the last year's edition.
Other teams playing in the Sweet 16" are Taiwan (Wu Chia-ching and Yang Ching-shun) versus Belgium (Serge Das at Noel Bruynooghe), late substitute of no-shows Malaysia; England (Imran Majid and Daryl Peach) versus Finland (Mika Immonen and Markus Juva) and Switzerland (Marco Tschudi and Dimitri Jungo) over United States (Corey Deuel and Rodney Morris).
DE LUNA, ZERNA ARE POOL SHOWDOWN MATCH OF THE WEEK
TWO YOUNG GUNS from different giant billiard stable draws first blood in the opening of a new sports program.
2006 Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna and 2007 Winner Take All 9-ball champion Ricky "Bai" Zerna will be the Match of the Week after winning their respective group in the ring game Tuesday's affair of "Pool Showdown" dubbed as "Who will be the last man standing" held in Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Manila.
De Luna from the Bugsy Promotion Stable and Negros Billiards Stable ace player Zerna are set to meet today (Saturday), September 29 to determine week's "Hari ng Mesa" which will be aired live telecast on ABC-5 at 8:00 to 10:30 P.M.
"Pool Showdown is a huge boost for RP pool program, our match of the week on Saturday will be a very exciting game between two young players Jeff (De Luna) and Ricky (Zerna), Bugsy Promotion against Negros Billiard Stable. This reminds us of the battle between Lee Vann Corteza and Dennis Orcollo in the 2nd BSCP National Pool Championship semi-final round" said Raya Sports and Events President and BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta.
Fresh from winning the WTA 9-ball, the 25 yrs. old Zerna from Dumaguete City scored 10 points to topped the group A 10-ball event, his opponents are Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva (2 pts.), Edgar "Malabon"Acaba (5 pts.), double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano (5 pts.), Roberto " Pinoy Superman" Gomez (1 pt.) and Carlo "Cool" Biado (4 pts.).
"Puspusan ang ginagawa kong paghahanda sa One Side billiard hall (Malate, Manila) at sana pumasok ang game plan namin ni coach Toper (Christopher Palses, NBS coach) sana pumanig ang bola sa akin" Zerna lamented.
While De Luna easily conquered group B in the 8-ball event with a huge margin, 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist Renemar "Revo" David, both have four points, 2005 Taiwan World 9-Ball semi-finalists Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo and 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist and 8-ball silver medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica has three points and two points for 2005 SMB Asian 9-ball tour Singapore leg winner Gandy "Sapsal" Valle.
"Bai (Ricky Zerna) is no pushover, i know his strength, he can be full of surprises but i'm ready and will do my very best to win the first match of the week" said the 23 yrs. old De Luna.
Zerna and De Luna received a cash prize of $800 after winning in the ring game event and whoever wins in their match will get $1,000.00 as the match of the week champion.
Grand finals champion of the said tournament on December 15 will bring home $12,000.00 while the second, third and fourth placer will received $5,000, $3,000.00 and $1,500.00 respectively.
Pool Showdown is a new TV sports program that will be aired in ABC-5 every Tuesday and Saturday is a joint program of Raya Sports and ABC Sports. Pool Showdown has three events (8-ball, 9-ball and 10-ball) in the ring game to be played as the players are selected by drawing lots.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
BATA, DJANGO BEATS SCOTTS IN WORLD CUP OF POOL
ONCE again the pair of Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante showed their might as they captured the round of 32 in the 2007 PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool in Outland Nightclub, Rotterdam, Holland on Tuesday.
Defending champions in this event, Efren and his kumpadre "Django" Bustamante playing under the banner of Puyat Sports, beat the Scottish duo of Pat Holtz and Michael Valentine, 8-6 to enter the round of 16.
Meanwhile, the Philippines' next assignment is the team of Croatia, with Philipp Stojanovic and Ivica Putnik who beat team Russia, bannered by 15-year-old Ruslan Chinakov, the youngest player in the tournament, and paired with European No.1 Konstantin Stepanov, 8-5.
Other teams who made it to the next round are Team France against Team China; Team Holland-A duels Team Japan.
Team France earlier outclassed Italy 8-2 while China won over South Africa 8-1, as Holland A beat Indonesia 8-5.
Other teams playing in the round of 32 are, Austria against Australia; Germany over Singapore; Taiwan vs. Denmark; Holland B fights Belgium; Canada over India; Vietnam vs Korea; England vs Poland and Finland against Qatar.
A total of 31 different countries will be represented in the scotch doubles, winner-break format.
There is a $250,000 prize fund, that will be divided as follows: Winners $60,000 for the pair, runners-up $30,000, semi-finalists $16,000, quarter-finalists $10,000, last 16 $5,000, first round losers $3,000.
It shall be recalled that the tandem of Reyes and Bustamante clinched the inaugural trophy last August when they defeated Team America composed of Rodney "Rocket" Morris and Earl "The Pearl" Strickland in the finals at the Newport Centre, Newport, Wales in front of a large partisan crowd.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
PHILIPPINES VS. SCOTLAND IN WORLD CUP OF POOL
THE deadly duo of Filipino Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante are back to defend their title this year taking the pairs of Michael "The Yeti" Valentine and Pat "Silky" Holtz of Scotland when the 2007 PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool gets underway tonight at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.
Reyes and Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports clinched the inaugural trophy last August when they defeated Team America spearheaded by Rodney "Rocket" Morris and Earl "The Pearl" Strickland in the final at the Newport Centre, Newport, Wales in front of a large partisan crowd.
The Larkhall, Scotland native Holtz is not a push over, in fact in the last 12 months he is the Scottish 9-Ball Champion, reached the last 16 in the World Pool Championship, Irish 9-Ball Masters Champion, three Scottish Tour wins, and semi-finalist at the 2007 World Pool Masters.
Valentine from Grangemouth, Scotland is a former UK pool winner. Both, Holtz and Valentine, who idolize Bata Reyes lost in the last year's edition against Holland (Niels Feijen and Nick van Den Berg) in round 1, 9-5.
If the Philippines wins in their first round assignment, they will face the survivor of Russia ((Konstantin Stepanov and Ruslan Chinakhov) versus Croatia ((Philipp Stojanovic and Ivica Putnik) tussle.
A total of 31 different countries will be represented in the scotch doubles, winner-break format.
There is a $250,000 prize fund, which will be split up as follows: Winners $60,000 for the pair, runner-up $30,000, semi-finalists $16,000, quarter-finalists $10,000, last 16 $5,000, first round losers $3,000.
Meanwhile, Taiwan fielded the tandem of Wu Chia-ching and Yang Ching-shun opposite Denmark headed by Lotfy Bahram and Kasper Kristoffersen.
United States will parade Rodney Morris and Corey Deuel opposite Malta's Tony Drago and Alex Borg.
In other matches saw, Italy (Fabio Petroni and Bruno Muratore) versus (Stephan Cohen and Vincent Facquet); China (Li He-wen and Fu Jian-bo) versus South Africa (Juan de Beer and Clinton Rossouw).
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Reyes and Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports clinched the inaugural trophy last August when they defeated Team America spearheaded by Rodney "Rocket" Morris and Earl "The Pearl" Strickland in the final at the Newport Centre, Newport, Wales in front of a large partisan crowd.
The Larkhall, Scotland native Holtz is not a push over, in fact in the last 12 months he is the Scottish 9-Ball Champion, reached the last 16 in the World Pool Championship, Irish 9-Ball Masters Champion, three Scottish Tour wins, and semi-finalist at the 2007 World Pool Masters.
Valentine from Grangemouth, Scotland is a former UK pool winner. Both, Holtz and Valentine, who idolize Bata Reyes lost in the last year's edition against Holland (Niels Feijen and Nick van Den Berg) in round 1, 9-5.
If the Philippines wins in their first round assignment, they will face the survivor of Russia ((Konstantin Stepanov and Ruslan Chinakhov) versus Croatia ((Philipp Stojanovic and Ivica Putnik) tussle.
A total of 31 different countries will be represented in the scotch doubles, winner-break format.
There is a $250,000 prize fund, which will be split up as follows: Winners $60,000 for the pair, runner-up $30,000, semi-finalists $16,000, quarter-finalists $10,000, last 16 $5,000, first round losers $3,000.
Meanwhile, Taiwan fielded the tandem of Wu Chia-ching and Yang Ching-shun opposite Denmark headed by Lotfy Bahram and Kasper Kristoffersen.
United States will parade Rodney Morris and Corey Deuel opposite Malta's Tony Drago and Alex Borg.
In other matches saw, Italy (Fabio Petroni and Bruno Muratore) versus (Stephan Cohen and Vincent Facquet); China (Li He-wen and Fu Jian-bo) versus South Africa (Juan de Beer and Clinton Rossouw).
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
MARK MENDOZA WINS INAUGURAL RP JUNIOR POOL
Mark Aristotle Mendoza lift his cue stick after his triumph
(Left to Right) Sean Mark Malayan, Johann Chua, John Carlo Cerna, Mark Aristotle Mendoza, Senator Richard Gordon, Jordan Legaspi, Alvin Punzalan, Patrick Gonzales and Michael Angelo Mengorio
Photos: courtesy of Cuycuy Makabenta
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---MARK ARISTOTLE "MAC-MAC" MENDOZA won the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship late Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.
The 18-year-old Jolo, Mandaluyong City resident Mendoza, needed one and half hours to beat Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals to capture the top prize of P50,000. Recently, Mark Mendoza teamed up with Carlo Biado in the country's first-ever SMC Doubles 10-ball and settled for a runner-up finish late Friday at the Metro Walk in Pasig City,
Legaspi on the other hand, received the runner-up place of P25,000 for his effort in this tournament.
Mendoza joins outright seeded player Renemar "Revo" David to represent the country in the forthcoming 2007 World Junior Pool Championship on November 27 to 29 in Willington, Germany. The Barangay Botocan, Quezon City resident David, made it to the round-of-8 in the last year's World Junior Championships in Sydney, Australia.
The three-day Magnolia Health Tea and e-aji-dip snax sponsored event is open to all Males 19-years-old and below attracted 64 cue artists. This tournament is jointly organized by Raya Sports and Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) headed by its president Ernesto Fajardo and chairman Yen Makabenta.
After winning the opening lag, Mendoza took advantage of his powerful break to jump to an early lead in the race-to-11 finals using the winners break format.
"Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Poong Maykapal kasi natupad ang dasal ko po. S'yempre kasama na din nagbunga 'yung paghahanda ko dito," said the young and amiable Mendoza, whose play was inspired by the presence of his father Ferdinand Mendoza, who works as a registered Nurse in Libya.
No less than Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon, Raya Sports and Events president and BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta and BSCP president Ernesto Fajardo led the closing rites.
"Full support tayo sa mga ganitong event kasi itong mga kabataan ang pag-asa ng ating bayan. Sila ang future ng Philippine Billiard," said Senator Gordon, who promised to shoulder the round trip ticket of the two Filipino youth representatives in the 2007 World Junior Pool Championship on November 27-29 in Willington, Germany.
Mendoza's path the finals included wins over Kelvin Larcena, 9-3, Gino Villanueva, 9-4, before yielding to Alvin Punzalan, 9-5, but bounced back in contention by winning his match in the loser's side against Rennel Dugos, 9-6, Bennie Dayrit, 9-7, Patrick Gonzales, 9-7 and a rematch with Punzalan, 9-5, then toppled 2006 Philippine Olympic Festival silver medalist Johann Chua, 11-7, in the cross-over semi-final round.
Legaspi's roads to the finals came from wins over Jech Jech Limen, 9-5, Richard Alinsub, 9-5, before bowing to Romeo Silvano, 9-8, the bested Ken Escano, 9-5, Edison Dollente, 9-5, Arsenio Cenina,9-1, Michael Angelo Mengorio, 9-7, and John Carlo Cerna, 11-7, in other final four match.
Final pay outs: rankings (64 players)
Champion: Mark Aristotle Mendoza (P50,000)
2nd place: Jordan Legaspi (P25,000)
3rd place: John Carlo Cerna (P15,000)
4th place: Johann Chua (P7,500)
5th/6th place: Alvin Punzalan (P4,000) and Sean Mark Malayan (P4,000)
7th/8th place: Michael Angelo Mengorio (P2,000) and Patrick Gonzales (P2,000)
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Saturday, September 22, 2007
RP JR. POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS + RESULTS OF SMB SCOTCH DOUBLES 10-BALL
Standing (L-R)Johann Chua, Jomel Sultan, Patrick Gonzales, BSCP president Ernie Fajardo, Mario Aquino, Bennie Dayrit, Tournament Director Sol Gueco of Raya Sports
Sean Mark Malayan and youngest participant 11-year-old Hans Juris Pablo
MARK MENDOZA SHARES TOP HONORS IN RP JUNIOR POOL
MARK Aristotle "Mac-Mac" Mendoza clustered six consecutive racks to score a 9-4 come from behind victory over Gino Paulo Villano to join 15 cue artists in the winning column in the ongoing 64 man field first BSCP Philippine Junior Pool Championship yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.
The 18-year-old Mandaluyong City bet Mendoza earlier beat Kelvin Larcena, 9-3, in the opening round last Friday in this race-to-9, winners break, double elimination format, Magnolia Health Tea sponsored event and jointly organized by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) and Raya Sports where the winner will carry the country's colors in the 2007 World Pool Juniors Tournament in Willington, Germany on November 26-29.
Mendoza, who teamed up with Carlo Biado in the country's first-ever SMC Doubles 10-ball settled for a runner-up finish late Friday at the Metro Walk in Pasig City.
Other pool players in the winning column who already posted two consecutive wins last Friday that includes Jomel Sultan, Patrick Gonzales, Raymund Eborda, Johann Chua, Jordan Legaspi, Romeo Silvano, Sean Mark Malayan, Edison Dollene, Alvin Punzalan, Arsenio Cenina, Bennie Dayrit, Marvin Tapia, Michael Angelo Mengo, Kim Go and John Carlo Cerna.
Meanwhile, 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist Renemar David, Mike Takayama, Jonas Magpantay, Paul Arpilleda and Ken Escano bounced back in contention after beating their respective assignment in the one-loss side yesterday.
Tournament favorites Jech Jech Limen, Hadley Mariano and youngest participant 11-year-old Hans Juris Pablo ousted in this event losing to their respective rivals in the loser's brackets yesterday.
Limen bowed to Raymond Faraon, 9-5, Mariano yielded to Jireh Dugayo, 9-4, while Pablo lost to Wilfredo Tuazon, 9-6.
VALLE-MILLARES DUO WINS INAUGURAL SMC SCOTCH DOUBLES 10-BALL
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---GANDY VALLE and Jay Jay Millares claimed the inaugural San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-ball crown over the pairs of Carlo Biado and Mark Mendoza with a 13-10 victory in the final held in Metrowalk, Pasig City, yesterday (Friday).
The Bugsy Promotion ace Valle, ably supported by Millares, took the lead in the 15th frame (9-6) to claim the P140,000 top prize.
