Give me a break
By: Frank Lacambra
With the 2007 World Pool 9-ball Championship about to start, the big question among Filipino billiards fans is: Will a Filipino player repeat as WPC champion?
There certainly is ground for optimism that a Filipino will pull it off again. The defending champion, Ronnie Alcano, has kept busy on the pool circuit. Early this year he also took the world 8-ball crown, which makes him a double world champion.
Filipino fans still remember how Alcano shattered the WPC dreams of Ralf Souquet of Germany. This event could again bring out the best in his game, provided he stays focused and doesn’t take anything for granted.
Efren Reyes will be around and will definitely be a force to reckon with. If he could summon his magic touch one more time, he would be unbeatable. The same can be said of Francisco Bustamante, a one-time WPC finalist and a legend in his own right.
The downside for these two pool icons, however, is that they’ve suffered a couple of major setbacks only last month. They lost their World Cup of Pool title when two unknown Chinese cue masters knocked them out in the early rounds. And they didn’t do too well either in the prestigious US Open.
Those disasters, notwithstanding, the Filipino contingent still abound with talent. There’s Alex Pagulayan, Marlon Manalo, Dennis Orcollo, Lee Vann Corteza, Rodolfo Luat, Antonio Lining, Ramil Gallego, Leonardo Andam, Jeffrey de Luna, Antonio Gabica and Joven Bustamante who, at their fighting best, are formidable competitors.
With such a strong line-up, the Filipinos have naturally struck fear in the hearts of many foreign players. So it’s no surprise that talk of a “conspiracy” against them has started to make the rounds. The subject surfaced recently in the US Open when the Filipinos, for one reason or another, were thrown into the same group and matched up against each other, thus effectively eliminating 50% of the Filipinos in one round!
We don’t know if this had anything to do with the conspiracy, but during the championship match, Alcano had a referee replaced. Nevertheless, he ended up losing to the American wunderkind Shane Van Boening. To discerning observers, the experience left a poor taste in the mouth.
Will a Filipino come out the WPC champion again this year? From where we sit, it’s going to be a tough call—with practically everybody itching to knock out the Filipinos and deny them a shot at WPC glory once more.
What is certain is that the Filipinos will have their hands full fighting off the world’s finest pool players.
What do you think?
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
NEWS ON PACMAN 9-BALL + WPC QUALIFYING
JEFF DE LUNA WINS PACMAN 9-BALL, BAGS P1M
CURRENT Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey De Luna added the 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open title to his achievements at the Entertainment Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
The 23-year-old De Luna, member of the star-studded Bugsy Promotion beat 2007 Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Enjoypool.com 9-ball winner Dennis Orcollo in an all-Filipino finale, 11-9, late Saturday to win the crown in the double-elimination tournament that featured 128 elite players from around the world.
The man known in the billiard circle as "The Bull" or "Jeff Bata" netted P1 million, his biggest ever prize in his pro billiard career after getting a P850,000 cash incentives from the local government by winning the silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball competition in Qatar.
"So far ito na ang pinakamalaking premyo na natanggap ko sa aking pro billiard career. Y'ung sa Asian Games ay P850,000 ang natanggap ko sa local government matapos manalo sa ako ng silver medal sa 9-ball competition." said De Luna, one of the country's representatives in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World on Nov. 12-13 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
"Saka timing ang pagkapanalo ko sa Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball kasi walang-walang pera kami ng asawa kong si Ian kung saan ang dalawa naming anak ay may sakit at kailangan madala sa Hospital agad," De Luna referring his son Alexander and daughter Alexandra who are sick.
De Luna who won the opening lag had a reaction his game against Orcollo "Grabe, hindi talaga bumibitaw si Dennis (Orcollo) siguro kung siya ang nakauna o dikitan kami ay baka talo ako," explained De Luna who took a 6-0 commanding lead before Orcollo came back and close the match at 6-4 count. Orcollo faltered in the 20 th rack to allow the unbeaten De Luna to nail an 11-9 win.
The 28-year-old Orcollo on the other hand received the runner-up prize of P500,000 in this P2 million total pot tournament sponsored by Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in close cooperation with Solar All Access and Manny Pacquiao promotion.
De Luna earlier ousted former US Open 9-Ball runner-up and SMB Asian 9-ball tour winner Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 10-6, in the semi-finals to book a finals slot.
Orcollo, meanwhile advanced into the finals after knocking out Sta. Cruz, Laguna No.1 player Michael "Fighter" Feliciano, 10-2, in the other side of the semis. Losing semi-finalist Luat and Feliciano will take home P150,000 each.
Early this month, De Luna beat Ricky Zerna and Panfilo Damuag, 11-7, in Pool Showdown to amazed a total earnings worth $3,300.00 one for ring game winner, two match of the week champion ($1, 000.00 each) and $500.00 as added prize for retaining the hot seat (Hari ng Mesa).
The Manny Pacquiao event should serve as good tune-up for De Luna, who is seeking to improve his last year's WPC quarter-final finish when the 2007 World Pool Championship gets going on Nov.3-11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
WPC UPDATE: Taiwanese, Japanese Take First Two Qualifiers
Lu Hui-Chan of Chinese Taipei and Kenichi Ichigaki of Japan took the first two spots of the WPC qualifying tournament which opened at the Star Billiards Center on Saturday, October 27.
Lu beat compatriot Ching Yu-lung 9-2 in the final of the first qualifier. The field consisted of 80 players.
Ichigaki for his part outlasted Do Huang Quan of Vietnam 9-3 in the second qualifier, which consisted of 79 players.
Filipino players were noticeably absent from the semifinal rounds of the competition. The host players faded early.
"The field this year is very competitive," said tournament coordinator Sol Gueco. "Some think the qualifier format is tougher than that of the WPC main draw."
The qualifying tournament is being hosted by Mr. Sebastian Chua, president of Star Paper Corporation and Star Billiards, which is the exclusive distributor of Brunswick billiard tables and Aramith billiard balls in the Philippines.
Action continues at 8 am this Sunday, October 28 at the Star Billiards Center, with two spots again up for grabs and 173 players slated to play.
Gabica Awarded Spot in World Pool
Antonio "Gaga" Gabica, Asian Games gold medalist and reigning RP open champion, has been awarded a wild card spot in the 2007 World Pool Championship by Matchroom Sport.
Matchroom tendered the privilege in recognition of Gabica's achievements in high-ranking Asian and Philippine events.
With Gabica's entry, 13 players will now carry the Filipino flag in the most important and prestigious pool tournament in the world.
The 2007 WPC is scheduled to start on Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum. The tournament is spread over nine days, with the final on Sunday, Nov. 11
Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO
CURRENT Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey De Luna added the 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open title to his achievements at the Entertainment Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
The 23-year-old De Luna, member of the star-studded Bugsy Promotion beat 2007 Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Enjoypool.com 9-ball winner Dennis Orcollo in an all-Filipino finale, 11-9, late Saturday to win the crown in the double-elimination tournament that featured 128 elite players from around the world.
The man known in the billiard circle as "The Bull" or "Jeff Bata" netted P1 million, his biggest ever prize in his pro billiard career after getting a P850,000 cash incentives from the local government by winning the silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball competition in Qatar.
"So far ito na ang pinakamalaking premyo na natanggap ko sa aking pro billiard career. Y'ung sa Asian Games ay P850,000 ang natanggap ko sa local government matapos manalo sa ako ng silver medal sa 9-ball competition." said De Luna, one of the country's representatives in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World on Nov. 12-13 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
"Saka timing ang pagkapanalo ko sa Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball kasi walang-walang pera kami ng asawa kong si Ian kung saan ang dalawa naming anak ay may sakit at kailangan madala sa Hospital agad," De Luna referring his son Alexander and daughter Alexandra who are sick.
De Luna who won the opening lag had a reaction his game against Orcollo "Grabe, hindi talaga bumibitaw si Dennis (Orcollo) siguro kung siya ang nakauna o dikitan kami ay baka talo ako," explained De Luna who took a 6-0 commanding lead before Orcollo came back and close the match at 6-4 count. Orcollo faltered in the 20 th rack to allow the unbeaten De Luna to nail an 11-9 win.
The 28-year-old Orcollo on the other hand received the runner-up prize of P500,000 in this P2 million total pot tournament sponsored by Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in close cooperation with Solar All Access and Manny Pacquiao promotion.
De Luna earlier ousted former US Open 9-Ball runner-up and SMB Asian 9-ball tour winner Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 10-6, in the semi-finals to book a finals slot.
Orcollo, meanwhile advanced into the finals after knocking out Sta. Cruz, Laguna No.1 player Michael "Fighter" Feliciano, 10-2, in the other side of the semis. Losing semi-finalist Luat and Feliciano will take home P150,000 each.
Early this month, De Luna beat Ricky Zerna and Panfilo Damuag, 11-7, in Pool Showdown to amazed a total earnings worth $3,300.00 one for ring game winner, two match of the week champion ($1, 000.00 each) and $500.00 as added prize for retaining the hot seat (Hari ng Mesa).
The Manny Pacquiao event should serve as good tune-up for De Luna, who is seeking to improve his last year's WPC quarter-final finish when the 2007 World Pool Championship gets going on Nov.3-11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
WPC UPDATE: Taiwanese, Japanese Take First Two Qualifiers
Lu Hui-Chan of Chinese Taipei and Kenichi Ichigaki of Japan took the first two spots of the WPC qualifying tournament which opened at the Star Billiards Center on Saturday, October 27.
Lu beat compatriot Ching Yu-lung 9-2 in the final of the first qualifier. The field consisted of 80 players.
Ichigaki for his part outlasted Do Huang Quan of Vietnam 9-3 in the second qualifier, which consisted of 79 players.
Filipino players were noticeably absent from the semifinal rounds of the competition. The host players faded early.
"The field this year is very competitive," said tournament coordinator Sol Gueco. "Some think the qualifier format is tougher than that of the WPC main draw."
The qualifying tournament is being hosted by Mr. Sebastian Chua, president of Star Paper Corporation and Star Billiards, which is the exclusive distributor of Brunswick billiard tables and Aramith billiard balls in the Philippines.
Action continues at 8 am this Sunday, October 28 at the Star Billiards Center, with two spots again up for grabs and 173 players slated to play.
Gabica Awarded Spot in World Pool
Antonio "Gaga" Gabica, Asian Games gold medalist and reigning RP open champion, has been awarded a wild card spot in the 2007 World Pool Championship by Matchroom Sport.
Matchroom tendered the privilege in recognition of Gabica's achievements in high-ranking Asian and Philippine events.
With Gabica's entry, 13 players will now carry the Filipino flag in the most important and prestigious pool tournament in the world.
The 2007 WPC is scheduled to start on Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum. The tournament is spread over nine days, with the final on Sunday, Nov. 11
Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO
Friday, October 26, 2007
MARVELOUS MARLON M. ON PACMAN 9-BALL + WPC QUALIFYING
"MARVELOUS" MANALO STRIKE AGAIN IN PACMAN 9-BALL
THERE was no stopping the express train named "Marvelous" Marlon Manalo.
Breaking good and pocketing even better, Manalo jumped the gun on the unsuspecting Karl Boyles of the United Kingdom en route to a runaway 9-1 victory in the P2 million total pot tournament dubbed as Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open yesterday at the Hobbies Mall Billiards Hall.
Boyles avoided a shutout with a win on the seventh frame as Manalo miscalculated his preparation on the green six.
"I felt good with my shots. Kahit sino siguro ang kalaban ko mahihirapang manalo kapag ganun ang itinitira ko," said Manalo, one of the country's representatives in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World on Nov. 12-13 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
Manalo will next face former world champion Mika Immonen of Finland, 9-6 winner over Jomar De Ocampo. Equally impressive was teenage sensation Filipino-Japanese Mike Takayama, who stunned reigning world champion Ronnie Alcano, 9-7.