Biado and Mendoza settled for runner-up place finish to bring home P80,000.
"This is a very important tournament and, we are happy and very proud to win the first SMC Scotch Doubles 10-ball," said a delighted Davao City pride Valle, a member of Bugsy Promotion who teamed up with Millares, a habitué of the Escoda Billiard Hall in Manila.
"In the beginning of the match there was a lot of pressure on us, but when we went three games ahead it all lifted," added Valle, the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games gold medallist and SMB 9-Ball Tour Singapore leg winner in this three-day event (September 19, 20 and 21) sanctioned by the Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) headed by it's president Ernesto Fajardo.
The pairs of Valle and Millares beat Jech Jech Limen and Roberto Dy with an 11-1 victory Friday night, to gain the first finals berth. After the game was tied at 1 all in the 2nd frame, Valle and Millares never looked back after clustering 10 consecutive racks.
In another match, Biado and Mendoza scored a come from behind 11-10 win over former Southeast Asian Games medalist Victor Arpilleda and Fidel Punzalan. Infact the game was tied at 3 all before Arpilleda and Punzalan surged to a 7-4, 9-6 to 10-9 lead going to the final rack. However, Biado and Mendoza never gave up and rallied in the end game, taking the last two racks to nail the win 11-10 and arrange a titular showdown with Valle and Millares in the race-to-13 championships round.
Valle and Millare's road to the race-to-11, winner's break semi-finals came from wins over Ricky Zerna and Jun Talosig, 9-6, Ramil Gallego and Julie Falcon Guevarra, 9-4, and 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion Warren Kiamco and Rodrigo Geronimo, 9-5, while the tandem of Biado and Mendoza crushed Rene Cruz and Joroan Legaspi, 9-8, Russian Petiza and Conrado Pumikpik, 9-4, and Jomar de Ocampo and Jess Dacoro, 9-4.
Last Wednesday, the team up of current WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato Alcano and Alex Lumpay, 2007 SMB RP 9-Ball Champion Antonio Gabica and Rogelio Sotero Jr., and Japan 9-Ball Champion Antonio Lining and Art Palma were ousted in the single knock-out format.
On Thursday, 2004 Taiwan World 9-Ball Champion Alex Pagulayan and Jason Aperin and 2007 Oslo, Norway 9-Ball Champion Roberto Gomez and John Rebong followed the early exit of other favored pairs
Champion pairs: Gandy Valle and Jay Jay Millares (P140,000)
Runner-up pairs: Carlo Biado and Mark Mendoza (P80,000)
Losing Semi-finalists pairs: Jech Jech Limen and Roberto Dy (P40,000) and Victor Arpilleda and Fidel Punzalan (P40,000)
(Reports and Photos from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FILE PHOTO
Panfilo Damuag, Marlon Bernardino (sportswriter), Jech Jech Limen and Jomel Sultan pic courtesy of Ferdinand Arquerro
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
ALCANO'S TEAM OUSTED IN SMB SCOTCH DOUBLES 10-BALL
THE PAIR of Benje Guevarra and Eduardo Lim made the biggest upset yesterday at the start of the 32 man-team country's first-ever San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-balls at the Elbowroom in Metro Walk, Pasig City
Guevarra, third placer in the 1999 Bangkok Asian Snooker Championship teaming up with Lim ousted the tandem of current WPA 9-ball Champion and WPA 8-ball Champion Ronato Alcano and Alex Lumpay (9-5), in this race-to-9, winners break format, single knock-out system where the winning pair will take home the top prize of P140,000. This tournament is supported by San Miguel Corporation.
The runner-up here P80,000 while the losing semi-finalist pair will each receive P40,000.
"Dikitan 'yung laban sa una at sa bandang huli lamang kami (Eduardo Lim) nakalamang," Guevarra referring the 8-5 lead who will banner the country's Snooker event in the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games this December.
Guevarra and Lim will meet the survivor of Roberto Dy and Jech Jech Limen tussle against Joven Bustamante and Roberto Chung who are still playing as of presstime.
Also advancing in the second round were the team-up of Ramil Gallego and Julie "Falcon" Guevarra, Gandy Valle and Jay Jay Millares, and Godofredo Ducanes and Ernesto Sarmiento.
The duo's of Gallego and Guevarra crushed the pair of 2007 Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Enjoypool.com ruler Dennis Orcollo and Troy Danao (9-8) as well Valle and Millares nipped Ricky Zerna and Jun Talosig (9-6) and Ducanes and Sarmiento waylaid James Al Ortega and Jomel Sultan (9-5).
Actually, the game was tied at 8-all when Orcollo, the 28-year-old former fisherman in Bislig, Surigao del Sur failed to sink the No.6 ball in the last rack allowing the team of Gallego and Guevarra to clean up the table.
"Nag mintis si Dennis (Orcollo) sa No.6 ball at bumuka 'yung No.10 ball kaya naubos nina Bebeng (Gallego) at Falcon (Guevarra) ang bola," said rising Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) ace Danao, who is referring to his team mate Orcollo of Bugsy.
The three-day event was well attended and a total of 32 teams participated in the likes of 2004 World 9-Ball Champion Alex Pagulayan, Japan Open champion Antonio "Nickoy" Lining, and Antonio Gabica, who is fresh from winning the 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open last Sunday at the Silvercitymall in Pasig.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Guevarra, third placer in the 1999 Bangkok Asian Snooker Championship teaming up with Lim ousted the tandem of current WPA 9-ball Champion and WPA 8-ball Champion Ronato Alcano and Alex Lumpay (9-5), in this race-to-9, winners break format, single knock-out system where the winning pair will take home the top prize of P140,000. This tournament is supported by San Miguel Corporation.
The runner-up here P80,000 while the losing semi-finalist pair will each receive P40,000.
"Dikitan 'yung laban sa una at sa bandang huli lamang kami (Eduardo Lim) nakalamang," Guevarra referring the 8-5 lead who will banner the country's Snooker event in the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games this December.
Guevarra and Lim will meet the survivor of Roberto Dy and Jech Jech Limen tussle against Joven Bustamante and Roberto Chung who are still playing as of presstime.
Also advancing in the second round were the team-up of Ramil Gallego and Julie "Falcon" Guevarra, Gandy Valle and Jay Jay Millares, and Godofredo Ducanes and Ernesto Sarmiento.
The duo's of Gallego and Guevarra crushed the pair of 2007 Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Enjoypool.com ruler Dennis Orcollo and Troy Danao (9-8) as well Valle and Millares nipped Ricky Zerna and Jun Talosig (9-6) and Ducanes and Sarmiento waylaid James Al Ortega and Jomel Sultan (9-5).
Actually, the game was tied at 8-all when Orcollo, the 28-year-old former fisherman in Bislig, Surigao del Sur failed to sink the No.6 ball in the last rack allowing the team of Gallego and Guevarra to clean up the table.
"Nag mintis si Dennis (Orcollo) sa No.6 ball at bumuka 'yung No.10 ball kaya naubos nina Bebeng (Gallego) at Falcon (Guevarra) ang bola," said rising Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) ace Danao, who is referring to his team mate Orcollo of Bugsy.
The three-day event was well attended and a total of 32 teams participated in the likes of 2004 World 9-Ball Champion Alex Pagulayan, Japan Open champion Antonio "Nickoy" Lining, and Antonio Gabica, who is fresh from winning the 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open last Sunday at the Silvercitymall in Pasig.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
MATANDA NA BA SI BATA?
Dahil hindi man nakalagpas si Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes sa semi-finals ng nakaraang San Miguel Philippine 9-Ball Open, kailangan niya ngayon sagutin ang tanong, “Matanda na ba si Bata?”
Bakit ko naitanong ito? Napanood ba ninyo yung commercial ng San Miguel bago mag umpisa ang nasabing torneo, “Sino ang pinakamagaling na tirador?” si Bata ay nag mungkahi sa defending champion na si Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante, “Pare, ako naman.” Para bang nakikiusap, na siya naman ang pagbigyan ng pagkakataong magwagi sa gaganaping patimpalak. Alam natin na wala sa kamay ni Django ang kapangyarihang ibigay ang kahilingan ni Bata. Sa katunayan nga ay, hindi rin umabot sa finals si Django – tulad ni Bata, tinalo din siya ng mas nakababatang manlalaro.
Sa semi-finals na laro ni Bata at Antonio ‘Gaga’ Gabica, naghahabol si Bata dahil isang frame nalang ay panalo na si Gaga. Akalain niyong sumablay pa si Bata sa nuebe! Hindi ko maubos isipin na mangyari yon kay Bata. Malinaw na hindi na niya taglay yung "apoy," yung pagnanasang patunayan sa buong mundo na siya pa rin ang “The Magician” siya yung iniidolo ng madla, siya ang pinakamagaling na tirador.
Dahil hindi niya naipasok yung nuebe, si Gaga ang nagpatuloy sa finals kung saan naman niya tinalo si Ronnie Alcano.
Isa pa, di ba si Bata din yung endorser ng America Eye Optical sa kanilang commercial, “Focus by Efren Bata Reyes.” 54 na taong gulang na si Bata. At hindi na lihim na siyay nagpa-laser eye surgery para luminaw ang kanyang mga mata at hindi mangailangan magsuot ng salamin. Ngunit ang pinakita ni Bata ay tila yung kabaligtaran – siya’y nawalan ng focus sa kanyang huling tira sa nuebe – sablay talo!
Laos na ba si Bata? Para na ba siyang si ’Amang’ na pang small-time tournament nalang? Nagiba na ba ang mga tinaguriang “Pinaka magaling na tirador ng bayan?”
Bakit ko naitanong ito? Napanood ba ninyo yung commercial ng San Miguel bago mag umpisa ang nasabing torneo, “Sino ang pinakamagaling na tirador?” si Bata ay nag mungkahi sa defending champion na si Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante, “Pare, ako naman.” Para bang nakikiusap, na siya naman ang pagbigyan ng pagkakataong magwagi sa gaganaping patimpalak. Alam natin na wala sa kamay ni Django ang kapangyarihang ibigay ang kahilingan ni Bata. Sa katunayan nga ay, hindi rin umabot sa finals si Django – tulad ni Bata, tinalo din siya ng mas nakababatang manlalaro.
Sa semi-finals na laro ni Bata at Antonio ‘Gaga’ Gabica, naghahabol si Bata dahil isang frame nalang ay panalo na si Gaga. Akalain niyong sumablay pa si Bata sa nuebe! Hindi ko maubos isipin na mangyari yon kay Bata. Malinaw na hindi na niya taglay yung "apoy," yung pagnanasang patunayan sa buong mundo na siya pa rin ang “The Magician” siya yung iniidolo ng madla, siya ang pinakamagaling na tirador.
Dahil hindi niya naipasok yung nuebe, si Gaga ang nagpatuloy sa finals kung saan naman niya tinalo si Ronnie Alcano.
Isa pa, di ba si Bata din yung endorser ng America Eye Optical sa kanilang commercial, “Focus by Efren Bata Reyes.” 54 na taong gulang na si Bata. At hindi na lihim na siyay nagpa-laser eye surgery para luminaw ang kanyang mga mata at hindi mangailangan magsuot ng salamin. Ngunit ang pinakita ni Bata ay tila yung kabaligtaran – siya’y nawalan ng focus sa kanyang huling tira sa nuebe – sablay talo!
Laos na ba si Bata? Para na ba siyang si ’Amang’ na pang small-time tournament nalang? Nagiba na ba ang mga tinaguriang “Pinaka magaling na tirador ng bayan?”
Monday, September 17, 2007
ALL SET FOR SAN MIGUEL SCOTCH DOUBLES 10-BALL
ANTONIO "GA-GA" GABICA, and current WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano will resume their winning ways when the country's first ever San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-balls event gets underway September 19, 20 and 21 at the Elbowroom/ Metro Walk in Pasig City.
"Sana magpatuloy-tuloy ang suwerte natin simula bukas sa SMC Scotch Doubles 10-Balls at sa mga susunod pang laro natin," said the 35-year-old Gabica.
Gabica and Alcano, both members of Bugsy Promotion who garnered a 1-2 finish in the 32 man-field 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open was held at the Silvercity Mall, over the weekend to pocket the top two prizes of P500,000 and P250,000, respectively.
Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu ousted pool maestro Efren "Bata"Reyes (13-10) in the cross-over semi-final round while team mate Alcano, who hails from Calamba City, Laguna edged former two-time champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante (13-12) in another final four match to dispute the title which Gabica won over Alcano (15-9).
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo lauded the country's first-ever Scotch Doubles 10-balls, a three-day event which is bankrolled by San Miguel Corporation where the winning pair will take home the top prize of P140,000.
"Magandang pagkakataon itong 10-ball event sa local player natin na mahasa ang kanilang dunong sa event na ito. May RP 10-ball Open kasi tayo sa taong ito at next year naman ang inagurasyon ng World 10-ball sa ating bansa," Fajardo added.
Their opening rivals and team mate will be known today after the special drawing of lots at 10:00 am, according to tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo.
"Para maging patas ang laban ay hihiwalay natin ang top player sa mga sumisibol na player. Bali ang bubunot sa draw ay ang mga rising player at d'un pa lamang natin malalaman kung sino ang mag ka team mate. Hindi kasi p'wede magkatambal ang parehong magagaling na manlalaro baka wala ng sumali sa event natin," said tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo.
For more details and future events, please contact tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo at (0915) 700-8000, Gandy Valle (0916) 958-9897 and Jharome Pena at (0918) 394-2779 for complete details.
Other notable Filipino pool sharks invited to participate are 2007 BSCP National Pool Champion Lee Vann Corteza, 2007 Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Enjoypool.com champion Dennis Orcollo, 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball and 8-Ball Champion Warren Kiamco, 2007 Oslo, Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-Ball Champion Roberto Gomez, 2007 Korea Pro Tour 9-Ball Champion Joven Bustamante, 2006 Kuwait 9-Ball Champion Jundel Mazon and 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist Renemar David, among others.
National women's members Rubilen Amit, Irish Rañola and Mary-Ann Basas have also signified their intention to play according to national women's head coach Edgard "Boyet" Asonto.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
"Sana magpatuloy-tuloy ang suwerte natin simula bukas sa SMC Scotch Doubles 10-Balls at sa mga susunod pang laro natin," said the 35-year-old Gabica.
Gabica and Alcano, both members of Bugsy Promotion who garnered a 1-2 finish in the 32 man-field 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open was held at the Silvercity Mall, over the weekend to pocket the top two prizes of P500,000 and P250,000, respectively.
Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu ousted pool maestro Efren "Bata"Reyes (13-10) in the cross-over semi-final round while team mate Alcano, who hails from Calamba City, Laguna edged former two-time champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante (13-12) in another final four match to dispute the title which Gabica won over Alcano (15-9).
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo lauded the country's first-ever Scotch Doubles 10-balls, a three-day event which is bankrolled by San Miguel Corporation where the winning pair will take home the top prize of P140,000.
"Magandang pagkakataon itong 10-ball event sa local player natin na mahasa ang kanilang dunong sa event na ito. May RP 10-ball Open kasi tayo sa taong ito at next year naman ang inagurasyon ng World 10-ball sa ating bansa," Fajardo added.
Their opening rivals and team mate will be known today after the special drawing of lots at 10:00 am, according to tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo.
"Para maging patas ang laban ay hihiwalay natin ang top player sa mga sumisibol na player. Bali ang bubunot sa draw ay ang mga rising player at d'un pa lamang natin malalaman kung sino ang mag ka team mate. Hindi kasi p'wede magkatambal ang parehong magagaling na manlalaro baka wala ng sumali sa event natin," said tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo.
For more details and future events, please contact tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo at (0915) 700-8000, Gandy Valle (0916) 958-9897 and Jharome Pena at (0918) 394-2779 for complete details.
Other notable Filipino pool sharks invited to participate are 2007 BSCP National Pool Champion Lee Vann Corteza, 2007 Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Enjoypool.com champion Dennis Orcollo, 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball and 8-Ball Champion Warren Kiamco, 2007 Oslo, Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-Ball Champion Roberto Gomez, 2007 Korea Pro Tour 9-Ball Champion Joven Bustamante, 2006 Kuwait 9-Ball Champion Jundel Mazon and 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist Renemar David, among others.
National women's members Rubilen Amit, Irish Rañola and Mary-Ann Basas have also signified their intention to play according to national women's head coach Edgard "Boyet" Asonto.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
GABICA IS PHIL 9-BALL OPEN CHAMP
GABICA SET SIGHTS ON WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP CROWN AFTER WINNING HIS SECOND SMB RP 9-BALL OPEN
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Today the Philippines, tomorrow the world. Antonio "Ga'Ga" Gabica, the country's most underrated player wants to conquer them all.
The power-breaking cue artist showed the form that he can win again the title that he won three years ago by beating fellow Bugsy stablemate current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano (15-9) in the finals on his way to a second San Miguel Beer Philippine 9-Ball Open crown late Sunday at the Decagon Hall in Silvercity Mall, Julia Vargas Avenue in Ortigas Center enroute the top purse of P500,000.
Two balls on the break in the final rack then sank the yellow no.1 ball using a tough bank shot then followed a 2-9 combination for the 15-9 victory.
Local benefactor/businessman Perry Mariano had something to say to his ward, "Ngayon alam na siguro ng mga tao bakit ko palaging sinasabi na si Ga-Ga (Antonio Gabica) is the most underrated player today."
Gabica's road to the race-to-15, alternate break finals came from wins over 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy "Sapsal" Valle (9-7), Alcano (9-3), 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo (9-8), before losing to two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante (9-7) in the fourth match of winner's brackets on Saturday then beat Carlo "Cool" Biado (9-6) in the loser's brackets then toppled pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes (13-10) in the cross-over semi-final round Sunday afternoon before beating Alcano (15-9).
Alcano, on the other hand beat Eduardo Saracho (9-3) in the opener before yielding to Gabica (9-3) then dominated the loser' brackets by trouncing 2004 World 9-Ball Champion Alex Pagulayan (9-6), Russian Petiza (9-7), Warren Kiamco (9-7), current national open title-holder Lee Vann Corteza (9-6), and Panfilo Damuag (9-6) then ousted Bustamante (13-12) in the cross-over semis before bowing to Gabica.
In the 2004 inauguration leg of RP 9-Ball Open, Gabica beat Orcollo (17-6) in the finals plus obtaining a world record 11 consecutive racks beating the 10 straight racks of former world 9-ball champion American Earl "The Pearl" Strickland.
It was Gabica's first major title this year after two runner-up place finishes here and abroad.
Last March 2-4, the 35-year-old Lapu-Lapu City ace Gabica settled for a runner-up place behind eventual winner compatriot Warren "Warrior" Kiamco in the 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Championships in Sands Regency Hotel in Reno, Nevada and contented another second place finish in the 2007 Cebu 9-Ball Open Challenge last July which won by 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan was held at the SM Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City.
But Gabica is still one hungry soul. "Maganda kung World 9-Ball Championship ang mapanalunan natin pero ok na din kasi halos kumpleto lahat dito kasi ng pinalad na nag champion tayo noong 2004 ay hindi kasali si ninong Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante)," Gabica said after the match who failed to advance in the main draw in the last year's edition of WPC here in Manila.
"Pero kailangan ko munang dumaan sa qualifying round kasi hindi naman tayo seeded sa main draw ng WPC," Gabica added, who bagged the gold medal in the 9-ball competition and settled silver in the 8-ball competition in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.
The world championship of 9-ball will be staged again for the second consecutive year in the country organized by Yen Makabenta's Raya Sports group on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
"Magandang warm-up event na din ang Philippine Ball Open bago mag WPC qualifying event," He also needed to warm up before frustrating Alcano in the finals of the double elimination P1.3-million tournament organized by Solar Sports in close cooperation with Puyat Sports and supported by San Miguel Beer.
Gabica dominated the entire game that lasted almost three hours grueling battles against Alcano from taking a 3-0 commanding lead to 4-2, 6-4 and 7-6 in this race-to-15, alternate break format.
Break and run of Gabica in the 18th racks took him two racks advantage (10-8) and a 3rd dry break of Alcano in the 19 th racks seized the former (Gabica) an 11-8 lead before 12-8 lead after Gabica's fourth break and run-out in the 20th racks.
A second golden break of Gabica in the 22nd racks put him a formidable 13-9 lead, and Alcano's fourth dry break in the 23 rd racks led Gabica to reach the hill (14-9).
Two balls on the break in the final rack then sank the yellow no.1 ball using a tough bank shot then followed a 2-9 combination for the 15-9 victory.
Before taking on the rest of the world, Gabica will first test the local field when the country's first ever San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-ball event gets underway on September 19, 20 and 21 at the Elbowroom/ Metro Walk in Pasig City.
He is also schedule to compete in the 32nd Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball on October 14 - October 20 at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia then fly back home for the P2 million total pot prize of first ever Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open on Oct. 24 to 27 at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City with the winner taking away the whopping top prize money of P1 million.
Final Pay-outs: (32-players field)
Champion: Antonio Gabica (P500,000)
Runner-up: Ronato Alcano (P250,000)
Losing Semi-Finalists: Francisco Bustamante and Efren Reyes (P100,000 each)
Past Champions:
2004 Antonio Gabica
2005 Francisco Bustamante
2006 Francisco Bustamante
2007 Antonio Gabica
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Today the Philippines, tomorrow the world. Antonio "Ga'Ga" Gabica, the country's most underrated player wants to conquer them all.
The power-breaking cue artist showed the form that he can win again the title that he won three years ago by beating fellow Bugsy stablemate current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano (15-9) in the finals on his way to a second San Miguel Beer Philippine 9-Ball Open crown late Sunday at the Decagon Hall in Silvercity Mall, Julia Vargas Avenue in Ortigas Center enroute the top purse of P500,000.
Two balls on the break in the final rack then sank the yellow no.1 ball using a tough bank shot then followed a 2-9 combination for the 15-9 victory.
Local benefactor/businessman Perry Mariano had something to say to his ward, "Ngayon alam na siguro ng mga tao bakit ko palaging sinasabi na si Ga-Ga (Antonio Gabica) is the most underrated player today."
Gabica's road to the race-to-15, alternate break finals came from wins over 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy "Sapsal" Valle (9-7), Alcano (9-3), 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo (9-8), before losing to two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante (9-7) in the fourth match of winner's brackets on Saturday then beat Carlo "Cool" Biado (9-6) in the loser's brackets then toppled pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes (13-10) in the cross-over semi-final round Sunday afternoon before beating Alcano (15-9).
Alcano, on the other hand beat Eduardo Saracho (9-3) in the opener before yielding to Gabica (9-3) then dominated the loser' brackets by trouncing 2004 World 9-Ball Champion Alex Pagulayan (9-6), Russian Petiza (9-7), Warren Kiamco (9-7), current national open title-holder Lee Vann Corteza (9-6), and Panfilo Damuag (9-6) then ousted Bustamante (13-12) in the cross-over semis before bowing to Gabica.
In the 2004 inauguration leg of RP 9-Ball Open, Gabica beat Orcollo (17-6) in the finals plus obtaining a world record 11 consecutive racks beating the 10 straight racks of former world 9-ball champion American Earl "The Pearl" Strickland.
It was Gabica's first major title this year after two runner-up place finishes here and abroad.
Last March 2-4, the 35-year-old Lapu-Lapu City ace Gabica settled for a runner-up place behind eventual winner compatriot Warren "Warrior" Kiamco in the 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Championships in Sands Regency Hotel in Reno, Nevada and contented another second place finish in the 2007 Cebu 9-Ball Open Challenge last July which won by 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan was held at the SM Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City.
But Gabica is still one hungry soul. "Maganda kung World 9-Ball Championship ang mapanalunan natin pero ok na din kasi halos kumpleto lahat dito kasi ng pinalad na nag champion tayo noong 2004 ay hindi kasali si ninong Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante)," Gabica said after the match who failed to advance in the main draw in the last year's edition of WPC here in Manila.
"Pero kailangan ko munang dumaan sa qualifying round kasi hindi naman tayo seeded sa main draw ng WPC," Gabica added, who bagged the gold medal in the 9-ball competition and settled silver in the 8-ball competition in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.
The world championship of 9-ball will be staged again for the second consecutive year in the country organized by Yen Makabenta's Raya Sports group on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
"Magandang warm-up event na din ang Philippine Ball Open bago mag WPC qualifying event," He also needed to warm up before frustrating Alcano in the finals of the double elimination P1.3-million tournament organized by Solar Sports in close cooperation with Puyat Sports and supported by San Miguel Beer.
Gabica dominated the entire game that lasted almost three hours grueling battles against Alcano from taking a 3-0 commanding lead to 4-2, 6-4 and 7-6 in this race-to-15, alternate break format.
Break and run of Gabica in the 18th racks took him two racks advantage (10-8) and a 3rd dry break of Alcano in the 19 th racks seized the former (Gabica) an 11-8 lead before 12-8 lead after Gabica's fourth break and run-out in the 20th racks.
A second golden break of Gabica in the 22nd racks put him a formidable 13-9 lead, and Alcano's fourth dry break in the 23 rd racks led Gabica to reach the hill (14-9).
Two balls on the break in the final rack then sank the yellow no.1 ball using a tough bank shot then followed a 2-9 combination for the 15-9 victory.
Before taking on the rest of the world, Gabica will first test the local field when the country's first ever San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-ball event gets underway on September 19, 20 and 21 at the Elbowroom/ Metro Walk in Pasig City.
He is also schedule to compete in the 32nd Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball on October 14 - October 20 at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia then fly back home for the P2 million total pot prize of first ever Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open on Oct. 24 to 27 at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City with the winner taking away the whopping top prize money of P1 million.
Final Pay-outs: (32-players field)
Champion: Antonio Gabica (P500,000)
Runner-up: Ronato Alcano (P250,000)
Losing Semi-Finalists: Francisco Bustamante and Efren Reyes (P100,000 each)
Past Champions:
2004 Antonio Gabica
2005 Francisco Bustamante
2006 Francisco Bustamante
2007 Antonio Gabica
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARDS
Out with the old, in with the new. That's what happened in the just concluded Philippine 9-Ball Open, where we saw two veterans of Philippine Billiards namely Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante fail to get past the the semi-finals - both bowing to much younger opponents.
The 53 year old Efren Reyes clearly showed his age committing several unforced errors, even missing the crucial 9-ball in his last frame that automatically handed the match to the 35 year old Antonio Gabica - who went on to win the finals, beating Ronnie Alcano.
In the other semi-final match, 44 year old Francisco Bustamante lost to the 34 year old Ronnie Alcano in a thrilling finish that saw the game go "hill-hill" (12-all) in this race to 13 semi finals match. Unlike Reyes however, Bustamante showed more spunk and may have attributed his loss to "the breaks of the game." At any rate, the trend continued where the two-time defending Champion of this tournament, was eliminated by a younger player.
Could Reyes and Bustamante be going the way of Jose Parica - who, at his advanced age still manages to win US pool tournaments - but remains an insignificant force in world class tournaments?
Are we witnessing the change in the landscape of Philippine billiards?
The 53 year old Efren Reyes clearly showed his age committing several unforced errors, even missing the crucial 9-ball in his last frame that automatically handed the match to the 35 year old Antonio Gabica - who went on to win the finals, beating Ronnie Alcano.
In the other semi-final match, 44 year old Francisco Bustamante lost to the 34 year old Ronnie Alcano in a thrilling finish that saw the game go "hill-hill" (12-all) in this race to 13 semi finals match. Unlike Reyes however, Bustamante showed more spunk and may have attributed his loss to "the breaks of the game." At any rate, the trend continued where the two-time defending Champion of this tournament, was eliminated by a younger player.
Could Reyes and Bustamante be going the way of Jose Parica - who, at his advanced age still manages to win US pool tournaments - but remains an insignificant force in world class tournaments?
Are we witnessing the change in the landscape of Philippine billiards?
GABICA RIPS BATA, GAINS SMB RP 9-BALL OPEN FINALS
ANTONIO "GAGA"GABICA, the country's most underrated pool player today defeated pool legend Efren "Bata" Reyes (13-10), to book the first finals seat in the 4th annual San Miguel Beer (SMB) Philippine Open 9-ball Championship.
The 35-year-old Gabica, member of Bugsy Promotion won the opening lag and surged to a 4-2 lead to take the fight out of Reyes.
"Suwerte lamang kasi bagama't may mga error tayo ay may error din si Ninong (Efren Reyes)" said the 2004 inauguration champ Gabica after the match referring to Reyes,God Father in his wedding to his wife Jean Gabica.
Perry Mariano, local pool benefactor lauded Gabica's impressive showing to top the seeded Reyes. "Ga-Ga (Gabica) is the most underrated player today."
Gabica, the 2007 Cebu 9-ball Challenge runner-up who bagged the 9-ball gold and 8-ball silver medals in the last year's ASIAD in Doha will face the winner of the match between two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante and current double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano who are still playing as of press time.
After the game was tied at 6 all, Gabica clustered three consecutive racks to take a 9-6 commanding lead after Reyes missed a tough 8-ball shot in the 15th racks.
Reyes cut the lead at 9-7 after a run-out in the 16th rack but Gabica scored two of the three racks for his fifth break and run to move a comfortable 10-8 lead.
In the 21st rack, Reyes made a 1-7 combo that sank the yellow no.1 ball but suffered another scratch in the blue no.2 ball that lead Gabica on the hill (12-9).
Reyes, the acknowledge "The Magician" in pool world won the 22nd racks to close the match at 12-10, however, Reyes missed another tough 9-ball shot in the 23rd rack to give Gabica a 13-10 victory.