The other undefeated players in the double elimination event sponsored by boxing idol Manny Pacquiao were Dennis Orcollo, Marcus Chamat, Richard Cuna and Jomel Sultan, Russian Petiza, Jeffrey De Luna, Michael Feliciano.
Orcollo downed Roel Esquillo, 9-5, Chamat toppled Romeo Silvano, 9-3, Cuna trounced Gandy Valle, 9-6, Sultan beat Jong-Jong Pangan, 9-5, Petiza topped Rodrigo Geronimo, 9-7, De Luna dumped Joven Bustamante, 9-6, and Feliciano turned back Jay-Jay Millares, 9-6.
Efren "Bata" Reyes, meanwhile, stayed alive with a 9-2 win over Gil Nakamura, 9-2, on the loser's bracket.
The champion here take away P1 million while the runner-up gets P500,000 in the event organized by Manny Pacquiao Promotion in close cooperation with Solar Sports.
Meanwhile, everything is set for the 2007 Mindanao Open on November 6 at the Upper Sangan Labangan National Highway Labangan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga, del Sur on November 6. A total pot prize of P120,000 put up by sportsman Nasser Bandong. Please call or text (0916) 958-9897 for complete details.
WPC Qualifiers Start Tomorrow with Record Number of Entries
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---The qualifying tournament for the 2007 World Pool Championship opens tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 27) at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City with a record 180 players competing for 10 slots in the WPC.
Players from 18 countries have signed up for the 10 events.
Countries with the most number of entries are:
Taiwan – 43
Japan – 20
China – 9
Vietnam – 8
Singapore – 8
Kuwait – 8
Saudi Arabia -- 5
Philippines -- 50
The other players come from Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Thailand, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Brunei, Indonesia, Canada, France Korea, Yemen and Turkey.
The qualifiers will run from Oct. 27 to 31. Two events will be staged each day.
The competition format is single elimination (knockout system). Each match is race to 7, alternate break.
The first qualifier each day starts at 8:00 a.m. The second qualifier begins immediately after the first event is finished.
The Star Billiards Center is the premier billiards facility in the Philippines. It features Brunswick tables, Simonis cloth, and Aramith pro balls – all standard equipment for the WPC.
Star Billiards management led by owner Sebastian Chua has prepared its facility and fully mobilized its staff to ensure a successful qualifying tournament for the WPC.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
THERE was no stopping the express train named "Marvelous" Marlon Manalo.
Breaking good and pocketing even better, Manalo jumped the gun on the unsuspecting Karl Boyles of the United Kingdom en route to a runaway 9-1 victory in the P2 million total pot tournament dubbed as Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open yesterday at the Hobbies Mall Billiards Hall.
Boyles avoided a shutout with a win on the seventh frame as Manalo miscalculated his preparation on the green six.
"I felt good with my shots. Kahit sino siguro ang kalaban ko mahihirapang manalo kapag ganun ang itinitira ko," said Manalo, one of the country's representatives in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World on Nov. 12-13 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
Manalo will next face former world champion Mika Immonen of Finland, 9-6 winner over Jomar De Ocampo. Equally impressive was teenage sensation Filipino-Japanese Mike Takayama, who stunned reigning world champion Ronnie Alcano, 9-7.
The other undefeated players in the double elimination event sponsored by boxing idol Manny Pacquiao were Dennis Orcollo, Marcus Chamat, Richard Cuna and Jomel Sultan, Russian Petiza, Jeffrey De Luna, Michael Feliciano.
Orcollo downed Roel Esquillo, 9-5, Chamat toppled Romeo Silvano, 9-3, Cuna trounced Gandy Valle, 9-6, Sultan beat Jong-Jong Pangan, 9-5, Petiza topped Rodrigo Geronimo, 9-7, De Luna dumped Joven Bustamante, 9-6, and Feliciano turned back Jay-Jay Millares, 9-6.
Efren "Bata" Reyes, meanwhile, stayed alive with a 9-2 win over Gil Nakamura, 9-2, on the loser's bracket.
The champion here take away P1 million while the runner-up gets P500,000 in the event organized by Manny Pacquiao Promotion in close cooperation with Solar Sports.
Meanwhile, everything is set for the 2007 Mindanao Open on November 6 at the Upper Sangan Labangan National Highway Labangan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga, del Sur on November 6. A total pot prize of P120,000 put up by sportsman Nasser Bandong. Please call or text (0916) 958-9897 for complete details.
WPC Qualifiers Start Tomorrow with Record Number of Entries
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---The qualifying tournament for the 2007 World Pool Championship opens tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 27) at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City with a record 180 players competing for 10 slots in the WPC.
Players from 18 countries have signed up for the 10 events.
Countries with the most number of entries are:
Taiwan – 43
Japan – 20
China – 9
Vietnam – 8
Singapore – 8
Kuwait – 8
Saudi Arabia -- 5
Philippines -- 50
The other players come from Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Thailand, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Brunei, Indonesia, Canada, France Korea, Yemen and Turkey.
The qualifiers will run from Oct. 27 to 31. Two events will be staged each day.
The competition format is single elimination (knockout system). Each match is race to 7, alternate break.
The first qualifier each day starts at 8:00 a.m. The second qualifier begins immediately after the first event is finished.
The Star Billiards Center is the premier billiards facility in the Philippines. It features Brunswick tables, Simonis cloth, and Aramith pro balls – all standard equipment for the WPC.
Star Billiards management led by owner Sebastian Chua has prepared its facility and fully mobilized its staff to ensure a successful qualifying tournament for the WPC.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
COMMENTARY
Give me a break
By: Frank Lacambra
Sometime ago, we asked: Are Filipino billiards players losing their touch? Or, have foreign players raised their game a notch or two?
We asked the question because of what has befallen Filipino pool masters lately. In the 2007 Guinness 9-Ball Asian Tour, which ended in early September, Filipinos failed to win a single leg out of five legs. That was a big letdown, considering that we sent a very strong contingent, including Ronnie Alcano, the current World Pool Championship title-holder; Alex Pagulayan, the 2004 WPC champion, and Lee Vann Corteza, the 2007 Philippine champion.
In the World Cup of Pool, which was held in the Netherlands just a few weeks ago, the defending champions Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante of the Philippines were heavily favored by many to retain their title without any trouble. But things didn’t turn out that way. Bata and Django were ambushed in the quarterfinals and eliminated.
And who beat them? An unheralded duo from China, who according to some wags, were never given a Chinaman’s chance to go very far, given the formidable teams from Europe, the US and Chinese Taipei. Li Hewen and Fu Jianbo are far from being household words among billiards fans, but they will soon be if they keep playing the way they booted out the Filipino legends.
We hope the beatings that the Filipinos got recently is just a temporary setback and that there is nothing to worry about.
But Filipino billiards fans are understandably concerned. To many of them the “losing streak” by the Philippines’ top players seems to be telling us something. Are our players losing their spirit?
Are the disappointing results a symptom of the problems that have bugged the Filipino billiards establishment lately? Is it a question of attitude or motivation? Or, as suggested by some, is it a question of leadership? Is it time for our billiards leaders to do some soul-searching and make much-needed moves to get Philippine billiards back to its winning ways?
What do you think?
By: Frank Lacambra
Sometime ago, we asked: Are Filipino billiards players losing their touch? Or, have foreign players raised their game a notch or two?
We asked the question because of what has befallen Filipino pool masters lately. In the 2007 Guinness 9-Ball Asian Tour, which ended in early September, Filipinos failed to win a single leg out of five legs. That was a big letdown, considering that we sent a very strong contingent, including Ronnie Alcano, the current World Pool Championship title-holder; Alex Pagulayan, the 2004 WPC champion, and Lee Vann Corteza, the 2007 Philippine champion.
In the World Cup of Pool, which was held in the Netherlands just a few weeks ago, the defending champions Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante of the Philippines were heavily favored by many to retain their title without any trouble. But things didn’t turn out that way. Bata and Django were ambushed in the quarterfinals and eliminated.
And who beat them? An unheralded duo from China, who according to some wags, were never given a Chinaman’s chance to go very far, given the formidable teams from Europe, the US and Chinese Taipei. Li Hewen and Fu Jianbo are far from being household words among billiards fans, but they will soon be if they keep playing the way they booted out the Filipino legends.
We hope the beatings that the Filipinos got recently is just a temporary setback and that there is nothing to worry about.
But Filipino billiards fans are understandably concerned. To many of them the “losing streak” by the Philippines’ top players seems to be telling us something. Are our players losing their spirit?
Are the disappointing results a symptom of the problems that have bugged the Filipino billiards establishment lately? Is it a question of attitude or motivation? Or, as suggested by some, is it a question of leadership? Is it time for our billiards leaders to do some soul-searching and make much-needed moves to get Philippine billiards back to its winning ways?
What do you think?
MARLON BEATS DJANGO IN PACMAN 9-BALL
"MARVELOUS" MARLON MANALO brushed aside Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 9-5, and lead the march of players into the third round of the winner's bracket yesterday in the Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open at the Hobbies Mall billiards hall.
After winning the lag, Manalo jumped to a quick 2-0 lead, maintained the cushion, and thwarted the brief charge of Bustamante in the middle game. Bustamante tied the count after 10 racks, 5-all, then Manalo caught fire to finish the match.
"You can't afford to commit too many mistakes against Django. Fortunately I'm quite sharp today," said Manalo, many-time winner in the US pool circuit and perennial gold medal winner in the Southeast Asian Games. The Mandaluyong ace, one of the members of the Team Philippines that will compete against the best players the world can offer in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: RP vs. Rest of the World, beat Eric Rodriguez in the opening round Wednesday night.
Manalo, third placer in the World Pool Championship two years ago in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, will next meet Karl Boyles of the United Kingdom. Bustamante was eventually eliminated in the double elimination tournament, losing to Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat.
The famous Puyat Sports stable took a twin slap on the face after Efren "Bata" Reyes also fell by the wayside against little-known Jong-Jong Pangan, 9-8.
Rodrigo Geronimo shared the limelight with a pair of stunning victories against former US Open winner Rodney Morris, 9-2, and former Asian 9-Ball Tour champion Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 9-7. Reigning Philippine Junior champion Mark Mendoza also stayed on the right side of the draw with a pair of 9-7 wins against Jay-Jay Escultor and Monching Mistica.
Marcus Chamat of Sweden, a frequent Manila visitor, beat Darren Appleton, 9-6, for his second win in the P2-Million event sponsored by boxing idol Manny Pacquiao.
In other matches, Patrick Gonzales, top player of Rocketman Enterprises, edged Rene Cruz, 9-8, and Gandy Valle downed Rene Mar "Revo" David, 9-3. The champion here take away P1 million while the runner-up gets P500,000. Meanwhile, everything is set for the 2007 Mindanao Open on November 6 at the Upper Sangan Labangan National Highway Labangan Zamboanga, del Sur on November 6. A total pot prize of P120,000 put up by sportsman Nasser Bandong. Please call or text (0916) 958-9897 for complete details.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
After winning the lag, Manalo jumped to a quick 2-0 lead, maintained the cushion, and thwarted the brief charge of Bustamante in the middle game. Bustamante tied the count after 10 racks, 5-all, then Manalo caught fire to finish the match.
"You can't afford to commit too many mistakes against Django. Fortunately I'm quite sharp today," said Manalo, many-time winner in the US pool circuit and perennial gold medal winner in the Southeast Asian Games. The Mandaluyong ace, one of the members of the Team Philippines that will compete against the best players the world can offer in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: RP vs. Rest of the World, beat Eric Rodriguez in the opening round Wednesday night.
Manalo, third placer in the World Pool Championship two years ago in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, will next meet Karl Boyles of the United Kingdom. Bustamante was eventually eliminated in the double elimination tournament, losing to Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat.
The famous Puyat Sports stable took a twin slap on the face after Efren "Bata" Reyes also fell by the wayside against little-known Jong-Jong Pangan, 9-8.