Gabica assured already a Php250,000 for reaching the finals while Reyes had to settle for Php100,000 - guaranteed to each losing semi-finalists.
Gabica's road to the race-to-15, alternate break finals schedule late Sunday came from wins over 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy "Sapsal" Valle (9-7), Alcano (9-3), 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo (9-8), before losing to Bustamante (9-7) in the fourth match of winner's brackets on Saturday. He then beat Carlo "Cool" Biado (9-6) in the loser's brackets to advance in the cross-over semi-final round where he beat Reyes.
Alcano, on the other hand beat Damuag (9-6) to gain the last semi-final berth on Saturday in the one-loss column.
Meanwhile, it was a heart breaking loss to the unbeaten Reyes, who earlier beat Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva (9-2), Biado (9-5), 2007 US Bar Table 9-ball and 8-ball champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco (9-7), giant killer Panfilo "Abu Lintok" Damuag (9-6), before suffering his only loss to Gabica but was ousted in this event using the single knock-out system in the cross-over semis.
Aside from Reyes, Bustamante is also the other undefeated player in this 32-man field before the semi-final round yesterday. His wins came from over Danny Otacan (9-1), Rene "Bata" Cruz (9-6), Jundel "Jano" Mazon (9-6), before downing Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Aside from Reyes, other big guns was out in the title race were Kiamco, Orcollo, 2004 Taiwan World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, 2005 Taiwan World 9-ball third placer Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, reigning national open champion and all Japan ruler Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and last year's runner-up Leonardo "Dodong" Didal, who tasted their second straight loss on Saturday.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
The 35-year-old Gabica, member of Bugsy Promotion won the opening lag and surged to a 4-2 lead to take the fight out of Reyes.
"Suwerte lamang kasi bagama't may mga error tayo ay may error din si Ninong (Efren Reyes)" said the 2004 inauguration champ Gabica after the match referring to Reyes,God Father in his wedding to his wife Jean Gabica.
Perry Mariano, local pool benefactor lauded Gabica's impressive showing to top the seeded Reyes. "Ga-Ga (Gabica) is the most underrated player today."
Gabica, the 2007 Cebu 9-ball Challenge runner-up who bagged the 9-ball gold and 8-ball silver medals in the last year's ASIAD in Doha will face the winner of the match between two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante and current double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano who are still playing as of press time.
After the game was tied at 6 all, Gabica clustered three consecutive racks to take a 9-6 commanding lead after Reyes missed a tough 8-ball shot in the 15th racks.
Reyes cut the lead at 9-7 after a run-out in the 16th rack but Gabica scored two of the three racks for his fifth break and run to move a comfortable 10-8 lead.
In the 21st rack, Reyes made a 1-7 combo that sank the yellow no.1 ball but suffered another scratch in the blue no.2 ball that lead Gabica on the hill (12-9).
Reyes, the acknowledge "The Magician" in pool world won the 22nd racks to close the match at 12-10, however, Reyes missed another tough 9-ball shot in the 23rd rack to give Gabica a 13-10 victory.
Gabica assured already a Php250,000 for reaching the finals while Reyes had to settle for Php100,000 - guaranteed to each losing semi-finalists.
Gabica's road to the race-to-15, alternate break finals schedule late Sunday came from wins over 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy "Sapsal" Valle (9-7), Alcano (9-3), 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo (9-8), before losing to Bustamante (9-7) in the fourth match of winner's brackets on Saturday. He then beat Carlo "Cool" Biado (9-6) in the loser's brackets to advance in the cross-over semi-final round where he beat Reyes.
Alcano, on the other hand beat Damuag (9-6) to gain the last semi-final berth on Saturday in the one-loss column.
Meanwhile, it was a heart breaking loss to the unbeaten Reyes, who earlier beat Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva (9-2), Biado (9-5), 2007 US Bar Table 9-ball and 8-ball champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco (9-7), giant killer Panfilo "Abu Lintok" Damuag (9-6), before suffering his only loss to Gabica but was ousted in this event using the single knock-out system in the cross-over semis.
Aside from Reyes, Bustamante is also the other undefeated player in this 32-man field before the semi-final round yesterday. His wins came from over Danny Otacan (9-1), Rene "Bata" Cruz (9-6), Jundel "Jano" Mazon (9-6), before downing Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Aside from Reyes, other big guns was out in the title race were Kiamco, Orcollo, 2004 Taiwan World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, 2005 Taiwan World 9-ball third placer Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, reigning national open champion and all Japan ruler Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and last year's runner-up Leonardo "Dodong" Didal, who tasted their second straight loss on Saturday.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
BATA, DJANGO ADVANCE TO SEMIS IN SMB RP 9-BALL OPEN
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---POOL MAESTRO Efren "Bata" Reyes and reigning two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante have secured slots in the semifinals of the 4th annual San Miguel Beer (SMB) Philippine Open 9-ball Championship.
Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World 9-ball champion beat giant killer Panfilo "Abu Linkok" Damuag (9-6), while fellow Puyat Sport stablemate Bustamante, the 2002 Cardiff World 9-ball runner-up trounced 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica (9-7).
Reyes and Bustamante, the top two prize fighter of RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat are the only undefeated players in this 32 man field.
Reyes's road to the final four came from wins over Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva (9-2), Biado (9-5),Warren "Warrior" Kiamco (9-7), before beating the 30-year-old Damuag, playing under the banner of rising Negros Billiard Stable (NBS. While Bustamante's road to the semis came from wins over Danny Otacan (9-1), Rene "Bata" Cruz (9-6), Jundel "Jano" Mazon (9-6), before downing the 35-year-old Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Reyes, also known as "The Magician" in pool world set up final four clash with Gabica, who brought down Biado (9-6) in the loser's brackets while Bustamante, the 2007 UPA Pro Tour 9-ball winner will face current double world champion Ronato "Volcano"Alcano, winner over Damuag (9-6) in the other one-loss side matches.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World 9-ball champion beat giant killer Panfilo "Abu Linkok" Damuag (9-6), while fellow Puyat Sport stablemate Bustamante, the 2002 Cardiff World 9-ball runner-up trounced 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica (9-7).
Reyes and Bustamante, the top two prize fighter of RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat are the only undefeated players in this 32 man field.
Reyes's road to the final four came from wins over Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva (9-2), Biado (9-5),Warren "Warrior" Kiamco (9-7), before beating the 30-year-old Damuag, playing under the banner of rising Negros Billiard Stable (NBS. While Bustamante's road to the semis came from wins over Danny Otacan (9-1), Rene "Bata" Cruz (9-6), Jundel "Jano" Mazon (9-6), before downing the 35-year-old Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Reyes, also known as "The Magician" in pool world set up final four clash with Gabica, who brought down Biado (9-6) in the loser's brackets while Bustamante, the 2007 UPA Pro Tour 9-ball winner will face current double world champion Ronato "Volcano"Alcano, winner over Damuag (9-6) in the other one-loss side matches.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
DAMUAG BEATS PAGULAYAN AND PENA IN SMB 9-BALL
JOINS BATA AND DJANGO IN THE WINNERS COLUMN
UNHERALDED Panfilo "Abu Linkok" Damuag posted back to back wins to join tournament favorites two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Efren "Bata" Reyes in the winners column along with five others in the ongoing 4th annual San Miguel Beer (SMB) Philippine Open 9-ball Championship at the Decagon Hall in Silvercity Mall, Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center beside Alchemy and behind SM Shoemart and Tiendesitas near C5 over the weekend.
The 30-year-old Damuag, playing under the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) stunned 2004 Taiwan World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (9-6) and 2007 Oslo, Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome Peña (9-4), respectively to set up a third clash with last year's runner-up Leonardo "Dodong" Didal, who defeated youthful Jech-Jech Limen (9-5) and Michael "Fighter Laguna" Feliciano (9-4).
The Bacolod City based Damuag who hails from Norala, South Cotabato rallied from a 2-6 deficit in the opening match against Pagulayan, the winningest pool player in the 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games, clustered seven straight racks for a 9-6 victory in the Php1.3-million tournament organized by Solar Sports in close cooperation with Puyat Sports where Php500,000 goes to the champion. The race-to-11 semi-finals will be aired today, Sunday at 12:00 noon live on Solar Sports in this event also supported by Philippine Billiards God Father Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
" Nakalamang agad si Alex (Pagulayan) ng 6-2 sa akin pero hindi ako nasiraan ng loob at sa pagtitiyaga ay naka pitong run-out po ako sa alternate break para sa 9-6 victory," said Damuag in his game against Pagulayan - the 2005 US Open 9-ball champion and 2006 BSCP National Pool Championships winner.
In his game against Peña, Damuag, who made it to the round-of-16 in the 2006 Bali, Indonesia surged to a 5-2 commanding lead before nailing a 9-5 triumph.
" Iba naman ang nangyari kay Jharome (Peña), ako naman po ang mapalad na nakalamang sa laro at napanatili natin hanggang sa huli," added Damuag, also the 2004 Sagay Festival 9-Ball Champion and 2004 San Carlos City 9-Ball Champion.
NBS coach/manager Christopher Palses, watching in the sideline along with NBS president Jonathan Sy lauded Damuag's impressive wins.
"May future sa bilyar si Abu (Damuag) kailangan lamang niya ng break at motivation kaya full support kami ni (NBS president) Boss Jo (Jonathan Sy)," said Palses.
Bustamante, on the other hand nipped Danny Otacan (9-1) and Rene "Bata" Cruz (9-6) to face 2006 Kuwait 9-ball Open champion Jundel "Jano" Mazon, winner over Jose "Amang" Parica (9-3) and reigning national open champion Lee Vann Corteza (9-8), in that order.
Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World 9-ball champion crushed Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva (9-2) and Carlo Biado (9-5) to meet 2007 US Bar Table 9-ball champion and 8-ball champion Warren Kiamco, who beat Jeffrey de Luna (9-8) and JayJay Millares (9-3).
2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball kingpin Dennis Orcollo and 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio Gabica hurdled their respective assignment to meet in the third round.
Orcollo, the 28-year-old former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur trounced Elmer Kalaquian (9-4) and Russian Petiza (9-7) while the 35-year-old Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu clobbered 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy Valle (9-7) and double world champion Ronato Alcano (9-3).
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
UNHERALDED Panfilo "Abu Linkok" Damuag posted back to back wins to join tournament favorites two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Efren "Bata" Reyes in the winners column along with five others in the ongoing 4th annual San Miguel Beer (SMB) Philippine Open 9-ball Championship at the Decagon Hall in Silvercity Mall, Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center beside Alchemy and behind SM Shoemart and Tiendesitas near C5 over the weekend.
The 30-year-old Damuag, playing under the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) stunned 2004 Taiwan World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (9-6) and 2007 Oslo, Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome Peña (9-4), respectively to set up a third clash with last year's runner-up Leonardo "Dodong" Didal, who defeated youthful Jech-Jech Limen (9-5) and Michael "Fighter Laguna" Feliciano (9-4).
The Bacolod City based Damuag who hails from Norala, South Cotabato rallied from a 2-6 deficit in the opening match against Pagulayan, the winningest pool player in the 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games, clustered seven straight racks for a 9-6 victory in the Php1.3-million tournament organized by Solar Sports in close cooperation with Puyat Sports where Php500,000 goes to the champion. The race-to-11 semi-finals will be aired today, Sunday at 12:00 noon live on Solar Sports in this event also supported by Philippine Billiards God Father Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
" Nakalamang agad si Alex (Pagulayan) ng 6-2 sa akin pero hindi ako nasiraan ng loob at sa pagtitiyaga ay naka pitong run-out po ako sa alternate break para sa 9-6 victory," said Damuag in his game against Pagulayan - the 2005 US Open 9-ball champion and 2006 BSCP National Pool Championships winner.
In his game against Peña, Damuag, who made it to the round-of-16 in the 2006 Bali, Indonesia surged to a 5-2 commanding lead before nailing a 9-5 triumph.
" Iba naman ang nangyari kay Jharome (Peña), ako naman po ang mapalad na nakalamang sa laro at napanatili natin hanggang sa huli," added Damuag, also the 2004 Sagay Festival 9-Ball Champion and 2004 San Carlos City 9-Ball Champion.
NBS coach/manager Christopher Palses, watching in the sideline along with NBS president Jonathan Sy lauded Damuag's impressive wins.
"May future sa bilyar si Abu (Damuag) kailangan lamang niya ng break at motivation kaya full support kami ni (NBS president) Boss Jo (Jonathan Sy)," said Palses.
Bustamante, on the other hand nipped Danny Otacan (9-1) and Rene "Bata" Cruz (9-6) to face 2006 Kuwait 9-ball Open champion Jundel "Jano" Mazon, winner over Jose "Amang" Parica (9-3) and reigning national open champion Lee Vann Corteza (9-8), in that order.
Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World 9-ball champion crushed Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva (9-2) and Carlo Biado (9-5) to meet 2007 US Bar Table 9-ball champion and 8-ball champion Warren Kiamco, who beat Jeffrey de Luna (9-8) and JayJay Millares (9-3).
2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball kingpin Dennis Orcollo and 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio Gabica hurdled their respective assignment to meet in the third round.
Orcollo, the 28-year-old former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur trounced Elmer Kalaquian (9-4) and Russian Petiza (9-7) while the 35-year-old Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu clobbered 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy Valle (9-7) and double world champion Ronato Alcano (9-3).
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Friday, September 14, 2007
CORTEZA SHINES AS MAZON UPSET PARICA IN ON-GOING SMB 9-BALL
REIGNING national open champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza hit a 3-9 combination in the last rack to beat 2007 Oslo, Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball champion Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 9-5, in the first TV match yesterday at the start of the 4th annual San Miguel Beer (SMB) Philippine Open 9-ball Championship at the Decagon Hall in Silvercity Mall, Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center beside Alchemy and behind SM Shoemart and Tiendesitas near C5.
The 28-year-old Corteza, of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) lead early in the match before the 28-year-old Gomez tied the match at 5 all in the 10th frame. Infact, Gomez, who hails from Divisoria, Zamboanga City had a chance to take a 6-5 lead but suffered a scratch in the orange No.5 ball allowing the Mintal, Davao City native Corteza to move ahead by one rack after winning the 11th frame in the Php1.3-million tournament organized by Solar Sports in close cooperation with Puyat Sports.
Gomez again had a chance to trim down the match at 7-6 after securing a golden break in the 13th racks but suffered another scratch that placed Corteza on the hill before securing a 9-5 victory.
Corteza, fresh from a runner-up place finish in the 2007 Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finale last September 2 in Bali, Indonesia will meet 2006 Kuwait 9-ball tour winner Jundel "Jano" Mazon in the next round, who relegated Filipino legendary Jose "Amang" Parica in the loser's bracket with a 9-2 triumph.
After Parica took the first rack after a miscue of Mazon, the latter's clustered four consecutive racks to take a 4-1 lead. The 58-year-old Parica, leader of the Filipino invasion in the US in mid 80's nailed his second rack in the 6th rack with a four balls in the break to slice the match at 4-2 but Mazon didn't look back after winning the last five racks for a 9-2 win.
"Grabe walang pumapasok sa break ko, tapos siya (Mazon) pumapasok, pag may pumasok naman sa akin ay walang benta, puro ang hirap," said Parica, who topped the 2007 Blaze 9-ball tour in New York last month.
Meanwhile, two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante opened his title retention bid with a 9-1 trashing victory over unheralded Danny Otacan to set up a second clash with veteran local campaigner Rene "Bata" Cruz, who defeated 15-year-old Johann "Bubwit" Chua, 9-8.
Current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano also romped away with a 9-3 rout of Eduardo "Tisoy" Saracho to arrange a second round duel with 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold and 8-ball silver medalist Antonio Gabica, who stunned 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy "Sapsal" Valle, 9-7, in the other match played under the alternate break format.
Also in the winning column were 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, who beat rising star Elmer "Buddy" Kalaquian, 9-4.
In other matches, JayJay "Escoda" Millares upended Mike "Choke" Takayama, 9-5, while Russian Petiza downed Ricky Zerna, 9-7.
Pool Maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes is schedule to face Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva late Friday. "Matagal ng panahon 'yun ng nasilat natin si Efren (Reyes)," Villanueva, a native of Bacolod City when he recalled beating Reyes in the 1992 RP 9-Ball Open in Ninoy Aquino Stadium, his memorable performance after settling runner-up place finish
to eventual champion Parica.
In other matches, Marlon Manalo takes on Jharome Pena, Carlo Biado goes against Joven Bustamante, Michael Feliciano versus Glendford Author, last year's runner-up Leonardo Didal versus Jech Jech Limen, 2004 World 9-ball kingpin Alex Pagulayan against Panfilo Damuag and Warren Kiamco versus Jeffrey de Luna for the second TV matches of the day.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
The 28-year-old Corteza, of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) lead early in the match before the 28-year-old Gomez tied the match at 5 all in the 10th frame. Infact, Gomez, who hails from Divisoria, Zamboanga City had a chance to take a 6-5 lead but suffered a scratch in the orange No.5 ball allowing the Mintal, Davao City native Corteza to move ahead by one rack after winning the 11th frame in the Php1.3-million tournament organized by Solar Sports in close cooperation with Puyat Sports.
Gomez again had a chance to trim down the match at 7-6 after securing a golden break in the 13th racks but suffered another scratch that placed Corteza on the hill before securing a 9-5 victory.
Corteza, fresh from a runner-up place finish in the 2007 Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finale last September 2 in Bali, Indonesia will meet 2006 Kuwait 9-ball tour winner Jundel "Jano" Mazon in the next round, who relegated Filipino legendary Jose "Amang" Parica in the loser's bracket with a 9-2 triumph.
After Parica took the first rack after a miscue of Mazon, the latter's clustered four consecutive racks to take a 4-1 lead. The 58-year-old Parica, leader of the Filipino invasion in the US in mid 80's nailed his second rack in the 6th rack with a four balls in the break to slice the match at 4-2 but Mazon didn't look back after winning the last five racks for a 9-2 win.
"Grabe walang pumapasok sa break ko, tapos siya (Mazon) pumapasok, pag may pumasok naman sa akin ay walang benta, puro ang hirap," said Parica, who topped the 2007 Blaze 9-ball tour in New York last month.
Meanwhile, two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante opened his title retention bid with a 9-1 trashing victory over unheralded Danny Otacan to set up a second clash with veteran local campaigner Rene "Bata" Cruz, who defeated 15-year-old Johann "Bubwit" Chua, 9-8.
Current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano also romped away with a 9-3 rout of Eduardo "Tisoy" Saracho to arrange a second round duel with 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold and 8-ball silver medalist Antonio Gabica, who stunned 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy "Sapsal" Valle, 9-7, in the other match played under the alternate break format.
Also in the winning column were 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, who beat rising star Elmer "Buddy" Kalaquian, 9-4.
In other matches, JayJay "Escoda" Millares upended Mike "Choke" Takayama, 9-5, while Russian Petiza downed Ricky Zerna, 9-7.
Pool Maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes is schedule to face Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva late Friday. "Matagal ng panahon 'yun ng nasilat natin si Efren (Reyes)," Villanueva, a native of Bacolod City when he recalled beating Reyes in the 1992 RP 9-Ball Open in Ninoy Aquino Stadium, his memorable performance after settling runner-up place finish
to eventual champion Parica.
In other matches, Marlon Manalo takes on Jharome Pena, Carlo Biado goes against Joven Bustamante, Michael Feliciano versus Glendford Author, last year's runner-up Leonardo Didal versus Jech Jech Limen, 2004 World 9-ball kingpin Alex Pagulayan against Panfilo Damuag and Warren Kiamco versus Jeffrey de Luna for the second TV matches of the day.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
THE ROAD TO THE WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Folks, mark your calendars for the "tune-up" games meant to prepare the Philippine's best pool players for the year's biggest and most prestigious billiard event - the World Pool Championships.
SEPTEMBER 14 - 16, SAN MIGUEL BEER PHILIPPINE 9-BALL OPEN
Decagon Hall, Silver City Mall, Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
SEPTEMBER 19 - 21, SAN MIGUEL SCOTCH DOUBLES 10-BALL TOURNAMENT
Elbow Room, Metrowalk, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
OCTOBER 14 - 20, UNITED STATES OPEN 9-BALL
Chesapeake Conference Center, Chesapeake Virginia, U.S.A.
OCTOBER 24 - 27, MANNY PACQUIAO 9-BALL OPEN
Hobbies of Asia, Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City
NOVEMBER 3 - 11, WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Araneta Coliseum, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
The Philippine's Ronnie Alcano is the defending WPC champion.
Let's hope Ronnie or any of his compatriot pool masters would keep the WPC crown in the hands of a Filipino.
Enjoy billiards and thank you for visiting this blog.
Mabuhay ang Pilipino!
SEPTEMBER 14 - 16, SAN MIGUEL BEER PHILIPPINE 9-BALL OPEN
Decagon Hall, Silver City Mall, Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
SEPTEMBER 19 - 21, SAN MIGUEL SCOTCH DOUBLES 10-BALL TOURNAMENT
Elbow Room, Metrowalk, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
OCTOBER 14 - 20, UNITED STATES OPEN 9-BALL
Chesapeake Conference Center, Chesapeake Virginia, U.S.A.
OCTOBER 24 - 27, MANNY PACQUIAO 9-BALL OPEN
Hobbies of Asia, Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City
NOVEMBER 3 - 11, WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Araneta Coliseum, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
The Philippine's Ronnie Alcano is the defending WPC champion.
Let's hope Ronnie or any of his compatriot pool masters would keep the WPC crown in the hands of a Filipino.
Enjoy billiards and thank you for visiting this blog.
Mabuhay ang Pilipino!
4TH ANNUAL SMB RP 9-BALL OPEN STARTS SEP. 14
BACK IN FULL force after fruitful stints overseas, the country's top pool aces will converge in the 4th annual San Miguel Beer (SMB) RP 9-ball Open - Friday to Sunday, (September 14-16) at the Decagon Hall in Silvercity Mall, Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center beside Alchemy and behind SM Shoemart and Tiendesitas near C5.
Reigning national open champion Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo, and Ronato Alcano, all winners in tournaments abroad, are the top seeds in the Php1.3 million tournament organized by Solar Sports in close cooperation with Puyat Sports, where Php500,000 goes to the champion, and the runner-up gets Php250,000. Losing semi-finalists will each receive Php100,000.
Corteza, took two runner-up places in three major international tournaments recently, Orcollo, the 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball ruler and Alcano, the WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion make up the elite group of invited players along with 1999 World 9-ball champion Efren "Bata" Reyes, 2004 World 9-ball Champion Alex Pagulayan, two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Filipino legendary Jose "Amang" Parica, Marlon Manalo, and 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio Gabica, the 2004 inaugural champion.
"Ito na ang matagal na hinihintay ng sambayanang Pilipinas at magkaka-alamanan na din kung sino ang magiging hari ng SMB RP 9-ball Open sa taong ito." Said the 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) headed by Jonathan Sy and Christopher Palses.
The multiple- gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games Corteza who hails from Mintal, Davao City settled runner-up place in the International Challenge of Champion in Uncasville, Connecticut last August 10-12, Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finale in Bali last August 31 to September 2, Indonesia and dominated the Turning Stone 9-ball in Verona, New York last August 16-17.
Their opening rivals will be known after the special drawing of lots at 1 p.m., according to Puyat Sports event manager Ish Caparras. Games start at 2 p.m. Joining them in the main draw in the three-day event sponsored by SMB are other seeded players, Leonardo Didal, Mike Takayama, and Carlo Biado.
Other Filipino pool sharks who successfully qualified for the tournament proper were the five city-leg qualifiers--- Ricky Zerna, Russian Petiza, Panfilo Damuag and Jundel Mazon (Galleria leg), Gandy Valle, Glendford Autor, Danny Otacan and Jech Jech Limen (Davao leg), Jharome Pena, Roberto Gomez, Rene Cruz and Eduardo Villanueva (Bacolod leg), Joven Bustamante, Johann Chua, Jay Jay Millares and Jeffrey De Luna (Baguio leg) and Warren Kiamco, Michael Feliciano, Eduardo Saracho and Elmer Kalaquian (Ever Gotesco, Commonwealth leg).
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Reigning national open champion Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo, and Ronato Alcano, all winners in tournaments abroad, are the top seeds in the Php1.3 million tournament organized by Solar Sports in close cooperation with Puyat Sports, where Php500,000 goes to the champion, and the runner-up gets Php250,000. Losing semi-finalists will each receive Php100,000.
Corteza, took two runner-up places in three major international tournaments recently, Orcollo, the 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball ruler and Alcano, the WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion make up the elite group of invited players along with 1999 World 9-ball champion Efren "Bata" Reyes, 2004 World 9-ball Champion Alex Pagulayan, two-time defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Filipino legendary Jose "Amang" Parica, Marlon Manalo, and 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio Gabica, the 2004 inaugural champion.
"Ito na ang matagal na hinihintay ng sambayanang Pilipinas at magkaka-alamanan na din kung sino ang magiging hari ng SMB RP 9-ball Open sa taong ito." Said the 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) headed by Jonathan Sy and Christopher Palses.
The multiple- gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games Corteza who hails from Mintal, Davao City settled runner-up place in the International Challenge of Champion in Uncasville, Connecticut last August 10-12, Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finale in Bali last August 31 to September 2, Indonesia and dominated the Turning Stone 9-ball in Verona, New York last August 16-17.
Their opening rivals will be known after the special drawing of lots at 1 p.m., according to Puyat Sports event manager Ish Caparras. Games start at 2 p.m. Joining them in the main draw in the three-day event sponsored by SMB are other seeded players, Leonardo Didal, Mike Takayama, and Carlo Biado.
Other Filipino pool sharks who successfully qualified for the tournament proper were the five city-leg qualifiers--- Ricky Zerna, Russian Petiza, Panfilo Damuag and Jundel Mazon (Galleria leg), Gandy Valle, Glendford Autor, Danny Otacan and Jech Jech Limen (Davao leg), Jharome Pena, Roberto Gomez, Rene Cruz and Eduardo Villanueva (Bacolod leg), Joven Bustamante, Johann Chua, Jay Jay Millares and Jeffrey De Luna (Baguio leg) and Warren Kiamco, Michael Feliciano, Eduardo Saracho and Elmer Kalaquian (Ever Gotesco, Commonwealth leg).
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
JARRY "PUTOL" PELAYO
FIRE CRACKER VICTIM JARRY PELAYO WINS WTA 9-BALL
FIRE CRACKER victim Jarry "Putol" Pelayo defeated Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva, 11-9, in the finals to rule the just concluded Winner Take All 9-ball tournament late Tuesday at the Bowling Inn billiard hall in Taft Avenue, Manila.
The Bacolod City native Pelayo, who lost three of his fingers due to firecrackers when he was 12 year old, surged to a 5-3 lead before Villanueva rallied four straight racks to get the upper hand at 7-5. Incidentally, Villanueva was runner-up to eventual winner Jose "Amang" Parica in the 1997 RP 9-Ball Open.
But the prize fighter of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable, Jarry came back to even the score at 7-7 in the 14th frame in this race to 11 format.
After trading racks, the two cue masters tied the game at 8-all, then 9-all going to the final stretch until Pelayo clustered the next two remaining racks to nailed an 11-9 victory and claim the top prize of Php30,000 in the event that was organized by Rolly Vicente and Ish Caparras of Puyat Sports.
Pelayo's road to the finals came from wins over Richard Pornelosa, 9-5, Ricky Zerna, 9-6, John Rebong, 9-6, and Villanueva, 11-9. While Villanueva defeated RP's women's No.1 player Rubilen Amit, 9-3, Godofredo Ducanes, 9-5, and Benjie Guevarra before losing to Pelayo, 9-11.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FIL-CANADIAN EDWIN MONTAL WINS BRITISH COLUMBIAN 9-BALL TILT
FIL-CANADIAN MONTAL POCKETED $4,000 AFTER WINNING BRITISH COLUMBIA 9-BALL
FILIPINO-CANADIAN Edwin Montal added another feather in his cap by winning the 2007 Harold Danielson Memorial Open last September 7 to 9 at the Breakers Billiards Club in Kelowna, British Columbia.
The British Columbia based Montal, who is fresh from winning the 2007 Canadian 9-Ball Championships, trounced Stan Tourangeau of Alberta in the finals to bag the top prize $4,000 in this three-day $10,000 total pot tournament that attracted 64 cue artists.
Tourangeau who beat Montal in their first encounter in the winner's side settled for a runner-up place and prize money of $2,700.
Everyone was hoping for an exciting finals and they weren't disappointed. At the beginning, the match changed leads until the score was even at 6-6. This is when Edwin shifted to high gear and surged ahead 10-6. Stan, definitely not a rookie at playing great players or being in a final match, made a valiant comeback to bring the score to 10-9. However, it wasn't enough as Edwin edged him out with a win at 11-9.
Montal's road to the finals came from wins over Trevor Forry 9-2, Lorne Brooks 9-6, Tyler Edey 9-5, Mike Stuart 9-1 and Mike Vidas 9-3, before losing to Stan Tourangeau 2-9. While Stan Tourangeau's road to the finals came from wins over: Brad Rautio 9-7, Pat Ringham 9-3, Andrew Knox 9-3, Dan Louie 9-6, John Horsfall 9-5 and Edwin Montal 9-2.
The event was a tribute to Harold Danielson and was well attended. A total sixty-four players took part that included Mike Massey, Dan Louie, John Horsfall, Tyler Edey, Brian Butler, Paul Potier, Mike Vidas, and Brady Gollan.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
DJANGO BUSTAMANTE EYES THREE-PEAT SMB RP 9-BALL OPEN TITLE
TWO-TIME defending champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante is eyeing his third straight national crown when the 4th annual San Miguel Beer (SMB) RP 9-ball Open gets going on Friday, September 14-16.