Rodrigo Geronimo shared the limelight with a pair of stunning victories against former US Open winner Rodney Morris, 9-2, and former Asian 9-Ball Tour champion Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 9-7. Reigning Philippine Junior champion Mark Mendoza also stayed on the right side of the draw with a pair of 9-7 wins against Jay-Jay Escultor and Monching Mistica.
Marcus Chamat of Sweden, a frequent Manila visitor, beat Darren Appleton, 9-6, for his second win in the P2-Million event sponsored by boxing idol Manny Pacquiao.
In other matches, Patrick Gonzales, top player of Rocketman Enterprises, edged Rene Cruz, 9-8, and Gandy Valle downed Rene Mar "Revo" David, 9-3. The champion here take away P1 million while the runner-up gets P500,000. Meanwhile, everything is set for the 2007 Mindanao Open on November 6 at the Upper Sangan Labangan National Highway Labangan Zamboanga, del Sur on November 6. A total pot prize of P120,000 put up by sportsman Nasser Bandong. Please call or text (0916) 958-9897 for complete details.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Monday, October 22, 2007
MANNY PACQUIAO INT'L. 9-BALL TOURNAMENT
PACMAN INT'L 9-BALL OPEN GETS UNDERWAY
Even in the heat of busy schedule, Filipino boxing sensation Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao still has the time to indulge in other sports that has caught his fancy.
Also an avid pool player, Pacquiao has put his money where his mouth is with the inaugural of the Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open which will be held the qualifying round from October 24 to 26 at the Hobbies of Asia building in Pasay City.
The Last 16 will be held at the SM Mall of Asia on October 27.
Two of the country's top cue artists - Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante - will be bannering the P2-million event.
Reigning double world champion Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Marlon Manalo, Rodolfo Luat, Ramil Gallego, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza will join Reyes and Bustamante in the tournament wherein the top finisher will receive P1 million and the runner-up P500,000.
Alcano, is fresh from a runner-up finish in the 32nd annual US Open 9-Ball at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia over the weekend.
"Inaasahan ko na mahigit sa 100 participant ang lalaro. May inaasahan din tayong foreign player, parang practice na din nila ito bago mag WPC next month ng pool wizards," tournament director Julie "Falcon" Guevarra referring the forthcoming 2007 World Pool Championship on Nov. 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
This is not the first time that Pacquiao has organized a pool tournament.
In December last year, the Manny Pacquiao Panersera-Pababa 10-ball tourney was held at the Rock and Roll billiard hall in Malate while the Manny Pacquiao 10-ball Open in General Santos City was held only last February. Benson Palses and Roberto Gomez won the said event, in order.
Solar Sports, home of the Filipino Cable channel will be aired the said event according to Guevarra, country's top trickshot player.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
Even in the heat of busy schedule, Filipino boxing sensation Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao still has the time to indulge in other sports that has caught his fancy.
Also an avid pool player, Pacquiao has put his money where his mouth is with the inaugural of the Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open which will be held the qualifying round from October 24 to 26 at the Hobbies of Asia building in Pasay City.
The Last 16 will be held at the SM Mall of Asia on October 27.
Two of the country's top cue artists - Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante - will be bannering the P2-million event.
Reigning double world champion Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Marlon Manalo, Rodolfo Luat, Ramil Gallego, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza will join Reyes and Bustamante in the tournament wherein the top finisher will receive P1 million and the runner-up P500,000.
Alcano, is fresh from a runner-up finish in the 32nd annual US Open 9-Ball at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia over the weekend.
"Inaasahan ko na mahigit sa 100 participant ang lalaro. May inaasahan din tayong foreign player, parang practice na din nila ito bago mag WPC next month ng pool wizards," tournament director Julie "Falcon" Guevarra referring the forthcoming 2007 World Pool Championship on Nov. 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
This is not the first time that Pacquiao has organized a pool tournament.
In December last year, the Manny Pacquiao Panersera-Pababa 10-ball tourney was held at the Rock and Roll billiard hall in Malate while the Manny Pacquiao 10-ball Open in General Santos City was held only last February. Benson Palses and Roberto Gomez won the said event, in order.
Solar Sports, home of the Filipino Cable channel will be aired the said event according to Guevarra, country's top trickshot player.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
PINOY DOZEN
As if to show how entrenched and popular pool is in the Philippines, all 12 Filipino players already qualified in the 2007 World Pool Championship come from all over the Philippine archipelago. All the three major island groups – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – are represented in the billiards extravaganza set to begin Nov. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Defending champion Ronnie "The Volcano" Alcano is the pride of Calamba, Laguna, also the hometown of national hero Jose Rizal. Angeles City, Pampanga has two famous sons competing in the international competition, with pool icon Efren "Bata" Reyes, the 1999 world titlist, and Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, the 2006 US Open runner-up.
Francisco "Django" Bustamante, who continues to pursue the seemingly elusive world 9-ball championship, is from nearby Tarlac, Tarlac. His cousin, Joven Bustamante, who won the Korean International Open in August, is an overseas Filipino worker in the Middle East.
While now based in Canada, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, who captured the 2004 world pool crown in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, was born in the town of Cabagan, Isabela.
Former Asian Games doubles gold medallist Antonio "Nickoy" Lining is a native of Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, while "Marvelous" Marlon Manalo and up-and-coming Jeffrey "Bata" de Luna were born and bred in Mandaluyong and Manila, respectively.
Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, who is now based in Japan and speaks fluent Nihongo, is the lone Visayan representative and was born in Bacolod City. Davao City is represented by native Lee Van Corteza, the reigning national champion. And Bislig, Surigao del Sur is bannered by Dennis "Robo Cop" Orcullo, 2007 BCA Enjoy Pool champion.
There are other top Filipino players who are eying berths in the WPC through the qualifying tournament that will begin on Saturday at the Star Billiards Center. They include Asian Games gold medalist Antonio "Gaga" Gabica, who comes from Cebu, and Roberto Gomez, who hails from Zamboanga City.
Regional pride is expected to play a big role in drawing the crowds to the Big Dome as Filipino fans flock to see and root for their hometown favorites during the nine-day pool festival.
Should another Filipino emerge on top of the field, however, it will be one nation rejoicing once again.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Defending champion Ronnie "The Volcano" Alcano is the pride of Calamba, Laguna, also the hometown of national hero Jose Rizal. Angeles City, Pampanga has two famous sons competing in the international competition, with pool icon Efren "Bata" Reyes, the 1999 world titlist, and Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, the 2006 US Open runner-up.
Francisco "Django" Bustamante, who continues to pursue the seemingly elusive world 9-ball championship, is from nearby Tarlac, Tarlac. His cousin, Joven Bustamante, who won the Korean International Open in August, is an overseas Filipino worker in the Middle East.
While now based in Canada, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, who captured the 2004 world pool crown in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, was born in the town of Cabagan, Isabela.
Former Asian Games doubles gold medallist Antonio "Nickoy" Lining is a native of Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, while "Marvelous" Marlon Manalo and up-and-coming Jeffrey "Bata" de Luna were born and bred in Mandaluyong and Manila, respectively.
Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, who is now based in Japan and speaks fluent Nihongo, is the lone Visayan representative and was born in Bacolod City. Davao City is represented by native Lee Van Corteza, the reigning national champion. And Bislig, Surigao del Sur is bannered by Dennis "Robo Cop" Orcullo, 2007 BCA Enjoy Pool champion.
There are other top Filipino players who are eying berths in the WPC through the qualifying tournament that will begin on Saturday at the Star Billiards Center. They include Asian Games gold medalist Antonio "Gaga" Gabica, who comes from Cebu, and Roberto Gomez, who hails from Zamboanga City.
Regional pride is expected to play a big role in drawing the crowds to the Big Dome as Filipino fans flock to see and root for their hometown favorites during the nine-day pool festival.
Should another Filipino emerge on top of the field, however, it will be one nation rejoicing once again.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
VAN BOENING BEATS ALCANO IN THE FINALS OF US OPEN 9-BALL
RONATO "Volcano" Alcano missed a chance to make history. No thanks to a streaking opponent and suspicious racking by the hometown referees. Shane Van Boening took the measure of Alcano for the second time in two days, 13-10, and bagged the 32nd US Open crown Saturday night at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The loss prevented the 34-year-old lanky cue Alcano from becoming the first player to reign supreme in the World Pool Championship, World 8-Ball Championship and US Open at the same time.
The 24-year-old Van Boening, fondly called "South Dakota Kid" in pool world who sent Alcano to the loser's bracket Friday, grabbed $50,000 and a spot on Team USA in the Mosconi Cup. Alcano settled for $25,000.
The two are expected to meet again and play key roles for their respective teams in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World on Nov. 12-13 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
"It's very disappointing," said Alcano in Filipino during a telephone conversation with Bugsy Promotions manager Perry Mariano. "It's a rare opportunity to win the three biggest titles in pool in a span of one year."
He had his chances.
Ahead by two after eight racks, 5-3, and the momentum clearly on his side with four straight rack wins, Alcano playing under the banner of Bugsy Promotions sued for time. Bad timing? Perhaps a perfect time for somebody else to plot a crime.
After taking the breather, Alcano never holed a ball on his break again. Six times to be exact. "I've been breaking well the whole tournament and early in the game. I don't know why I suddenly ran out of luck on my break," Alcano narrated.
Somewhere along the way, Alcano requested for a change of referee. Request granted but the spell continued.
Nothing out of the ordinary, but it's not very often to see a player of Alcano's caliber hit a dry break six straight times.
Mariano is trying to ignore the suspicions. "I hope it was just plain bad luck on the part of Ronnie for the benefit of sport," he said.
Alcano was untouchable heading to the finals, routing his three opponents in the loser's bracket to set up a rematch with Van Boening. He beat Louis Ulrich, 11-3, Ralf Souquet, 11-3 and Tomoki Mikari, 11-5.
Rumors of conspiracy to doom the chances of Filipino players started to circulate even before the tournament started.
Six marquee players from the country were bunched on the same group namely Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Jose "Amang" Parica, Lee Vann Corteza, Warren Kiamco and Alcano. The three other groups had no more than two Filipino players.
"Our chances got slimmer as the tournament went along because our players kept on eliminating each other," said veteran cue artist and Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) founding president Edgar "Malabon" Acaba. (
CAGOL EYES PACMAN 9-BALL
UNHERLADED Armando "Agila" Cagol will compete in the 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open on Oct. 24-27 at the Hobbies of Asia Building in Pasay City.
The 28-year-old from Caloocan City will be out to challenge world renowned players like Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante in the tournament that offers P1-M to the champion and P500,000 to the runner-up.
Cagol, managed by Japan Tour stalwart Roel Esquillo, is a finalist in the Eat Bulaga 9-Ball Rumble. He also did well in the 2007 SMC-BSCP Ranking Tour.
"Maganda sana ang maging performance ko sa Manny Pacquiao International," said Cagol. "Magandang preparation din ito para sa qualifying ng World Pool Championship at Japan International Open."
Solar Sports, the leading sports channel in the country, will air the tournament sponsored by the boxing idol himself – Manny Pacquiao.
Cagol is one of the familiar faces in One-Side Billiards Hall, home of the toughest money game players in the country.
DAVID BEATS MANALO IN POOL SHOWDOWN
RENEMAR "Revo" David, the rising 18-yr. Old billiard phenom ousted Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo in the hot seat as King-of-the-Table in Pool Showdown match of the week held Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center.
David one of the country's representative in the World Junior Championship in Willingen, Germany this coming November 26-30 connected 5 wins enabling 8-4 lead after 12th racks.
But the 2006 Sydney WJC quarter finalist dry break in the 13th frame gave Manalo a chance to level the score 9-9 including four straight wins in the 15th to 18th frame in their race-to-11 9-ball winner's break format.
Even though the 31-yr old Manalo got back in the game, he's still anguished with his breaks and looses his concentrations due to several dry breaks.
Manalo missed ball 5 in the 19th rack prompted David to grab again the lead including an 8-9 combination in the 20th frame to wrap up the game 11-9.
The Mandaluyong native and 2nd BSCP National Pool Championship 1st runner-up Manalo won the lag but the point goes to David after he missed ball no.4 from a bad preparation.