The venue will be the Decagon Hall in Silvercity Mall, Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center , beside Alchemy and behind SM Shoemart and Tiendesitas near C5.
The payout in this Solar Sports organized event in close cooperation with Puyat Sports will be a total pot prize of Php1.35 million, with the winner taking the top prize of Php500,000 while the runner-up gets Php250,000. The losing semi-finalist will each receive Php100,000.
"Marami nang magagaling ngayon, at sa 9-ball kailangan din ng suwerte. I will just have to play my very best" said back-to-back (2005 and 2006) champion Bustamante, in an exclusive interview with this writer recently at the One Side Pocket billiard hall in Manila. Django is one of the top players of Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, acknowledged God Father of Philippine Billiards.
Joining Bustamante in the main draw for the three-day event sponsored by San Miguel Beer are the other seeded player's namely: Leonardo Didal, Mike Takayama, Ronnie Alcano, Carlo Biado, Marlon Manalo, Lee Vann Corteza, Efren Reyes, Alex Pagulayan, Jose Parica, Dennis Orcollo and Antonio Gabica, the 2004 inauguration winner.
Other Filipino pool sharks who made it to the tournament are the five city-leg qualifiers--- Ricky Zerna, Russian Petiza, Panfilo Damuag and Jundel Mazon (Galleria leg), Gandy Valle, Glendford Autor, Danny Otacan and Jech Jech Limen (Davao leg), Jharome Pena, Roberto Gomez, Rene Cruz and Eduardo Villanueva (Bacolod leg), Joven Bustamante, Johann Chua, Jay Jay Millares and Jeffrey De Luna (Baguio leg) and Warren Kiamco, Michael Feliciano, Eduardo Saracho and Elmer Kalaquian (Ever Gotesco, Commonwealth leg).
Past winners of the SMB 9-Ball Tournament are:
2006: Francisco Bustamante
2005: Francisco Bustamante
2004: Antonio Gabica
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
SLUMP OR SIMPLY OUTPLAYED?
GIVE ME A BREAK
Commentary By: Frank Lacambra
Slump or simply outplayed?
The 2007 Guinness 9-Ball Tour, the biggest billiards event in Asia this year, ended with the Filipinos completely shut out from the title races (5 legs). And they fared no better in the Grand Final, although one of our guys in the 10-man contest, Lee Vann Corteza (the other was Ronnie Alcano) was a finalist.
Against a well-rested Chang Jung-li, Corteza made a fight of it. And kept confidently apace till the halfway mark when he tied up the match at 7-7. In fact, at one point—the 15th rack—it looked as if he had found his touch and was set to go for the elusive win. But it was not to be.
Hope suddenly evaporated when Corteza started missing those crucial shots. And worse, when he was making shot selections that you wouldn’t normally expect of a player of his caliber.
Put these all together and the outcome was almost a foregone conclusion. Corteza’s game unraveled shortly after, and with that went his shot at the over-all title. Chang, in contrast, kept his cool and consistently played high-quality pool. He certainly deserved his win.
What went wrong? Some observers say the Filipinos were in a slump. Others see it differently. They think they were simply outplayed by pool warriors who did their homework—and played smarter.
What do you think?
Commentary By: Frank Lacambra
Slump or simply outplayed?
The 2007 Guinness 9-Ball Tour, the biggest billiards event in Asia this year, ended with the Filipinos completely shut out from the title races (5 legs). And they fared no better in the Grand Final, although one of our guys in the 10-man contest, Lee Vann Corteza (the other was Ronnie Alcano) was a finalist.
Against a well-rested Chang Jung-li, Corteza made a fight of it. And kept confidently apace till the halfway mark when he tied up the match at 7-7. In fact, at one point—the 15th rack—it looked as if he had found his touch and was set to go for the elusive win. But it was not to be.
Hope suddenly evaporated when Corteza started missing those crucial shots. And worse, when he was making shot selections that you wouldn’t normally expect of a player of his caliber.
Put these all together and the outcome was almost a foregone conclusion. Corteza’s game unraveled shortly after, and with that went his shot at the over-all title. Chang, in contrast, kept his cool and consistently played high-quality pool. He certainly deserved his win.
What went wrong? Some observers say the Filipinos were in a slump. Others see it differently. They think they were simply outplayed by pool warriors who did their homework—and played smarter.
What do you think?
ORCOLLO FALTERS IN BRUNEI 9-BALL OPEN
FILIPINO ORCOLLO FALLS SHORT OF WINNING ANOTHER MAJOR TITLE, AS TAIWANESE WU CHIA CHING WINS BRUNEI 9-BALL CUP
FILIPINO DENNIS "ROBOCOP" ORCOLLO failed to win another major title this year after suffering a heart-breaking loss to Wu Chia-ching of Chinese-Taipei who nailed a come-from behind 11-9 victory in their semi-finals confrontation on Saturday afternoon in the 2007 Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup 2007 at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas. Wu eventually went on to win the championship.
According to Perry Mariano, Orcollo's benefactor who was in Hongkong last Saturday and scheduled to arrive in Manila late Sunday, that the 28-year-old Bislig, Surigao del Sur ace was hot at the start of the match going to the final canto taking a 9-4 commanding lead in the semis using a race-to-11 format.
However, Wu, the 18-year-old Taiwanese, came back and clustered seven straight racks to scored an 11-9 wins over Orcollo, the 2007 BCA (Billiards Congress of America) Enjoypool.com 9-Ball champion last May in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Wu clinch the championship's trophy plus the top prize of US$10,000 by beating Indonesian Ricky Yang, 13-10, in the finals.
Ricky settled for the runner-up prize of US$5,000 in the tournament sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and organized by the Brunei Darussalam Cue Sports Association for the third time with cooperation from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and sponsored by GHK Motors Sdn Bhd.
Ricky Yang also defeated another Filipino entry and current double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 9-7, in the quarter-final match.
It was a sweet victory for Wu who lost in the last year's Brunei edition finals to compatriot and fellow World 9-ball Champion Fong-Pao-chao, 13-8.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FILIPINO DENNIS "ROBOCOP" ORCOLLO failed to win another major title this year after suffering a heart-breaking loss to Wu Chia-ching of Chinese-Taipei who nailed a come-from behind 11-9 victory in their semi-finals confrontation on Saturday afternoon in the 2007 Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup 2007 at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas. Wu eventually went on to win the championship.
According to Perry Mariano, Orcollo's benefactor who was in Hongkong last Saturday and scheduled to arrive in Manila late Sunday, that the 28-year-old Bislig, Surigao del Sur ace was hot at the start of the match going to the final canto taking a 9-4 commanding lead in the semis using a race-to-11 format.
However, Wu, the 18-year-old Taiwanese, came back and clustered seven straight racks to scored an 11-9 wins over Orcollo, the 2007 BCA (Billiards Congress of America) Enjoypool.com 9-Ball champion last May in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Wu clinch the championship's trophy plus the top prize of US$10,000 by beating Indonesian Ricky Yang, 13-10, in the finals.
Ricky settled for the runner-up prize of US$5,000 in the tournament sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and organized by the Brunei Darussalam Cue Sports Association for the third time with cooperation from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and sponsored by GHK Motors Sdn Bhd.
Ricky Yang also defeated another Filipino entry and current double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 9-7, in the quarter-final match.
It was a sweet victory for Wu who lost in the last year's Brunei edition finals to compatriot and fellow World 9-ball Champion Fong-Pao-chao, 13-8.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Thursday, September 6, 2007
FIRST MANNY PACQUIAO CUP INT'L 9-BALL OPEN
REYES, DJANGO LEAD RP CHARGE IN PHP 2M MANNY PACQUIAO INT'L 9-BALL OPEN
THE deadly duo of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante will be joined by Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza to lead the Philippine charge in the 1st Manny Pacquiao Cup International 9-Ball Open.
The tournament venue will be the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City on Oct. 24 to 27, with a total cash prize of Php2 million where the winner takes the top prize of Php1 million and the runner-up gets Php500,000.
This was bared yesterday by RP's no.1 trick shot player and tournament director Julie Falcon Guevarra.
"Nag confirm na maglalaro sina Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante) ng Puyat Sports. Sasali din sina Ronnie (Alcano) at Dennis (Orcollo) ng Bugsy Promotion, maging sina Lee Vann (Corteza) at Warren (Kiamco) ng Negros Billiard Stable. Lahat kasi sila ay mang-gagaling sa US Open, pagkatapos ay diretso dito sa 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open, bago sila maglaro sa World Pool Championships" according to tournament director Julie.
Reyes and Bustamante on the other hand, both prize players of RP billiard patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat are schedule to defend their title when the 2007 PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool gets going on September 25 to September 30 at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.
"Di lang sure si Alex (Pagulayan), 'yung mga ganoon petsa kasi ay parang may commitment s'ya sa abroad. Pero I hope na makalaro siya dito sa Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open" added Julie.
Tournament director Julie is expecting more than 100 cue artists to take part in this event which will feature some of the world's best pool players.
"Open sa lahat ito, inaasahan ko na mahigit sa 100 billiard players na mang-gagaling pa sa iba't-ibang panig ng mundo ang sasali. Timing ang date bago mag World pool Championships."
The forthcoming 32nd Annual U.S. Open set on October 14 - October 20, 2007 will be held at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia while the World Pool championships will return again in our country on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Solar Sports, the leading Sports channel will air the Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open, interestingly, Solar Sports also won the rights to air the mega buck fight of Pacquiao and Barrera on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Gusto ni Manny (Pacquiao) na Solar Sports ang mag ere ng pa bilyar niya. Actually, tulong ni Manny (Pacquiao) ito sa billiard industry natin, talagang nagpapalaro si Manny (Pacquiao) pagkatapos ng laban niya bilang pasasalamat."
For inquiries, call or text at mobile no. (0918) 319-0414 for complete details.
It is noted that last December, unheralded Benson Palses won the Manny Pacquiao Panersera-Pababa 10-ball tourney at the Rock and Roll billiard hall in Malate, Manila while Roberto Gomez dominated the Manny Pacquiao 10-ball Open in General Santos City last February.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
THE deadly duo of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante will be joined by Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza to lead the Philippine charge in the 1st Manny Pacquiao Cup International 9-Ball Open.
The tournament venue will be the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City on Oct. 24 to 27, with a total cash prize of Php2 million where the winner takes the top prize of Php1 million and the runner-up gets Php500,000.
This was bared yesterday by RP's no.1 trick shot player and tournament director Julie Falcon Guevarra.
"Nag confirm na maglalaro sina Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante) ng Puyat Sports. Sasali din sina Ronnie (Alcano) at Dennis (Orcollo) ng Bugsy Promotion, maging sina Lee Vann (Corteza) at Warren (Kiamco) ng Negros Billiard Stable. Lahat kasi sila ay mang-gagaling sa US Open, pagkatapos ay diretso dito sa 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open, bago sila maglaro sa World Pool Championships" according to tournament director Julie.
Reyes and Bustamante on the other hand, both prize players of RP billiard patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat are schedule to defend their title when the 2007 PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool gets going on September 25 to September 30 at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.
"Di lang sure si Alex (Pagulayan), 'yung mga ganoon petsa kasi ay parang may commitment s'ya sa abroad. Pero I hope na makalaro siya dito sa Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open" added Julie.
Tournament director Julie is expecting more than 100 cue artists to take part in this event which will feature some of the world's best pool players.
"Open sa lahat ito, inaasahan ko na mahigit sa 100 billiard players na mang-gagaling pa sa iba't-ibang panig ng mundo ang sasali. Timing ang date bago mag World pool Championships."
The forthcoming 32nd Annual U.S. Open set on October 14 - October 20, 2007 will be held at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia while the World Pool championships will return again in our country on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Solar Sports, the leading Sports channel will air the Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open, interestingly, Solar Sports also won the rights to air the mega buck fight of Pacquiao and Barrera on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Gusto ni Manny (Pacquiao) na Solar Sports ang mag ere ng pa bilyar niya. Actually, tulong ni Manny (Pacquiao) ito sa billiard industry natin, talagang nagpapalaro si Manny (Pacquiao) pagkatapos ng laban niya bilang pasasalamat."
For inquiries, call or text at mobile no. (0918) 319-0414 for complete details.
It is noted that last December, unheralded Benson Palses won the Manny Pacquiao Panersera-Pababa 10-ball tourney at the Rock and Roll billiard hall in Malate, Manila while Roberto Gomez dominated the Manny Pacquiao 10-ball Open in General Santos City last February.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
SMC SCOTH DOUBLES 10-BALL + THAI SEAG
GABICA, DAVID TANDEM JOINS SMC SCOTCH DOUBLES 10-BALL
THE TANDEM of Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, the country's most under rated player today and Renemar "Revo" David, the 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist, joins the elite-cast when the forthcoming country's first ever San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-ball event gets underway on September 19, 20 and 21 at the Elbowroom/ Metro Walk in Pasig City.
"Puspusan ang ginawa kong paghahanda sa mga nalalapit kong local at international tournament. Bukod sa 50 racks a day sa Bugsy pool haus ay nag gi- gym din ako sa umaga sa City Lifetime Gym sa Tomas Morato," said the 35-year-old Gabica, one of the top player of star-studded Bugsy Promotion also consistent visiting City Lifetime Gym in Tomas Morato every morning before doing a 50 racks a day at the Bugsy Lair's pool haus in Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City.
Prior to the SMC Scotch Doubles 10-balls event, Gabica, the 2007 Cebu 9-ball challenge runner-up will leave the country on September 6 along with Bugsy stablemate double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano to represent the country in the US$10,000 top prize Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup 2007 from Sept 7-8 at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas, Brunei which features some of the world’s best cue masters.
Gabica, the 2004 Solar-Fil 9-ball champion, also looking to duplicate his feat he won three year's ago when the Php500,000 top prize 2007 SMB RP 9-ball Open Finals gets going on September 14.
Local billiard benefactor and Bugsy Promotion boss Perry Mariano had something to say to his ward. "Ga-Ga (Gabica) is the most under rated player today. I have no doubt that he can win a big tournament this year, kailangan n'ya lamang ng determinasyon at buong tiyaga." He added.
In a separate interview yesterday, Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo added "Hindi naman kaila ang mga kabayanihan na binigay sa bansa ni Ga-Ga (Gabica) kaya kumpiyansa ako na malaking pag-asa muling manalo sa pandaigdigang torneo si Ga-Ga." Fajardo referring to the 9-ball gold medal and 8-ball silver medal that pocketed Gabica in the last year's Doha Asian Games in Qatar.
Aside from the pair of Gabica and David, other team entry that includes 2007 Korean Pro tour 9-ball champion Joven Bustamante and snooker ace turned pro billiards Benjie Guevarra.