"Suwerte lang medyo nakauna ng bahagya kaya napagod si kuya Marlon (Manalo) humabol tapos mas marami siyang dry breaks kesa sa akin, magandang prepartion ito sa WPC siyempre kasama rin ang qualifying tournament para sa WPC."masayang sambit ni David.
David replaces Manalo as "Hari ng Mesa" received $1,800 for winning the ring game and the match of the week in the event supported by Sporteum Inc. (ACCEL) president Wilfredo Ortiz as official outfitter of the players.
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00-10:30 in the evening.
(Repoorts from MARLON BERNARDINO)
The loss prevented the 34-year-old lanky cue Alcano from becoming the first player to reign supreme in the World Pool Championship, World 8-Ball Championship and US Open at the same time.
The 24-year-old Van Boening, fondly called "South Dakota Kid" in pool world who sent Alcano to the loser's bracket Friday, grabbed $50,000 and a spot on Team USA in the Mosconi Cup. Alcano settled for $25,000.
The two are expected to meet again and play key roles for their respective teams in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World on Nov. 12-13 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
"It's very disappointing," said Alcano in Filipino during a telephone conversation with Bugsy Promotions manager Perry Mariano. "It's a rare opportunity to win the three biggest titles in pool in a span of one year."
He had his chances.
Ahead by two after eight racks, 5-3, and the momentum clearly on his side with four straight rack wins, Alcano playing under the banner of Bugsy Promotions sued for time. Bad timing? Perhaps a perfect time for somebody else to plot a crime.
After taking the breather, Alcano never holed a ball on his break again. Six times to be exact. "I've been breaking well the whole tournament and early in the game. I don't know why I suddenly ran out of luck on my break," Alcano narrated.
Somewhere along the way, Alcano requested for a change of referee. Request granted but the spell continued.
Nothing out of the ordinary, but it's not very often to see a player of Alcano's caliber hit a dry break six straight times.
Mariano is trying to ignore the suspicions. "I hope it was just plain bad luck on the part of Ronnie for the benefit of sport," he said.
Alcano was untouchable heading to the finals, routing his three opponents in the loser's bracket to set up a rematch with Van Boening. He beat Louis Ulrich, 11-3, Ralf Souquet, 11-3 and Tomoki Mikari, 11-5.
Rumors of conspiracy to doom the chances of Filipino players started to circulate even before the tournament started.
Six marquee players from the country were bunched on the same group namely Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Jose "Amang" Parica, Lee Vann Corteza, Warren Kiamco and Alcano. The three other groups had no more than two Filipino players.
"Our chances got slimmer as the tournament went along because our players kept on eliminating each other," said veteran cue artist and Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) founding president Edgar "Malabon" Acaba. (
CAGOL EYES PACMAN 9-BALL
UNHERLADED Armando "Agila" Cagol will compete in the 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open on Oct. 24-27 at the Hobbies of Asia Building in Pasay City.
The 28-year-old from Caloocan City will be out to challenge world renowned players like Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante in the tournament that offers P1-M to the champion and P500,000 to the runner-up.
Cagol, managed by Japan Tour stalwart Roel Esquillo, is a finalist in the Eat Bulaga 9-Ball Rumble. He also did well in the 2007 SMC-BSCP Ranking Tour.
"Maganda sana ang maging performance ko sa Manny Pacquiao International," said Cagol. "Magandang preparation din ito para sa qualifying ng World Pool Championship at Japan International Open."
Solar Sports, the leading sports channel in the country, will air the tournament sponsored by the boxing idol himself – Manny Pacquiao.
Cagol is one of the familiar faces in One-Side Billiards Hall, home of the toughest money game players in the country.
DAVID BEATS MANALO IN POOL SHOWDOWN
RENEMAR "Revo" David, the rising 18-yr. Old billiard phenom ousted Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo in the hot seat as King-of-the-Table in Pool Showdown match of the week held Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center.
David one of the country's representative in the World Junior Championship in Willingen, Germany this coming November 26-30 connected 5 wins enabling 8-4 lead after 12th racks.
But the 2006 Sydney WJC quarter finalist dry break in the 13th frame gave Manalo a chance to level the score 9-9 including four straight wins in the 15th to 18th frame in their race-to-11 9-ball winner's break format.
Even though the 31-yr old Manalo got back in the game, he's still anguished with his breaks and looses his concentrations due to several dry breaks.
Manalo missed ball 5 in the 19th rack prompted David to grab again the lead including an 8-9 combination in the 20th frame to wrap up the game 11-9.
The Mandaluyong native and 2nd BSCP National Pool Championship 1st runner-up Manalo won the lag but the point goes to David after he missed ball no.4 from a bad preparation.
"Suwerte lang medyo nakauna ng bahagya kaya napagod si kuya Marlon (Manalo) humabol tapos mas marami siyang dry breaks kesa sa akin, magandang prepartion ito sa WPC siyempre kasama rin ang qualifying tournament para sa WPC."masayang sambit ni David.
David replaces Manalo as "Hari ng Mesa" received $1,800 for winning the ring game and the match of the week in the event supported by Sporteum Inc. (ACCEL) president Wilfredo Ortiz as official outfitter of the players.
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00-10:30 in the evening.
(Repoorts from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Saturday, October 20, 2007
KABAYAN WORLD 9-BALL IN CALAPAN, MINDORO
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Perry Mariano, the manager of Bugsy Promotion, vowed to loan his best players to the home team in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World on Nov. 12-13 at the Filipiniana Hotel in Calapan City.
Ronnie Alcano, the reigning world champion in 9-ball and 8-ball, will lead the charge with money game specialist Dennis Orcollo and Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica backstopping him. "With the country's honor at stake, we should send our best players in the event," said Mariano. The sportsman/businessman added that if his player other than the fearsome triumvirate of Alcano, Orcollo and Gabica will rule the World Pool Championship next month, he will also field him in the event named after Vice-President Noli "Kabayan" De Castro.
"We're considered the best pool-playing nation in the world and we have to live up to that billing," said Mariano.
Governor Arnan Panaligan of Mindoro, appreciates Mariano's support in the event co-organized by the Rocketman Enterprises and the local government of Oriental Mindoro.
"It is the biggest sporting event in our province and it won't be complete without the best players in the world," said Panaligan.
The winning team in the event supported by Sporteum Philippines Inc. (ACCEL) president Wilfredo Ortiz , Solar Sports, Business Mirror and the local officials of Oriental Mindoro will receive $20,000 while the losing team will go home with $10,000.
The teams will be composed of five players. Each player will face all the players of the opposing team in 10-rack matches. A win is worth two points while a draw is worth one point. The event will use the match-point system. In case of a tie, the team with more racks won will be declared champion.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Ronnie Alcano, the reigning world champion in 9-ball and 8-ball, will lead the charge with money game specialist Dennis Orcollo and Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica backstopping him. "With the country's honor at stake, we should send our best players in the event," said Mariano. The sportsman/businessman added that if his player other than the fearsome triumvirate of Alcano, Orcollo and Gabica will rule the World Pool Championship next month, he will also field him in the event named after Vice-President Noli "Kabayan" De Castro.
"We're considered the best pool-playing nation in the world and we have to live up to that billing," said Mariano.
Governor Arnan Panaligan of Mindoro, appreciates Mariano's support in the event co-organized by the Rocketman Enterprises and the local government of Oriental Mindoro.
"It is the biggest sporting event in our province and it won't be complete without the best players in the world," said Panaligan.
The winning team in the event supported by Sporteum Philippines Inc. (ACCEL) president Wilfredo Ortiz , Solar Sports, Business Mirror and the local officials of Oriental Mindoro will receive $20,000 while the losing team will go home with $10,000.
The teams will be composed of five players. Each player will face all the players of the opposing team in 10-rack matches. A win is worth two points while a draw is worth one point. The event will use the match-point system. In case of a tie, the team with more racks won will be declared champion.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
RONATO ALCANO ERUPTS IN U.S. 9-BALL OPEN
RONATO ALCANO HAS ERUPTED IN US OPEN 9-BALL
RONATO Alcano, known in the pool world as the "Volcano," has erupted. And everybody at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia is bracing for a historic feat. Alcano, unshaken by a loss in his previous outing, raced to a 10-0 lead in his 11-3 win over Louis Ulrich in the 32 nd US Open. Three more wins and he will become the first player ever to reign in the World Pool Championship, World 8-Ball Championship and US Open at the same time.
He won the world 9-ball title last year and the world 8-ball title early this year.
The top player of Bugsy Promotion was untouchable in his first six matches, beating compatriots Efren "Bata" Reyes, Jose "Amang" Parica and Warren Kiamco along the way.
But he crashed and burned opposite youthful hotshot Shane Van Boening, 4-11, stopping short his bid for a shot on the hot seat.
"Parang panggising 'yung talo ko kay Van Boening," said Alcano in a long distance call. "Hindi ka talaga p'wedeng maging over-confident sa ganito kalaking event. Kahit sno p'wede kang talunin."
Alcano will next face the winner between Ramil Gallego and Ralf Souquet. Souquet is leading at 7-5 in his match against Gallego.
Gallego, the lone Filipino to lose his opening match, is on a zone all by himself.
After losing to Markus Juva in the first round, Gallego clustered 11 straight victories, moving him three wins from an improbable title conquest.
His last prey was former US Open champion Corey Deuel, 11-7. Gallego ended the match by cleaning up the 18th frame off a scratch on the break by Deuel.
Both were tight at the onset, settling for several deadlocks after 10 racks in the winner's break affair.
But Gallego was too hot to handle at the moment. The prized fighter of Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) took the next two racks and was hardly threatened the rest of the way. He's on fire. Unfortunately, some of his compatriots got burned on the course of his sizzling streak. Among his victims were countrymen Efren "Bata" Reyes, Jose "Amang" Parica, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Edwin Montal.
Along the way the Japan-based son of Bacolod City also beat former world champion Thorsten Hohmann and heavyweight Mike Davis.
To make his run more impressive, Gallego eliminated Hohmann, Bustamante, Davis, Reyes, Parica and Deuel – all major championship winners – on a single night.
It's one of the most amazing runs I've ever seen in billiards," said Philippine billiard godfather Aristeo "Putch" Puyat. "Bebeng's endurance is unbelievable and he's winning over top caliber players."
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
RONATO Alcano, known in the pool world as the "Volcano," has erupted. And everybody at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia is bracing for a historic feat. Alcano, unshaken by a loss in his previous outing, raced to a 10-0 lead in his 11-3 win over Louis Ulrich in the 32 nd US Open. Three more wins and he will become the first player ever to reign in the World Pool Championship, World 8-Ball Championship and US Open at the same time.
He won the world 9-ball title last year and the world 8-ball title early this year.
The top player of Bugsy Promotion was untouchable in his first six matches, beating compatriots Efren "Bata" Reyes, Jose "Amang" Parica and Warren Kiamco along the way.
But he crashed and burned opposite youthful hotshot Shane Van Boening, 4-11, stopping short his bid for a shot on the hot seat.
"Parang panggising 'yung talo ko kay Van Boening," said Alcano in a long distance call. "Hindi ka talaga p'wedeng maging over-confident sa ganito kalaking event. Kahit sno p'wede kang talunin."
Alcano will next face the winner between Ramil Gallego and Ralf Souquet. Souquet is leading at 7-5 in his match against Gallego.
Gallego, the lone Filipino to lose his opening match, is on a zone all by himself.
After losing to Markus Juva in the first round, Gallego clustered 11 straight victories, moving him three wins from an improbable title conquest.
His last prey was former US Open champion Corey Deuel, 11-7. Gallego ended the match by cleaning up the 18th frame off a scratch on the break by Deuel.
Both were tight at the onset, settling for several deadlocks after 10 racks in the winner's break affair.