For more details, please contact tournament director Jojo Santos at (0915) 700-8000, Gandy Valle (0916) 958-9897 and Jharome Pena at (0918) 394-2779.
Other Filipino pool shark's are expected to join the country's first ever San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-ball event where the top prize of Php140,000 goes to winning pair (team), are: Alcano, 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com winner Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey de Luna, 2007 Oslo, Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball champion Roberto Gomez, 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour champion Gandy Valle, Carlo Biado, Mike Takayama and Elmer Kalaquian.
Bronco stable on the other hand will parade Jundel Mazon, and Jomar de Ocampo while rising Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) will likely field top gunner reigning national open champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, who is fresh from a runner-up finish last Sunday in the 2007 Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finale in Bali, Indonesia.
CUE SPORT’S DIFFICULT TASK IN THAILAND SEAG
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Minus the man that anchored the RP billiards and
snooker team's successful bid in the last Southeast Asian Games, officials of the sport remains upbeat about its campaign in the 2007 edition of the biennial meet in Thailand this December.
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo and chairman Yen Makabenta admitted that duplicating the eight gold medals the Filipino cue masters won in the Manila SEA Games two years ago may be a difficult task now that Alex Pagulayan is doubtful to see action in the Dec. 6-15 meet. But both echoed the same sentiment that the country is still a force to reckon with in the sport with Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica and silver medal winner Jeffrey `Bata' de Luna leading the Filipinos' charge at the main hub of the meet in Nakhoratchasima.
"We've never been into the habit of predicting the number of golds, but definitely it is in the pool events where we are really strong," said Fajardo, joined by Makabenta in the weekly PSA Forum yesterday at the Shakey's United Nations Ave. branch. At the moment, Fajardo said the BSCP is in the process of deciding which players will make the
billiards team, with both Gabica and de Luna having the best shot of making it.
Gabica beat de Luna for the gold in the 9-ball singles at the Doha Asiad last year, although he fell short in the 8-ball singles where he settled for the silver to Satoshi Kabawata of Japan. "Their strong showing in the Asiad is not an assurance, but they (Gabica and de Luna) have a very good chance of landing in the team," said Fajardo.
Already assured slots in the snooker team are Benjie Guevarra, Reynaldo Grandea, Francisco dela Cruz, Al Ortega, Joven Alba and former Asian champion Marlon
Manalo.
"Marlon expressed interest to play with the snooker team. I hope it pushes through because he remains one of our best bets in snooker," said the BSCP president
in the same forum sponsored by Shakey's and PAGCOR. Behind the three gold medals of Pagulayan, the RP team run away with the overall title in the sport during the 2005 Manila SEA Games, including two gold medals each won by double world champion Ronnie Alcano (15-ball singles and 15-ball doubles), Leonardo `Dodong' Andam (snooker and 15-ball doubles) and Rubilen Amit (8-ball and 9-ball) in women's billiards.
Unfortunately, Pagulayan has decided not to play for the team this time, according to Fajardo, following his reported misunderstanding with the BSCP. Pagulayan, the 2004 world 9-ball champion, is the defending 8-ball singles champion and a part of the
team that won the 9-ball doubles (along with Dennis Orcollo) and men's snooker team (Alba and Andam).
But Makabenta said Pagulayan will be representing the country in the 2007 World Pool Championship later this year at the Araneta Coliseum. The BSCP chairman said Pagulayan already earned his slot in the meet featuring the best cue artists around the
world along with fellow Filipinos Reyes, Bustamante, Orcollo, Alcano, Lee Van Corteza, Manalo, Antonio Lining, Bebeng Gallego, de Luna, Rodolfo Luat and Joven Bustamante.
Around 10-12 slots are still available and will be up for grabs during the five-day qualifier to be held on Oct. 27-31, added Makabenta.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
THE TANDEM of Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, the country's most under rated player today and Renemar "Revo" David, the 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist, joins the elite-cast when the forthcoming country's first ever San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-ball event gets underway on September 19, 20 and 21 at the Elbowroom/ Metro Walk in Pasig City.
"Puspusan ang ginawa kong paghahanda sa mga nalalapit kong local at international tournament. Bukod sa 50 racks a day sa Bugsy pool haus ay nag gi- gym din ako sa umaga sa City Lifetime Gym sa Tomas Morato," said the 35-year-old Gabica, one of the top player of star-studded Bugsy Promotion also consistent visiting City Lifetime Gym in Tomas Morato every morning before doing a 50 racks a day at the Bugsy Lair's pool haus in Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City.
Prior to the SMC Scotch Doubles 10-balls event, Gabica, the 2007 Cebu 9-ball challenge runner-up will leave the country on September 6 along with Bugsy stablemate double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano to represent the country in the US$10,000 top prize Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup 2007 from Sept 7-8 at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas, Brunei which features some of the world’s best cue masters.
Gabica, the 2004 Solar-Fil 9-ball champion, also looking to duplicate his feat he won three year's ago when the Php500,000 top prize 2007 SMB RP 9-ball Open Finals gets going on September 14.
Local billiard benefactor and Bugsy Promotion boss Perry Mariano had something to say to his ward. "Ga-Ga (Gabica) is the most under rated player today. I have no doubt that he can win a big tournament this year, kailangan n'ya lamang ng determinasyon at buong tiyaga." He added.
In a separate interview yesterday, Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo added "Hindi naman kaila ang mga kabayanihan na binigay sa bansa ni Ga-Ga (Gabica) kaya kumpiyansa ako na malaking pag-asa muling manalo sa pandaigdigang torneo si Ga-Ga." Fajardo referring to the 9-ball gold medal and 8-ball silver medal that pocketed Gabica in the last year's Doha Asian Games in Qatar.
Aside from the pair of Gabica and David, other team entry that includes 2007 Korean Pro tour 9-ball champion Joven Bustamante and snooker ace turned pro billiards Benjie Guevarra.
For more details, please contact tournament director Jojo Santos at (0915) 700-8000, Gandy Valle (0916) 958-9897 and Jharome Pena at (0918) 394-2779.
Other Filipino pool shark's are expected to join the country's first ever San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-ball event where the top prize of Php140,000 goes to winning pair (team), are: Alcano, 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com winner Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey de Luna, 2007 Oslo, Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball champion Roberto Gomez, 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour champion Gandy Valle, Carlo Biado, Mike Takayama and Elmer Kalaquian.
Bronco stable on the other hand will parade Jundel Mazon, and Jomar de Ocampo while rising Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) will likely field top gunner reigning national open champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, who is fresh from a runner-up finish last Sunday in the 2007 Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finale in Bali, Indonesia.
CUE SPORT’S DIFFICULT TASK IN THAILAND SEAG
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Minus the man that anchored the RP billiards and
snooker team's successful bid in the last Southeast Asian Games, officials of the sport remains upbeat about its campaign in the 2007 edition of the biennial meet in Thailand this December.
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo and chairman Yen Makabenta admitted that duplicating the eight gold medals the Filipino cue masters won in the Manila SEA Games two years ago may be a difficult task now that Alex Pagulayan is doubtful to see action in the Dec. 6-15 meet. But both echoed the same sentiment that the country is still a force to reckon with in the sport with Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica and silver medal winner Jeffrey `Bata' de Luna leading the Filipinos' charge at the main hub of the meet in Nakhoratchasima.
"We've never been into the habit of predicting the number of golds, but definitely it is in the pool events where we are really strong," said Fajardo, joined by Makabenta in the weekly PSA Forum yesterday at the Shakey's United Nations Ave. branch. At the moment, Fajardo said the BSCP is in the process of deciding which players will make the
billiards team, with both Gabica and de Luna having the best shot of making it.
Gabica beat de Luna for the gold in the 9-ball singles at the Doha Asiad last year, although he fell short in the 8-ball singles where he settled for the silver to Satoshi Kabawata of Japan. "Their strong showing in the Asiad is not an assurance, but they (Gabica and de Luna) have a very good chance of landing in the team," said Fajardo.
Already assured slots in the snooker team are Benjie Guevarra, Reynaldo Grandea, Francisco dela Cruz, Al Ortega, Joven Alba and former Asian champion Marlon
Manalo.
"Marlon expressed interest to play with the snooker team. I hope it pushes through because he remains one of our best bets in snooker," said the BSCP president
in the same forum sponsored by Shakey's and PAGCOR. Behind the three gold medals of Pagulayan, the RP team run away with the overall title in the sport during the 2005 Manila SEA Games, including two gold medals each won by double world champion Ronnie Alcano (15-ball singles and 15-ball doubles), Leonardo `Dodong' Andam (snooker and 15-ball doubles) and Rubilen Amit (8-ball and 9-ball) in women's billiards.
Unfortunately, Pagulayan has decided not to play for the team this time, according to Fajardo, following his reported misunderstanding with the BSCP. Pagulayan, the 2004 world 9-ball champion, is the defending 8-ball singles champion and a part of the
team that won the 9-ball doubles (along with Dennis Orcollo) and men's snooker team (Alba and Andam).
But Makabenta said Pagulayan will be representing the country in the 2007 World Pool Championship later this year at the Araneta Coliseum. The BSCP chairman said Pagulayan already earned his slot in the meet featuring the best cue artists around the
world along with fellow Filipinos Reyes, Bustamante, Orcollo, Alcano, Lee Van Corteza, Manalo, Antonio Lining, Bebeng Gallego, de Luna, Rodolfo Luat and Joven Bustamante.
Around 10-12 slots are still available and will be up for grabs during the five-day qualifier to be held on Oct. 27-31, added Makabenta.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 2, 2007
PHIL DAILY INQUIRER ARTICLE ON CORTEZA
Corteza sputters in Tour finals
Pinoy pockets $10,000 after lucky, gutsy march
Inquirer
Last updated 02:25am (Mla time) 09/03/2007
BALI, INDONESIA -- Taiwan's Chang Jun-ling avenged his loss to Lee Vann Corteza in the eliminations, hacking out an 11-8 victory over the Filipino Sunday to win the Guinness 9-ball Tour Grand Finals at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel here.
Chang took advantage of a series of scratch shots and poor stroke selections by Corteza to finish strong from 7-all and capture the top prize of $36,000 in the final tournament of the Tour's inaugural season.
Corteza, who beat Chang, 9-3, in their group-stage match Saturday to advance to the semifinals, settled for the runner-up purse of $10,000.
Earlier, Corteza defeated another Taiwanese, Wu Chia-ching, 11-9, in the semifinals to arrange the titular showdown with Chang, a 13-12 winner over compatriot Yang Ching-shun earlier.
Wu, the 2006 World 9-ball champion, led most of the way but two scratch miscues in the endgame allowed Corteza, who hails from Davao City, to reach the title match.
Tied at 9-all, the 18-year-old Wu had a scratch on the break of the 19th frame, allowing the 28-year-old Corteza to reach the hill.
Corteza, who used power breaks earlier in the match to take a 2-1 lead, shifted to the soft break starting in the 9th frame to trim Wu's lead to 6-3.
Chang needed three-and-a-half hours to beat Yang in the first semifinal match Sunday afternoon.
The 10th-ranked Corteza, who made it to the Grand Finals thanks to compatriot Ronnie Alcano's strong showing in the Shanghai leg last month, also bowed to Chang in the finals of the Jakarta leg, the tournament's inaugural leg, in April.
But Alcano, the world 9-ball and 8-ball champion, failed to advance this time in Group A where Yang Ching-sun and Wu finished 1-2 to reach the semifinals.
The other Group A entries were Ricky Yang of Indonesia and India's Dharminger Singh Lilly.
Bracketed in Group A with Corteza and Chang were Chang Fong-fang of Taiwan, Singapore's Bernard Tey and Ibrahim Amir of Malaysia.
Please see the results of this weekend's Grand Final:
Champion (US$36,000)
Chang Jung-Lin (TPE)
Runner-Up (US$10,000)
Lee Van Corteza (PHI)
Joint-third (US$5,400)
Wu Chia-Ching (TPE)
Yang Ching-Shun (TPE)
Preliminaries - 3rd Place (US$2,400)
Ronato Alcano (PHI)
Chao Fong-Pang (PHI)
Preliminaries – 4th Place (US$2,200)
Dharmindar Singh Lilly (IND)
Ibrahim Amir (MAS)
Preliminaries – 5th Place (US$2,000)
Ricky Yang (INA)
Bernard Tey (SIN)
Marlon Bernardino, contributor
Pinoy pockets $10,000 after lucky, gutsy march
Inquirer
Last updated 02:25am (Mla time) 09/03/2007
BALI, INDONESIA -- Taiwan's Chang Jun-ling avenged his loss to Lee Vann Corteza in the eliminations, hacking out an 11-8 victory over the Filipino Sunday to win the Guinness 9-ball Tour Grand Finals at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel here.
Chang took advantage of a series of scratch shots and poor stroke selections by Corteza to finish strong from 7-all and capture the top prize of $36,000 in the final tournament of the Tour's inaugural season.
Corteza, who beat Chang, 9-3, in their group-stage match Saturday to advance to the semifinals, settled for the runner-up purse of $10,000.
Earlier, Corteza defeated another Taiwanese, Wu Chia-ching, 11-9, in the semifinals to arrange the titular showdown with Chang, a 13-12 winner over compatriot Yang Ching-shun earlier.
Wu, the 2006 World 9-ball champion, led most of the way but two scratch miscues in the endgame allowed Corteza, who hails from Davao City, to reach the title match.
Tied at 9-all, the 18-year-old Wu had a scratch on the break of the 19th frame, allowing the 28-year-old Corteza to reach the hill.
Corteza, who used power breaks earlier in the match to take a 2-1 lead, shifted to the soft break starting in the 9th frame to trim Wu's lead to 6-3.
Chang needed three-and-a-half hours to beat Yang in the first semifinal match Sunday afternoon.
The 10th-ranked Corteza, who made it to the Grand Finals thanks to compatriot Ronnie Alcano's strong showing in the Shanghai leg last month, also bowed to Chang in the finals of the Jakarta leg, the tournament's inaugural leg, in April.
But Alcano, the world 9-ball and 8-ball champion, failed to advance this time in Group A where Yang Ching-sun and Wu finished 1-2 to reach the semifinals.
The other Group A entries were Ricky Yang of Indonesia and India's Dharminger Singh Lilly.
Bracketed in Group A with Corteza and Chang were Chang Fong-fang of Taiwan, Singapore's Bernard Tey and Ibrahim Amir of Malaysia.
Please see the results of this weekend's Grand Final:
Champion (US$36,000)
Chang Jung-Lin (TPE)
Runner-Up (US$10,000)
Lee Van Corteza (PHI)
Joint-third (US$5,400)
Wu Chia-Ching (TPE)
Yang Ching-Shun (TPE)
Preliminaries - 3rd Place (US$2,400)
Ronato Alcano (PHI)
Chao Fong-Pang (PHI)
Preliminaries – 4th Place (US$2,200)
Dharmindar Singh Lilly (IND)
Ibrahim Amir (MAS)
Preliminaries – 5th Place (US$2,000)
Ricky Yang (INA)
Bernard Tey (SIN)
Marlon Bernardino, contributor
NEWS ON THE GUINNESS GRAND FINALS AND THE BRUNEI 9-BALL OPEN
FILIPINO CORTEZA RUNNER-UP IN GUINNESS 9-BALL GRAND FINALS
LONE FILIPINO hopeful Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza failed to pocket another major tournament this year after losing to Taiwanese Chang Jung-lin, 11-8, in the Grand Finals of the Guinness 9-ball tour late Sunday at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia.