But Gallego was too hot to handle at the moment. The prized fighter of Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) took the next two racks and was hardly threatened the rest of the way. He's on fire. Unfortunately, some of his compatriots got burned on the course of his sizzling streak. Among his victims were countrymen Efren "Bata" Reyes, Jose "Amang" Parica, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Edwin Montal.
Along the way the Japan-based son of Bacolod City also beat former world champion Thorsten Hohmann and heavyweight Mike Davis.
To make his run more impressive, Gallego eliminated Hohmann, Bustamante, Davis, Reyes, Parica and Deuel – all major championship winners – on a single night.
It's one of the most amazing runs I've ever seen in billiards," said Philippine billiard godfather Aristeo "Putch" Puyat. "Bebeng's endurance is unbelievable and he's winning over top caliber players."
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Friday, October 19, 2007
ALCANO BEATS REYES, PARICA EDGES BUSTAMANTE IN US OPEN 9-BALL
FILIPINO Ronato Alcano remained on track for his third straight major title with a roller-coaster 11-7 victory over compatriot Efren "Bata" Reyes in the 32nd US Open at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia yesterday (late Thursday in East Coast Time).
The 34-year old Alcano, the reigning world champion in 8-ball and 9-ball, jumped the gun on his idol, taking a quick 2-0 lead. But Reyes, still sharp at 53, took the next three to set the tone for the see-saw affair. Alcano returned to the table on the sixth frame and stayed there until the 10th, taking command at 6-3 in the process. The tide took another turn then as the 1994 US Open titleist Reyes cleaned up the 10th and ran out the next three for a 7-6 lead. The last push came from Alcano, taking the last five racks and the right to face current US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco.
Kiamco advanced after taking care of countryman reigning national champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, 11-6.
In another all-Filipino duel, ageless Jose "Amang" Parica shocked Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 11-8. Parica will next face Tyler Edey, who stunned former world champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, 11-8.
What is worse, the winner of the Parica vs. Edey match will also face the winner of the Alcano vs. Kiamco game. However, all the Pinoy masters will get a second chance as the event uses the double-elimination format in the 211 man field $200,000 total pot prize tournaments which offers $50,000 to the champion while the runner-up gets $25,000.
Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, the 2007 Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Enjoypool.com 9-ball winner, meanwhile trounced Tony Crosby, 11-4, to march into the fifth round winner's brackets against James Walden, who edges last year's runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 11-10.
Meanwhile, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego knocked out Filipino-Canadian Edwin Montal, 11-8, to stay alive in the loser's bracket. Gallego, who dropped his opening round match, won his second and third knockout game at the expense of Paddy McLaughlin, 11-5, and Paul Pottier, 11-8, and will face Dave Bolmann in the next round, winner over Sparky Ferrel, 11-9.
In other matches saw, Mike Dechaine of the USA beat Fabio Petroni of Italy, 11-5, to face Alex "the Lion" Pagulayan in the one-loss side.
Earlier in the week, Reyes and Bustamante essayed a 1-2 finish in the One-Pocket event of the US Open. Reyes received $1,500 for his effort while Bustamante settled for $1,000.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
The 34-year old Alcano, the reigning world champion in 8-ball and 9-ball, jumped the gun on his idol, taking a quick 2-0 lead. But Reyes, still sharp at 53, took the next three to set the tone for the see-saw affair. Alcano returned to the table on the sixth frame and stayed there until the 10th, taking command at 6-3 in the process. The tide took another turn then as the 1994 US Open titleist Reyes cleaned up the 10th and ran out the next three for a 7-6 lead. The last push came from Alcano, taking the last five racks and the right to face current US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco.
Kiamco advanced after taking care of countryman reigning national champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, 11-6.
In another all-Filipino duel, ageless Jose "Amang" Parica shocked Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 11-8. Parica will next face Tyler Edey, who stunned former world champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, 11-8.
What is worse, the winner of the Parica vs. Edey match will also face the winner of the Alcano vs. Kiamco game. However, all the Pinoy masters will get a second chance as the event uses the double-elimination format in the 211 man field $200,000 total pot prize tournaments which offers $50,000 to the champion while the runner-up gets $25,000.
Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, the 2007 Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Enjoypool.com 9-ball winner, meanwhile trounced Tony Crosby, 11-4, to march into the fifth round winner's brackets against James Walden, who edges last year's runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 11-10.
Meanwhile, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego knocked out Filipino-Canadian Edwin Montal, 11-8, to stay alive in the loser's bracket. Gallego, who dropped his opening round match, won his second and third knockout game at the expense of Paddy McLaughlin, 11-5, and Paul Pottier, 11-8, and will face Dave Bolmann in the next round, winner over Sparky Ferrel, 11-9.
In other matches saw, Mike Dechaine of the USA beat Fabio Petroni of Italy, 11-5, to face Alex "the Lion" Pagulayan in the one-loss side.
Earlier in the week, Reyes and Bustamante essayed a 1-2 finish in the One-Pocket event of the US Open. Reyes received $1,500 for his effort while Bustamante settled for $1,000.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
LATEST NEWS ON U.S. 9-BALL OPEN + POOL SHOWDOWN + WPC PROSPECTS OF GABICA
BATA, DJANGO, ALEX, 7 OTHERS CONTINUE WINNING WAYS IN US OPEN 9-BALL
THE Filipino flag continues to fly high in the 32nd US Open 9-Ball Championship at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake , Virginia. Efren "Bata" Reyes survived a scare and pulled off a cliffhanger victory. Francisco "Django" Bustamante powered his way through. And Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan was, perfect.
With the country's trio of former US Open champions picking up their second straight win, the rest of the gang followed suit and booked a seat in the third round of the winner's bracket.
Reyes edged upstart Marc Vidal, 11-10. Bustamante flexed just enough muscle to down Richie Orem, 11-5 as Pagulayan blanked Frank Alvarez, 11-0.
Jose "Amang" Parica, Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Lee Vann Corteza, Rodolfo Luat, Warren Kiamco and Edwin Montal also marched into the next round with respective wins.
Parica toppled Abdullah El Yousef, 11-5, Alcano toyed with Paddy McLaughlin, 11-3, Orcollo subdued Michael Dechaine, 11-5, Corteza downed Jason Klatt, 11-9, Luat beat Ivaylo Petrov, 11-8, Kiamco thrashed Daniel Madden, 11-4 and Montal blasted Charlie Williams, 11-2.
Ramil Gallego, who dropped his opening round match to Markus Juva of Finland, is playing against Huidje See of the Netherlands at press time.
The annual tournament, which gathered 211 of the best players in the world, offers $50,000 to the champion and $25,000 to the runner-up.
MANALO FACES YOUNGER OPPONENT IN POOL SHOWDOWN
NEWLY crowned King-of-the-Table Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo defends his title against 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter finalist Renemar "Revo" David in Pool Showdown match of the week on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center.
The soft stroking Manalo trounced the power break of two-time king-of the table champion Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna 11-5 in last week's match of the week episode aired live in ABC-5.
The 31 yr. old Manalo, a resident of Mandaluyong City will face 18 yr. Old challenger David in the pool table after the latter top the ring game last Monday over strong contenders comprising 2006 Asian Games gold and silver medallist Antonio "Gaga" Gabica, Gandy Valle, Ricky Zerna and Benjie Guevarra.
Manalo has a total earnings of $1,800 while David got $800.00 in the ring game and will try to level Manalo's prize money if he win as "Hari ng Mesa" of the week wherein he has the right to name the game to be played.
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00 to 10-30 in the evening.
Meanwhile, David is ready to improve his quarterfinal finish in the 2007 WPA World Junior 9-ball Championships which will set on November 26 to 30 in Willengen, Germany.
Mark Aristotle Mendoza topped the first BSCP Magnolia Philippine Junior championship held September 23 at Rizal Memorial Billiards Center will join David to compete in the said biggest event for junior billiards player.
Mendoza received the top prize of P50, 000 including a slot in the WPA world junior while David is seeded for his fourth place finish last year.
GABICA CAN GO ALL THE WAY IN WPC - MARIANO
THERE are only two preeminent Filipino 9-ball players in Perry Mariano's book: Francisco "Django" Bustamante and his ward, Antonio "Gaga" Gabica.
"Yan si Django at Gaga forte talaga ang 9-ball. Palagay ko kapag nasa porma sila, walang makakatalo sa dalawa," said Mariano, the manager of Bugsy Promotions whose stable includes defending world pool champion Ronnie "The Volcano" and Gabica, among others.
Mariano disclosed that Gabica, who won a gold and silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games, is dead serious in making it to the 2007 World Pool Championship and join the ranks of the billiards elite.
He said that the 35-year-old pride of Lapu-Lapu City is back in rigorous training for the WPC qualifiers organized by Raya Sports beginning Oct. 27 at the Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.
"Naggi-gym siya sa umaga pagkatapos sa hapon naman may 70 racks of practice sa pool table," Mariano said.
What's more, he added, Gabica seems to peaking at just about the right time.
In September, the diminutive cue artist with the mighty break captured the SMB 9-Ball Open, knocking out Billiards Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes in the semifinals before foiling stablemate Alcano in the finals for the title.
And just last Wednesday, Gabica topped the First SMC Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines 9-Ball Ranking Tournament, besting a crack field of 87 players that included the likes of Marlon Manalo and Dennis Orcullo.
But first things first, and Gabica is setting his sights at one of the 10 WPC slots up for grabs in the qualifiers.
Definitely it won't be easy for the rising Filipino billiards star, considering that the vaunted Taiwanese contingent alone is fielding 44 entries to the competitions.
Given Gabica's dedication and focus, Mariano is confident his player will be among those in the running when the billiards festival opens on Nov. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum.
And who knows? Mariano said, at the end of the day, the Philippine might just have its fourth and newest World 9-Ball champion.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
THE Filipino flag continues to fly high in the 32nd US Open 9-Ball Championship at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake , Virginia. Efren "Bata" Reyes survived a scare and pulled off a cliffhanger victory. Francisco "Django" Bustamante powered his way through. And Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan was, perfect.
With the country's trio of former US Open champions picking up their second straight win, the rest of the gang followed suit and booked a seat in the third round of the winner's bracket.
Reyes edged upstart Marc Vidal, 11-10. Bustamante flexed just enough muscle to down Richie Orem, 11-5 as Pagulayan blanked Frank Alvarez, 11-0.
Jose "Amang" Parica, Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Lee Vann Corteza, Rodolfo Luat, Warren Kiamco and Edwin Montal also marched into the next round with respective wins.
Parica toppled Abdullah El Yousef, 11-5, Alcano toyed with Paddy McLaughlin, 11-3, Orcollo subdued Michael Dechaine, 11-5, Corteza downed Jason Klatt, 11-9, Luat beat Ivaylo Petrov, 11-8, Kiamco thrashed Daniel Madden, 11-4 and Montal blasted Charlie Williams, 11-2.
Ramil Gallego, who dropped his opening round match to Markus Juva of Finland, is playing against Huidje See of the Netherlands at press time.
The annual tournament, which gathered 211 of the best players in the world, offers $50,000 to the champion and $25,000 to the runner-up.
MANALO FACES YOUNGER OPPONENT IN POOL SHOWDOWN
NEWLY crowned King-of-the-Table Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo defends his title against 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter finalist Renemar "Revo" David in Pool Showdown match of the week on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center.
The soft stroking Manalo trounced the power break of two-time king-of the table champion Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna 11-5 in last week's match of the week episode aired live in ABC-5.
The 31 yr. old Manalo, a resident of Mandaluyong City will face 18 yr. Old challenger David in the pool table after the latter top the ring game last Monday over strong contenders comprising 2006 Asian Games gold and silver medallist Antonio "Gaga" Gabica, Gandy Valle, Ricky Zerna and Benjie Guevarra.
Manalo has a total earnings of $1,800 while David got $800.00 in the ring game and will try to level Manalo's prize money if he win as "Hari ng Mesa" of the week wherein he has the right to name the game to be played.
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00 to 10-30 in the evening.