The 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable scratched while shooting for the orange five ball in the 19th rack that led Chang to run-out the game with an 11-8 victory.
In fact Chang dominated the entire match in this race-to-11, alternate break format. Chang was hot from the opening rack and took a 7-3 lead before Corteza managed to equalize at 7-all in the 14 th frame.
The 22-year-old Taiwanese, Chang was unheralded before the start of the Asian tour, received the championship trophy and the top prize US$36,000. Corteza, meanwhile settled for the runner-up prize of US$10,000.
Earlier, Corteza defeated 2005 World 9-ball champion Taiwanese Wu Chia-ching, 11-9, to arrange a titular showdown with Chang Jung-lin, a close 13-12 decision winner over compatriot Yang Ching-shun.
Actually, it was Wu who was ahead for most of the game but two scratched in the endgame allowing the Davao City born Corteza to progress. Tied at 9-all, the 18-year-old Wu suffered a scratch in the break in the 19th frame that put the 28-year-old Corteza, on the hill.
"Malaking factor 'yung dalawang scratch ni Wu (Wu Chia-ching) sa final canto," said NBS president Jonathan Sy, who traveled to Bali (Indonesia) to give moral support to his group’s prized fighter.
Corteza who used power break in the opener to take a 2-1 commanding lead shifted in the "soft break" in the 8th frame to close the match at 5-3 in favor of Wu.
"Si Ronnie (Alcano) ang nagsabi kay Van-Van (Corteza) na mag shift sa soft break," said Sy in another text message sent to this writer yesterday.
Meanwhile, Chang needed 3 hours and 30 minutes to beat Yang in the first TV telecast semi-final match yesterday afternoon.
First time Chang faced Corteza was in the finals of first leg of the Guinness Tour last April in Jakarta, where Chang also prevailed. Last Saturday, Corteza avenged his loss to Chang in Jakarta with a 9-3 win in their Group stage match.
FILIPINO GABICA SHOOTS FOR TOP PRIZE IN BRUNEI 9-BALL CROWN
CURRENT Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medal winner and 8-ball silver-medallist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica will try to extend the country's domination of the sport when he competes in the forthcoming Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup 2007 from Sept 7-8 at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas.
The 35-year-old Gabica, top player of star-studded Bugsy Promotion will leave the country on September 6 along with Bugsy stablemate double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano to carry the country's color in the said annual 9-ball event which will feature some of the worlds best cue masters.
"I will try my best to bring honor to our country just like what I did before in last year's Doha Asian Games," said the Lapu-Lapu City native Gabica in Filipino, who is aiming to duplicate his first place finish in the 2007 Cebu 9-Ball Challenge this year.
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo and local billiard benefactor Perry Mariano of Bugsy fully support Gabica and Alcano for the Brunei 9-ball Open.
"We hope Gaga (Gabica) and Ronnie (Alcano) will play very well in the upcoming Brunei 9-ball Open for the country's glory," said Fajardo.
"I'am very confident that Ronnie and Gaga will win the championship crown, kailangan lang ng dasal at pagtitiwala natin sa kanilang kapasidad," added Mariano.
The tournament is sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and is organized by the Brunei Darussalam Cue Sports Association for the third time in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and sponsored by GHK Motors Sdn Bhd.
Other cue artist invited to play in this tournament are: Wu Chia Ching (2005 World 9-ball champion) and Chang Jung Ling (Guinness 9-ball tour leg winner) from Taiwan, Ibrahim Bin Amir from Malaysia (Thailand 9-Ball Open 2004 champion), Ricky Yang from Indonesia (Indonesia Open 2006 champion), Bernard Tey from Singapore and Luong Chi Dung (2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games 9-ball gold winner) from Vietnam.
Five players from Brunei will also be competing in the tournament consisting of candidates for the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand in December.
The grand prize is US$10,000, where US$5 000 goes to the runner-up, while US$1,500 goes to the semi-finalists and US$500 for the quarter-finalists.
"All cue enthusiasts should not miss the chance to see some of the top pool players in action in this prestigious tournament," according to a Brunei newspaper.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
LONE FILIPINO hopeful Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza failed to pocket another major tournament this year after losing to Taiwanese Chang Jung-lin, 11-8, in the Grand Finals of the Guinness 9-ball tour late Sunday at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia.
The 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable scratched while shooting for the orange five ball in the 19th rack that led Chang to run-out the game with an 11-8 victory.
In fact Chang dominated the entire match in this race-to-11, alternate break format. Chang was hot from the opening rack and took a 7-3 lead before Corteza managed to equalize at 7-all in the 14 th frame.
The 22-year-old Taiwanese, Chang was unheralded before the start of the Asian tour, received the championship trophy and the top prize US$36,000. Corteza, meanwhile settled for the runner-up prize of US$10,000.
Earlier, Corteza defeated 2005 World 9-ball champion Taiwanese Wu Chia-ching, 11-9, to arrange a titular showdown with Chang Jung-lin, a close 13-12 decision winner over compatriot Yang Ching-shun.
Actually, it was Wu who was ahead for most of the game but two scratched in the endgame allowing the Davao City born Corteza to progress. Tied at 9-all, the 18-year-old Wu suffered a scratch in the break in the 19th frame that put the 28-year-old Corteza, on the hill.
"Malaking factor 'yung dalawang scratch ni Wu (Wu Chia-ching) sa final canto," said NBS president Jonathan Sy, who traveled to Bali (Indonesia) to give moral support to his group’s prized fighter.
Corteza who used power break in the opener to take a 2-1 commanding lead shifted in the "soft break" in the 8th frame to close the match at 5-3 in favor of Wu.
"Si Ronnie (Alcano) ang nagsabi kay Van-Van (Corteza) na mag shift sa soft break," said Sy in another text message sent to this writer yesterday.
Meanwhile, Chang needed 3 hours and 30 minutes to beat Yang in the first TV telecast semi-final match yesterday afternoon.
First time Chang faced Corteza was in the finals of first leg of the Guinness Tour last April in Jakarta, where Chang also prevailed. Last Saturday, Corteza avenged his loss to Chang in Jakarta with a 9-3 win in their Group stage match.
FILIPINO GABICA SHOOTS FOR TOP PRIZE IN BRUNEI 9-BALL CROWN
CURRENT Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medal winner and 8-ball silver-medallist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica will try to extend the country's domination of the sport when he competes in the forthcoming Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup 2007 from Sept 7-8 at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas.
The 35-year-old Gabica, top player of star-studded Bugsy Promotion will leave the country on September 6 along with Bugsy stablemate double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano to carry the country's color in the said annual 9-ball event which will feature some of the worlds best cue masters.
"I will try my best to bring honor to our country just like what I did before in last year's Doha Asian Games," said the Lapu-Lapu City native Gabica in Filipino, who is aiming to duplicate his first place finish in the 2007 Cebu 9-Ball Challenge this year.
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo and local billiard benefactor Perry Mariano of Bugsy fully support Gabica and Alcano for the Brunei 9-ball Open.
"We hope Gaga (Gabica) and Ronnie (Alcano) will play very well in the upcoming Brunei 9-ball Open for the country's glory," said Fajardo.
"I'am very confident that Ronnie and Gaga will win the championship crown, kailangan lang ng dasal at pagtitiwala natin sa kanilang kapasidad," added Mariano.
The tournament is sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and is organized by the Brunei Darussalam Cue Sports Association for the third time in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and sponsored by GHK Motors Sdn Bhd.
Other cue artist invited to play in this tournament are: Wu Chia Ching (2005 World 9-ball champion) and Chang Jung Ling (Guinness 9-ball tour leg winner) from Taiwan, Ibrahim Bin Amir from Malaysia (Thailand 9-Ball Open 2004 champion), Ricky Yang from Indonesia (Indonesia Open 2006 champion), Bernard Tey from Singapore and Luong Chi Dung (2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games 9-ball gold winner) from Vietnam.
Five players from Brunei will also be competing in the tournament consisting of candidates for the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand in December.
The grand prize is US$10,000, where US$5 000 goes to the runner-up, while US$1,500 goes to the semi-finalists and US$500 for the quarter-finalists.
"All cue enthusiasts should not miss the chance to see some of the top pool players in action in this prestigious tournament," according to a Brunei newspaper.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Saturday, September 1, 2007
CORTEZA LONE FILIPINO IN GUINNESS GRAND FINALS
LEE VANN CORTEZA VERSUS WU CHIA-CHING IN FINAL FOUR TODAY
Semi Finals, today, Sunday
Lee Vann Corteza (Philippines) vs Wu Chia-ching (Chinese-Taipei)
Chang Jun-ling (Chinese-Taipei) vs Yang Ching-shun (Chinese-Taipei)
LONE FILIPINO hopeful Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza trounced Malaysia's Ibrahim Bin Amir (9-5) late Saturday to arrange a semi-final showdown with former world 9-ball champion Wu Chia-ching of Chinese-Taipei in the ongoing Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finals at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia.
The 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) finished with 3-1 win-loss record in preliminaries Group stage match.
Corteza, who hails from Mintal, Davao City issued a devastating win over Singapore's Bernard Tey, 9-1, succumbed to former world 9-ball champion Taiwan's Chao Fong-Pao, 6-9, late Friday then crushed Taiwanese Chang Jung-Lin, 9-3, Saturday afternoon before booting out Bin Amir in Group B.
It was a sweet victory for Corteza who lost to the Chang Jung-lin in the inauguration leg crown in Jakarta last April 20-22.
Actually, Corteza should thank Filipino-Malaysian Bin Amir, who edged Taiwanese Chao Fong-pang, 9-8, late Saturday, to prevent a complication in standing that put him in the final four.
Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) president Jonathan Sy will give boost to Corteza's semi-final bout today by showing up at the tournament.
Meanwhile, current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion compatriot Ronato "Volvano" Alcano bested Indian Dharminder Lilly, 9-3, but not good enough to advance in the final four today. The 34-year-old Alcano from Calamba City , Laguna finished with 2-2 win-loss card in Group A. Alcano opened his bid in a bright note with a close 9-7 victory over Indon Ricky Yang but loss to Yang Shing-chun, 6-9, late Friday. Alcano suffered a humiliating 1 - 9 setback against Chinese Taipei's Wu Chia-Ching that dimmed his chance to progress.
This news received earlier…
CORTEZA GETS BACK AT CHANG IN GUINNESS GRAND FINALE
FILIPINO Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza trounced Taiwanese Chang Jung-Lin, 9-3, to keep his bid alive in the ongoing Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finals at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia, on Saturday.
It was a sweet victory for the 28-year-old top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) who lost to the Taiwanese in the inauguration leg crown in Jakarta last April 20-22.
Corteza, who hails from Mintal, Davao City totes a 2-1 win-loss card in Group B, needed to beat his last round preliminaries group stage assignment against Filipino-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir for a possible semi-finals berth.
Corteza issued a devastating win over Singapore's Bernard Tey, 9-1, but succumbed to former world 9-ball champion Taiwan's Chao Fong-Pan late Friday.
Meanwhile, current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion compatriot Ronato "Volvano" Alcano suffered a humiliating 1 - 9 setback against Chinese Taipei's Wu Chia-Ching. This dimmed his chances to progress in the tournament.
The 34-year-old Alcano from Calamba City, Laguna opened his bid in a bright note with a close 9-7 victory over Indon Ricky Yang but lost to Wu, 6-9, late Friday. Alcano now has 1-2 win-loss card in Group A.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Semi Finals, today, Sunday
Lee Vann Corteza (Philippines) vs Wu Chia-ching (Chinese-Taipei)
Chang Jun-ling (Chinese-Taipei) vs Yang Ching-shun (Chinese-Taipei)
LONE FILIPINO hopeful Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza trounced Malaysia's Ibrahim Bin Amir (9-5) late Saturday to arrange a semi-final showdown with former world 9-ball champion Wu Chia-ching of Chinese-Taipei in the ongoing Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finals at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia.
The 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) finished with 3-1 win-loss record in preliminaries Group stage match.
Corteza, who hails from Mintal, Davao City issued a devastating win over Singapore's Bernard Tey, 9-1, succumbed to former world 9-ball champion Taiwan's Chao Fong-Pao, 6-9, late Friday then crushed Taiwanese Chang Jung-Lin, 9-3, Saturday afternoon before booting out Bin Amir in Group B.
It was a sweet victory for Corteza who lost to the Chang Jung-lin in the inauguration leg crown in Jakarta last April 20-22.
Actually, Corteza should thank Filipino-Malaysian Bin Amir, who edged Taiwanese Chao Fong-pang, 9-8, late Saturday, to prevent a complication in standing that put him in the final four.
Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) president Jonathan Sy will give boost to Corteza's semi-final bout today by showing up at the tournament.
Meanwhile, current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion compatriot Ronato "Volvano" Alcano bested Indian Dharminder Lilly, 9-3, but not good enough to advance in the final four today. The 34-year-old Alcano from Calamba City , Laguna finished with 2-2 win-loss card in Group A. Alcano opened his bid in a bright note with a close 9-7 victory over Indon Ricky Yang but loss to Yang Shing-chun, 6-9, late Friday. Alcano suffered a humiliating 1 - 9 setback against Chinese Taipei's Wu Chia-Ching that dimmed his chance to progress.
This news received earlier…
CORTEZA GETS BACK AT CHANG IN GUINNESS GRAND FINALE
FILIPINO Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza trounced Taiwanese Chang Jung-Lin, 9-3, to keep his bid alive in the ongoing Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finals at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia, on Saturday.
It was a sweet victory for the 28-year-old top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) who lost to the Taiwanese in the inauguration leg crown in Jakarta last April 20-22.
Corteza, who hails from Mintal, Davao City totes a 2-1 win-loss card in Group B, needed to beat his last round preliminaries group stage assignment against Filipino-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir for a possible semi-finals berth.
Corteza issued a devastating win over Singapore's Bernard Tey, 9-1, but succumbed to former world 9-ball champion Taiwan's Chao Fong-Pan late Friday.
Meanwhile, current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion compatriot Ronato "Volvano" Alcano suffered a humiliating 1 - 9 setback against Chinese Taipei's Wu Chia-Ching. This dimmed his chances to progress in the tournament.
The 34-year-old Alcano from Calamba City, Laguna opened his bid in a bright note with a close 9-7 victory over Indon Ricky Yang but lost to Wu, 6-9, late Friday. Alcano now has 1-2 win-loss card in Group A.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
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