Meanwhile, David is ready to improve his quarterfinal finish in the 2007 WPA World Junior 9-ball Championships which will set on November 26 to 30 in Willengen, Germany.
Mark Aristotle Mendoza topped the first BSCP Magnolia Philippine Junior championship held September 23 at Rizal Memorial Billiards Center will join David to compete in the said biggest event for junior billiards player.
Mendoza received the top prize of P50, 000 including a slot in the WPA world junior while David is seeded for his fourth place finish last year.
GABICA CAN GO ALL THE WAY IN WPC - MARIANO
THERE are only two preeminent Filipino 9-ball players in Perry Mariano's book: Francisco "Django" Bustamante and his ward, Antonio "Gaga" Gabica.
"Yan si Django at Gaga forte talaga ang 9-ball. Palagay ko kapag nasa porma sila, walang makakatalo sa dalawa," said Mariano, the manager of Bugsy Promotions whose stable includes defending world pool champion Ronnie "The Volcano" and Gabica, among others.
Mariano disclosed that Gabica, who won a gold and silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games, is dead serious in making it to the 2007 World Pool Championship and join the ranks of the billiards elite.
He said that the 35-year-old pride of Lapu-Lapu City is back in rigorous training for the WPC qualifiers organized by Raya Sports beginning Oct. 27 at the Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.
"Naggi-gym siya sa umaga pagkatapos sa hapon naman may 70 racks of practice sa pool table," Mariano said.
What's more, he added, Gabica seems to peaking at just about the right time.
In September, the diminutive cue artist with the mighty break captured the SMB 9-Ball Open, knocking out Billiards Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes in the semifinals before foiling stablemate Alcano in the finals for the title.
And just last Wednesday, Gabica topped the First SMC Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines 9-Ball Ranking Tournament, besting a crack field of 87 players that included the likes of Marlon Manalo and Dennis Orcullo.
But first things first, and Gabica is setting his sights at one of the 10 WPC slots up for grabs in the qualifiers.
Definitely it won't be easy for the rising Filipino billiards star, considering that the vaunted Taiwanese contingent alone is fielding 44 entries to the competitions.
Given Gabica's dedication and focus, Mariano is confident his player will be among those in the running when the billiards festival opens on Nov. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum.
And who knows? Mariano said, at the end of the day, the Philippine might just have its fourth and newest World 9-Ball champion.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Monday, October 15, 2007
U.S. OPEN 9-BALL GETS UNDERWAY
REYES, BUSTAMANTE, ALCANO, PARICA, CORTEZA AND KIAMCO IS IN ONE BRACKET
POOL MAESTRO Efren "Bata" Reyes landed in so called "Group of Death" composeD of top Filipino players when the longest running and prestigious 32nd Annual US Open 9-Ball got underway yesterday at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake Virginia.
According to Mike Howerton, owner of the official website AZbilliards.com, there are 223 players in the field with the winner taking home the top prize money of US$50,000 while the second and third placers gets US$25,000, and US$12,500, respectively.
Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World 9-Ball Champion is in Winner's Side 3 along with Puyat Stablemate Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, Jose "Amang" Parica and Ronato "Volcano" Alcano.
Reyes opened his campaign against little known Jim Fairclotch, Bustamante on the other hand took on David Rowell, Corteza, the reigning national champion met Shawn Keaton, Kiamco, who won the 2007 US Bar Table 9-ball and 8-ball competition went against Georgio Margola while Parica, the leader of the Filipino invasion in the USA in mid 80's tested the mettle of John Harris, while Alcano, current WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion is up against Ryan Hersman.
Not to be outdone in Winner's Side 3 were European No.1 player Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands, and 2003 Cardiff World 9-Ball ruler Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany.
Winner's Side 2 saw last year's runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com winner Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo of the Philippines, defending US Open 9-ball champion John Schmidt, 2004 US Open 9-ball champion Gabe Owen and 1997 WPC winner Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer of the United States, 1996 WPC winner Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany.
The 28-year-old Orcollo, the most outstanding Quezon City athlete awardee begins his quest against Cliff Joyner while Luat is opposite Hunter Lombardo.
Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, and Edwin Montal bracketed in Winner's Side 4. Gallego, won thrice in Japan circuit this year takes on Marcus Juva of Finland while Montal got a bye to progress. Former US Open 9-ball champion Corey Deuel and IPT world 8-ball runner-up Rodney "Rocket" Morris of the host country also in Winner's Side 4.
Alex Pagulayan, the 2005 US Open 9-ball winner is the only Filipino campaigner in Winner's Side 1. The 28-year-old Cabagan, Isabela native takes on Carsten Due.
Interesting match up in Winner's Side 1 is the game between 2001 WPC winner Mika Immonen of Finland and Japan's No.1 player Naoyuko Oi. Early Winner in this group are Ernesto Dominguez, Frank Alvarez, Naohiro Kawabata, Harvey Shognosh, Mike Fisher, Randy Labonte, Chris Futrell, Mike Ricciardella, Tomoki Mikara, Eduardo Irizany, and Joey Korsiak.
After the US Open 9-Ball, the Filipino pool sharks are schedule to arrive in the country to compete in the P2 million first ever Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open from October 24 to 27 (two venue) at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Macapagal Avenue and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and the 2007 World Pool Championships on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
POOL MAESTRO Efren "Bata" Reyes landed in so called "Group of Death" composeD of top Filipino players when the longest running and prestigious 32nd Annual US Open 9-Ball got underway yesterday at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake Virginia.
According to Mike Howerton, owner of the official website AZbilliards.com, there are 223 players in the field with the winner taking home the top prize money of US$50,000 while the second and third placers gets US$25,000, and US$12,500, respectively.
Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World 9-Ball Champion is in Winner's Side 3 along with Puyat Stablemate Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, Jose "Amang" Parica and Ronato "Volcano" Alcano.
Reyes opened his campaign against little known Jim Fairclotch, Bustamante on the other hand took on David Rowell, Corteza, the reigning national champion met Shawn Keaton, Kiamco, who won the 2007 US Bar Table 9-ball and 8-ball competition went against Georgio Margola while Parica, the leader of the Filipino invasion in the USA in mid 80's tested the mettle of John Harris, while Alcano, current WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion is up against Ryan Hersman.
Not to be outdone in Winner's Side 3 were European No.1 player Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands, and 2003 Cardiff World 9-Ball ruler Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany.
Winner's Side 2 saw last year's runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com winner Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo of the Philippines, defending US Open 9-ball champion John Schmidt, 2004 US Open 9-ball champion Gabe Owen and 1997 WPC winner Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer of the United States, 1996 WPC winner Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany.
The 28-year-old Orcollo, the most outstanding Quezon City athlete awardee begins his quest against Cliff Joyner while Luat is opposite Hunter Lombardo.
Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, and Edwin Montal bracketed in Winner's Side 4. Gallego, won thrice in Japan circuit this year takes on Marcus Juva of Finland while Montal got a bye to progress. Former US Open 9-ball champion Corey Deuel and IPT world 8-ball runner-up Rodney "Rocket" Morris of the host country also in Winner's Side 4.
Alex Pagulayan, the 2005 US Open 9-ball winner is the only Filipino campaigner in Winner's Side 1. The 28-year-old Cabagan, Isabela native takes on Carsten Due.
Interesting match up in Winner's Side 1 is the game between 2001 WPC winner Mika Immonen of Finland and Japan's No.1 player Naoyuko Oi. Early Winner in this group are Ernesto Dominguez, Frank Alvarez, Naohiro Kawabata, Harvey Shognosh, Mike Fisher, Randy Labonte, Chris Futrell, Mike Ricciardella, Tomoki Mikara, Eduardo Irizany, and Joey Korsiak.
After the US Open 9-Ball, the Filipino pool sharks are schedule to arrive in the country to compete in the P2 million first ever Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open from October 24 to 27 (two venue) at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Macapagal Avenue and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and the 2007 World Pool Championships on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
MARLON MANALO DETHRONES JEFF DE LUNA
MARLON BEATS JEFF DE LUNA IN POOL SHOWDOWN
Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo dethrones two-time king-of-the-table Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna 11-5 in Pool Showdown Match of the week Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Zone.
Manalo who chose 9-ball as the game to be played posted seven racks win after winning the lag in their race-to-11 winner's break format.
The 23-yr old De Luna's first win came on the eight rack after Manalo committed a foul. Another foul shot for Manalo in the 9th frame prompted De Luna the two-time "Hari ng Mesa" champion to post his second win.
However, De Luna's power breaks failed to give him a good spread prompting Manalo to return to the table. Manalo resumed his winning streak, making two wins in three racks (10-3) and needing one more win to wrap up the game.
But with three balls remaining in the table, Manalo sank the green ball and accidentally the cue ball went in the edge of the pocket that forced him to use a cushion shot.
De Luna did not waste his opportunity to come back in the game as he snatched two racks to cut down the lead 5-10 but still the breaks did not favor him and the game went to Manalo together with the cash prize of $1,000.00 and the title "The new king-of-the-table."
" Malaking factor 'yung nakalamang agad tayo sa laro kaya nakuha agad natin ang momentum," said the 31-year-old Mandaluyong ace Manalo, who is scheduled to spearhead the country's pool and snooker bid in the forthcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand on December.
The 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medallist De Luna was crowned as the first Pool Showdown "Hari ng Mesa" when he trounced Ricky Zerna (11-4) and defends his title against Panfilo Damuag Jr. (11-7)
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00 to 10-30 in the evening.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo dethrones two-time king-of-the-table Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna 11-5 in Pool Showdown Match of the week Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Zone.
Manalo who chose 9-ball as the game to be played posted seven racks win after winning the lag in their race-to-11 winner's break format.
The 23-yr old De Luna's first win came on the eight rack after Manalo committed a foul. Another foul shot for Manalo in the 9th frame prompted De Luna the two-time "Hari ng Mesa" champion to post his second win.
However, De Luna's power breaks failed to give him a good spread prompting Manalo to return to the table. Manalo resumed his winning streak, making two wins in three racks (10-3) and needing one more win to wrap up the game.
But with three balls remaining in the table, Manalo sank the green ball and accidentally the cue ball went in the edge of the pocket that forced him to use a cushion shot.
De Luna did not waste his opportunity to come back in the game as he snatched two racks to cut down the lead 5-10 but still the breaks did not favor him and the game went to Manalo together with the cash prize of $1,000.00 and the title "The new king-of-the-table."
" Malaking factor 'yung nakalamang agad tayo sa laro kaya nakuha agad natin ang momentum," said the 31-year-old Mandaluyong ace Manalo, who is scheduled to spearhead the country's pool and snooker bid in the forthcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand on December.
The 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medallist De Luna was crowned as the first Pool Showdown "Hari ng Mesa" when he trounced Ricky Zerna (11-4) and defends his title against Panfilo Damuag Jr. (11-7)
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00 to 10-30 in the evening.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
Saturday, October 13, 2007
WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULES
Reyes, Alcano, Bustamante To See Action on Day 1 of
World Pool
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Billiards Hall-of-Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes will see action on Day 1 of the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championship at Araneta Coliseum, along with two other Filipino bets, according to the match pairings and draw released by Matchroom Sport and Raya Sports.
Defending champion Ronnie "Volcano" Alcano and Joven Bustamante are the other Filipinos who will go to battle on Saturday, November 3.
The top seed in Group 6, Reyes, the 1999 world champion, battles one of the players emerging from the Manila WPC qualifiers beginning on Oct. 27 at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City.
Alcano kicks off his title-retention bid against little-known Saeed Ahmed Al-Mutawa, the reigning champion of the United Arab Emirates, in Group 1 of the elimination round.
Bustamante, who recently won the 4th Korean International Championship, makes his debut in Group 4 against Malaysia's Ibrahim bin Amir, who finished No.7 overall in the Guinness 9-ball Tour.
The second day of the elimination series on Nov. 4 has five Filipinos making their appearance in the championship.
Canada-based and 2004 WPC champion Alex "the Lion" Pagulayan will play North African champion Hamsa Mohammed Saeed Ali of Eritrea in his Group 8 opening match.
Perennial favorite Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining also share the spotlight on the second day when they compete in Group 9.
Bustamante tackles South African Wetsi Morake even as the southpaw Lining, considered by some as one of the more underrated Filipino cue artists, takes on South Korea's Jeong Young Hwa.
Bacolod City native Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego joins the fray when he meets Singapore's Chan Keng Kwang in Group 7, while Asian Games gold medalist Lee Van Corteza goes up against Serbian Goran Vladenovic in Group 12.
Up and coming Jeffrey "Bata" de Luna and former Asian snooker titlist Marlon Manalo will start their bid in Day 3 of the elimination series.
The 23-year-old De Luna, a 2005 Doha Asian Games silver medalist, plays Serbia's Sandor Tot in Group 5, while Manalo, best remembered for pocketing $99,000 after losing in the finals of the 2006 IPT North American 8-ball Open to Germany's Thorsten Hohmann, faces Austrian Dejan Dabovic in Group 14.
On the final day of the elimination phase, Nov. 6,Dennis "Robo Cop" Orcullo and Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat will strut their wares.
Orcullo, currently running fourth in the US tour money list with $59,700 in earnings, vies against Hong Kong's Kenny Kwok in Group 13 while Luat rounds up the cast when he meets Singapore's Toh Lian Han in Group 16.
The 128 player field is divided into 16 groups of eight players who will be playing in double elimination brackets to halve the field to 64 for the straight knockout play which commences on Wednesday, Nov. 7.
All ten matches in each group will take place on two tables on the same day. All matches are a race-to-9 racks, winner's break.
The Group schedule are as follows:
Saturday, Nov. 3 – Groups 1, 3, 4 & 6
Sunday, Nov. 4 – Groups 7, 8, 9 & 12
Monday, Nov. 5 – Groups 2, 5, 10 & 14
Tuesday, Nov. 6 – Groups 11, 13, 15 & 16
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
World Pool
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Billiards Hall-of-Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes will see action on Day 1 of the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championship at Araneta Coliseum, along with two other Filipino bets, according to the match pairings and draw released by Matchroom Sport and Raya Sports.
Defending champion Ronnie "Volcano" Alcano and Joven Bustamante are the other Filipinos who will go to battle on Saturday, November 3.
The top seed in Group 6, Reyes, the 1999 world champion, battles one of the players emerging from the Manila WPC qualifiers beginning on Oct. 27 at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City.
Alcano kicks off his title-retention bid against little-known Saeed Ahmed Al-Mutawa, the reigning champion of the United Arab Emirates, in Group 1 of the elimination round.
Bustamante, who recently won the 4th Korean International Championship, makes his debut in Group 4 against Malaysia's Ibrahim bin Amir, who finished No.7 overall in the Guinness 9-ball Tour.
The second day of the elimination series on Nov. 4 has five Filipinos making their appearance in the championship.
Canada-based and 2004 WPC champion Alex "the Lion" Pagulayan will play North African champion Hamsa Mohammed Saeed Ali of Eritrea in his Group 8 opening match.
Perennial favorite Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining also share the spotlight on the second day when they compete in Group 9.
Bustamante tackles South African Wetsi Morake even as the southpaw Lining, considered by some as one of the more underrated Filipino cue artists, takes on South Korea's Jeong Young Hwa.
Bacolod City native Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego joins the fray when he meets Singapore's Chan Keng Kwang in Group 7, while Asian Games gold medalist Lee Van Corteza goes up against Serbian Goran Vladenovic in Group 12.
Up and coming Jeffrey "Bata" de Luna and former Asian snooker titlist Marlon Manalo will start their bid in Day 3 of the elimination series.
The 23-year-old De Luna, a 2005 Doha Asian Games silver medalist, plays Serbia's Sandor Tot in Group 5, while Manalo, best remembered for pocketing $99,000 after losing in the finals of the 2006 IPT North American 8-ball Open to Germany's Thorsten Hohmann, faces Austrian Dejan Dabovic in Group 14.
On the final day of the elimination phase, Nov. 6,Dennis "Robo Cop" Orcullo and Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat will strut their wares.
Orcullo, currently running fourth in the US tour money list with $59,700 in earnings, vies against Hong Kong's Kenny Kwok in Group 13 while Luat rounds up the cast when he meets Singapore's Toh Lian Han in Group 16.
The 128 player field is divided into 16 groups of eight players who will be playing in double elimination brackets to halve the field to 64 for the straight knockout play which commences on Wednesday, Nov. 7.
All ten matches in each group will take place on two tables on the same day. All matches are a race-to-9 racks, winner's break.
The Group schedule are as follows:
Saturday, Nov. 3 – Groups 1, 3, 4 & 6
Sunday, Nov. 4 – Groups 7, 8, 9 & 12
Monday, Nov. 5 – Groups 2, 5, 10 & 14
Tuesday, Nov. 6 – Groups 11, 13, 15 & 16
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Friday, October 12, 2007
RP TEAM TO U.S. OPEN 9-BALL TOURNAMENT
REYES, BUSTAMANTE LEAD RP CHARGE IN US OPEN 9-BALL TOMORROW
THE deadly duo of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante will be joined by Alex Pagulayan, Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza to lead the Philippine charge at the start of the longest running and presitigious 32nd Annual US Open 9-Ball gets underway tomorrow.
The venue will be the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia starting tomorrow, Oct. 14 and will end on Oct.20 with the winner taking home the whopping top prize money of US$50,000 while the second and third placers gets US$25,000, and US$12,500, respectively.
Reyes, Bustamante and Pagulayan, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports stable will show their stuff in the event which features some of the world's best that includes former world 9-ball champion Earl Strickland, Johnny Archer, Nick Varner of the United States, Ralf Souquet, Thorsten Hohmann and Oliver Ortman of Germany, Mika Immonen of Finland.
Also participating is defending champion John Schmidt, ex-US Open titlist Corey Deuel and Gabe Owen and rising star Shane Van Boening of the host country.
"Isa't-isa ang US Open 9-Ball kasi napakaraming entry, pero malaki chance natin na manalo kasi malalim ang bench natin," said Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo yesterday.
Alcano, the 34-year-old current WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion said in an exclusive interview last Thursday, "May chance tayong manalo kaso malaking factor talaga 'yung luck, 9-ball yan eh." Alcano said.
Other Filipino seeing action in the US Open 9-Ball are last year's runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, Ramil Gallego, Jose "Amang" Parica, Edwin Montal, and Santos Sambajon.
After the US Open 9-Ball, the Filipino pool sharks return to the Philippines to compete in the P2 million first ever Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open from October 24 to 27 at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Macapagal Avenue and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City prior to the 2007 World Pool Championships on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
THE deadly duo of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante will be joined by Alex Pagulayan, Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza to lead the Philippine charge at the start of the longest running and presitigious 32nd Annual US Open 9-Ball gets underway tomorrow.
The venue will be the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia starting tomorrow, Oct. 14 and will end on Oct.20 with the winner taking home the whopping top prize money of US$50,000 while the second and third placers gets US$25,000, and US$12,500, respectively.
Reyes, Bustamante and Pagulayan, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports stable will show their stuff in the event which features some of the world's best that includes former world 9-ball champion Earl Strickland, Johnny Archer, Nick Varner of the United States, Ralf Souquet, Thorsten Hohmann and Oliver Ortman of Germany, Mika Immonen of Finland.
Also participating is defending champion John Schmidt, ex-US Open titlist Corey Deuel and Gabe Owen and rising star Shane Van Boening of the host country.
"Isa't-isa ang US Open 9-Ball kasi napakaraming entry, pero malaki chance natin na manalo kasi malalim ang bench natin," said Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo yesterday.
Alcano, the 34-year-old current WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion said in an exclusive interview last Thursday, "May chance tayong manalo kaso malaking factor talaga 'yung luck, 9-ball yan eh." Alcano said.
Other Filipino seeing action in the US Open 9-Ball are last year's runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, Ramil Gallego, Jose "Amang" Parica, Edwin Montal, and Santos Sambajon.
After the US Open 9-Ball, the Filipino pool sharks return to the Philippines to compete in the P2 million first ever Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open from October 24 to 27 at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Macapagal Avenue and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City prior to the 2007 World Pool Championships on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
RICKY ZERNA IS FIRST SMC SPEED SHOOT CHALLENGE CHAMPION
NEGROS BILLIARD STABLE (NBS) ace Ricky "Bai" Zerna bested all his opposition to be declared the first San Miguel Corporation (SMC)-Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) Speed Shoot Challenge Champion late Thursday at the Bugsy's Lair Billiard Hall in Sgt. Esguerra, corner Timog, Quezon City.
With his feat, Zerna receive the top prize of P80,000 for his effort.
Zerna, a 25 year-old from Dumaguete City playing under the banner of Jonathan Sy and Christopher Palses of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) had the quickest time in the last four players clocking a time of 1:17.38 seconds to clean up the table from 1 to 15 ball beating fellow NBS stalwart Russian Petiza with 1:139.06 seconds(runner-up), Filipino-Japanese Mike Takayama with 1:42.75 seconds (3rd place) and Joven Bustamante with 1:42.94 seconds (4th place), both player of Bugsy Promotion.
"Masuwerte lang ako kasi 'yung apat na lamang kami ay pumapasok 'yung tira ko. May pag-asa sanang manalo sina Russian at Mike kaso di pumasok ang ilang tira nila eh," said Zerna, also the 2007 Winner Take-All 10-ball champion at the Bowling Inn, Taft Avenue and Ring Game 10-Ball winner Pool Showdown at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Zone.
Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo, NBS coach/manager Christoper Palses and former Fil 9-ball project director Eric Centeno witnessed the said rare-event, one of the highlight in annual SMB Octoberfest 2007.
A total of 16 cue artists attended the said affair but failed to progress in the qualifying round included current WPA 9-Ball and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato Alcano, 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open Champion and 1st SMC-BSCP 9-Ball Ranking Tour Champ Antonio Gabica, 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion Warren Kiamco, 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com ruler Dennis Orcollo, former SMB Asian 9-Ball kingpin Gandy Valle among others.
Tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo said that the next SMC billiards activities goes to Bauang, La Union on Nov.20 to 21 and Puerto Galera in Mindoro on Nov.24.
(16 player's field, the player who is the quickest time to clean up the table from No.1 to No.15 ball is declared the winner)
Champion: Ricky Zerna (P80,000/ 1:17.38 seconds)
2nd Place: Russian Petiza (P40,000/ 1:139.06 seconds)
3rd place: Mike Takayama (P15,000/ 1:42.75 seconds)
4th place: Joven Bustamante (P15,000/ 1:42.94 seconds)
(MARLON BERNARDINO).
Thursday, October 11, 2007
JEFFREY DE LUNA DEFENDS HARI NG MESA TITLE
JEFFREY "The Bull" De Luna tries to defend his seat as the king of the table for the second time against Marlon Manalo in Pool Showdown match of the week which will rack tomorrow (Saturday) at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Zone.
According to De Luna his advantages are television and international exposure when he trounced Ricky Zerna and Panfilo Damuag Jr for the "hari ng mesa" of the week, but now he will be up against the more experienced Manalo.
"Parehas na ito, pareho kaming naglalaro sa ibang bansa at sanay na makunan ng camera pero nakahanda pa rin ako, sabi ko nga kahit sino makalaban ko mag-eensayo pa rin ako ng mabuti dahil alam kong magagaling ang mga kasali dito sa Pool Showdown." De Luna lamented.
Manalo the 2nd BSCP National Pool Championships 1st runner-up has the right to challenge the power breaks of De Luna after topping the ring game event Monday night over Edgar Acaba, Roberto Gomez, Carlo Biado and Mark Mendoza.
"It will be a tough game, di pwedeng biruin si Jeff (De Luna) magaling na din siya kung sino ang katigan ng suwerte yun ang mananalo," said Manalo who will receive $800.00 by winning the ring game.
The 23-yr old De Luna now has a total earnings of $3,300.00 one for ring game winner, two match of the week champion ($1,000.00 each) and $500.00 as added prize for retaining the hot seat (Hari ng Mesa).
De Luna and Manalo are also seeing action on November 3-11 in the upcoming 2007 Philippines World Pool Championships in Araneta Center.
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00 to 10-30 in the evening.
(Report from marlon Bernardino)
According to De Luna his advantages are television and international exposure when he trounced Ricky Zerna and Panfilo Damuag Jr for the "hari ng mesa" of the week, but now he will be up against the more experienced Manalo.
"Parehas na ito, pareho kaming naglalaro sa ibang bansa at sanay na makunan ng camera pero nakahanda pa rin ako, sabi ko nga kahit sino makalaban ko mag-eensayo pa rin ako ng mabuti dahil alam kong magagaling ang mga kasali dito sa Pool Showdown." De Luna lamented.
Manalo the 2nd BSCP National Pool Championships 1st runner-up has the right to challenge the power breaks of De Luna after topping the ring game event Monday night over Edgar Acaba, Roberto Gomez, Carlo Biado and Mark Mendoza.
"It will be a tough game, di pwedeng biruin si Jeff (De Luna) magaling na din siya kung sino ang katigan ng suwerte yun ang mananalo," said Manalo who will receive $800.00 by winning the ring game.
The 23-yr old De Luna now has a total earnings of $3,300.00 one for ring game winner, two match of the week champion ($1,000.00 each) and $500.00 as added prize for retaining the hot seat (Hari ng Mesa).
De Luna and Manalo are also seeing action on November 3-11 in the upcoming 2007 Philippines World Pool Championships in Araneta Center.
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00 to 10-30 in the evening.
(Report from marlon Bernardino)
ANTONIO GABICA IS FIRST SMC-BSCP 9-BALL TOUR CHAMPION
ANTONIO GABICA, added another feather in his cap by winning the 1st San Miguel Corporation (SMC)-Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) 9-Ball Ranking Tournament late Wednesday at the Bugsy's Lair Billiard Hall in Sgt. Esguerra corner Timog in Quezon City.
The 35-year-old Gabica, a member of the star-studded Bugsy Promotion trounced Japan based Roel Esquillo, 9-6, in the semi-final round then subdued Bugsy stablemate Carlo Biado, 11-5, in the finals to enroute the top prize of P50,000.
Gabica who bagged the gold in the 9-ball competition of last year's Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, also fresh from winning the 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open last month at the Silver City Mall in Ortigas Center surged to a 7-3 lead against Biado in this event which attracted 87 cue artists that included current WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato Alcano who earlier eliminated in the qualifying tournament was held at the Side Pocket Billiard hall in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City last Tuesday.
"Magandang practice ko na ito bago ang qualifying event ng WPC, sana makapasok ako sa main draw," said the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Gabica, who inspired the presence of his wife Jean after watching his game against Biado.
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo is very happy about the outcome of the tournament which aims to discover future world class players and bringing camaraderie to country's pool players.
"Layunin ng event na ito na makadiskubre tayo ng future world class player at mabigyan din ng pagkakataon 'yung mga rising star natin na makalaban ang ilang mga top player natin," Said Fajardo.
According to tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo, the next leg of the 1st SMC-BSCP ranking tournaments goes to Bauang, La Union on Nov.20 to 21.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
The 35-year-old Gabica, a member of the star-studded Bugsy Promotion trounced Japan based Roel Esquillo, 9-6, in the semi-final round then subdued Bugsy stablemate Carlo Biado, 11-5, in the finals to enroute the top prize of P50,000.
Gabica who bagged the gold in the 9-ball competition of last year's Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, also fresh from winning the 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open last month at the Silver City Mall in Ortigas Center surged to a 7-3 lead against Biado in this event which attracted 87 cue artists that included current WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato Alcano who earlier eliminated in the qualifying tournament was held at the Side Pocket Billiard hall in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City last Tuesday.
"Magandang practice ko na ito bago ang qualifying event ng WPC, sana makapasok ako sa main draw," said the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Gabica, who inspired the presence of his wife Jean after watching his game against Biado.
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo is very happy about the outcome of the tournament which aims to discover future world class players and bringing camaraderie to country's pool players.
"Layunin ng event na ito na makadiskubre tayo ng future world class player at mabigyan din ng pagkakataon 'yung mga rising star natin na makalaban ang ilang mga top player natin," Said Fajardo.
According to tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo, the next leg of the 1st SMC-BSCP ranking tournaments goes to Bauang, La Union on Nov.20 to 21.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
DENNIS ORCOLLO PREPARES FOR WPC
EVEN AS HE LANDS IN THE "GROUP OF DEATH"
FILIPINO DENNIS ORCOLLO is not worried, having landed in the bracket called "Group of Death" in the upcoming 2007 World Pool Championships. The WPC gets underway on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
"Ok lang kahit sino ang makalaban ko, kailangan lamang talaga ng puspusang paghahanda at dapat samahan tayo ng suwerte kasi 9 ball yan eh tapos winner's break pa," Orcollo said referring his participation in this prestigious World 9-ball event supported by San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR and Department of Tourism (DOT). This tournament offers US$100,000 to the champion, where 45 countries are represented.
The 28-year-old former fisherman in Bislig, Surigao del Sur, is preparing to meet some of the world's best in his Group 13 matches that include young but very dangerous Shane Van Boening, one of the rising star of the United States who beat Orcollo in the finals of International Predator 10-ball early this year in Florida.
Also included are Marcus Chamat of Sweden who stopped the Cinderella run of Filipino Marlon Manalo in the 2004 WPC in Taiwan. The unassuming Manalo was definitely the surprise package of the 2004 WPC as he beat Ching-Shun Yang, Francisco Bustamante and Efren Reyes of the Philippines in successive matches before going out in the last eight to Chamat.
Pat Holtz of Scotland, Wojciech Trajdos of Poland, Masaaki Tanaka of Japan, Kenny Kwok of Hongkong and Manila Qualifier 8 also included in the Group 13 matches.
"I think 'yung bracket nina Dennis (Orcollo) at Shane (Boening) y'ung mabigat at ito na marahil ang Group of Death," said Yen Makabenta, tournament organizer and president of Raya Sports events. "Mabigat din 'yung field ni Django (Bustamante) at Nikoy (Lining)," added Makabenta, also the chairman of the BSCP.
The format calls 16 groups of eight players playing in double elimination matches. The eight players in each group will play a total of 10 matches between them. Two successive wins will see a player advance into the last 64 while two straight defeats will mean elimination from the 128 man field event. The final set of the matches in the group will feature players with one win and one defeat with the winners advancing and losers eliminated. All matches are race-to-9, winner break format.
This format is designed to "avoid game fixing" in the group stage match according to the tournament organizer.
Francisco "Django" Bustamante, runner-up in the 2002 WPC edition in Cardiff seeing in action in Group 9 along with compatriot Antonio "Nikoy" Lining, former world 9-ball champ Oliver Ortmann of Germany, ex-US open winner Corey Deuel of the United States, Jeong Young-hwa of Korea, Pham Tuan Ngoc of Vietnam, Wetsi Morake of Republic of South Africa and John Wims of Ireland.
Current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champ Ronato Alcano is in Group 1, 1999 Cardiff WPC winner Efren "Bata" Reyes is in Group 6 while 2004 Taiwan WPC ruler Alex Pagulayan is in Group 8.
Reigning national champion Lee Vann Corteza join 2001 Cardiff WPC champ Mika Immonen of Finland in Group 12 while 2006 US Open runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat is in Group 16 with heavyweight Niels Feijen of the Netherlands and Dharminder Lilly of India.
Marlon Manalo, former Asian snooker champion turned pro billiard is in Group 14 along with 2006 Manila WPC semi-finalist Li He Wen of China, former world trickshot champ Fabio Petroni of Italy, and 2002 Cardiff WPC winner Earl Strickland of the USA.
Joven Bustamante, 2007 Korea Pro Tour champ is in Group 4 together with Asian Superstar Taiwanese Ching Shun-yang and Filipino-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir, carrying Malaysian flag.
Jeffrey de Luna, 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball silver medalist is in Group 5 with 2003 Cardiff WPC winner Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, and Filipino-Canadian Edwin Montal, representing Canada.
The crown Prince of Brunei Al Muhtadee Billah, who made it to the Group of 64 in the last year's edition is in Group 10 along with 2005 Taiwan WPC runner-up Ku Po-cheng of Taiwan.
Billiard expert said that Group 3 also a tough field that includes 2005 Taiwan WPC ruler Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 2005 Manila SEA Games 9-ball gold winner Luong Chi-doung of Vietnam, 2006 US Open champ John Schmidt of the USA, Radoslaw Babica of Poland and Vilmos Foldes of Hungrary, former three-time world junior champion.
Another two former world 9-ball champion Johnny Archer of the USA and Chao Fong-pao of Taiwan are the same bracket in Group 15.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FILIPINO DENNIS ORCOLLO is not worried, having landed in the bracket called "Group of Death" in the upcoming 2007 World Pool Championships. The WPC gets underway on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
"Ok lang kahit sino ang makalaban ko, kailangan lamang talaga ng puspusang paghahanda at dapat samahan tayo ng suwerte kasi 9 ball yan eh tapos winner's break pa," Orcollo said referring his participation in this prestigious World 9-ball event supported by San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR and Department of Tourism (DOT). This tournament offers US$100,000 to the champion, where 45 countries are represented.
The 28-year-old former fisherman in Bislig, Surigao del Sur, is preparing to meet some of the world's best in his Group 13 matches that include young but very dangerous Shane Van Boening, one of the rising star of the United States who beat Orcollo in the finals of International Predator 10-ball early this year in Florida.
Also included are Marcus Chamat of Sweden who stopped the Cinderella run of Filipino Marlon Manalo in the 2004 WPC in Taiwan. The unassuming Manalo was definitely the surprise package of the 2004 WPC as he beat Ching-Shun Yang, Francisco Bustamante and Efren Reyes of the Philippines in successive matches before going out in the last eight to Chamat.
Pat Holtz of Scotland, Wojciech Trajdos of Poland, Masaaki Tanaka of Japan, Kenny Kwok of Hongkong and Manila Qualifier 8 also included in the Group 13 matches.
"I think 'yung bracket nina Dennis (Orcollo) at Shane (Boening) y'ung mabigat at ito na marahil ang Group of Death," said Yen Makabenta, tournament organizer and president of Raya Sports events. "Mabigat din 'yung field ni Django (Bustamante) at Nikoy (Lining)," added Makabenta, also the chairman of the BSCP.
The format calls 16 groups of eight players playing in double elimination matches. The eight players in each group will play a total of 10 matches between them. Two successive wins will see a player advance into the last 64 while two straight defeats will mean elimination from the 128 man field event. The final set of the matches in the group will feature players with one win and one defeat with the winners advancing and losers eliminated. All matches are race-to-9, winner break format.
This format is designed to "avoid game fixing" in the group stage match according to the tournament organizer.
Francisco "Django" Bustamante, runner-up in the 2002 WPC edition in Cardiff seeing in action in Group 9 along with compatriot Antonio "Nikoy" Lining, former world 9-ball champ Oliver Ortmann of Germany, ex-US open winner Corey Deuel of the United States, Jeong Young-hwa of Korea, Pham Tuan Ngoc of Vietnam, Wetsi Morake of Republic of South Africa and John Wims of Ireland.
Current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champ Ronato Alcano is in Group 1, 1999 Cardiff WPC winner Efren "Bata" Reyes is in Group 6 while 2004 Taiwan WPC ruler Alex Pagulayan is in Group 8.
Reigning national champion Lee Vann Corteza join 2001 Cardiff WPC champ Mika Immonen of Finland in Group 12 while 2006 US Open runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat is in Group 16 with heavyweight Niels Feijen of the Netherlands and Dharminder Lilly of India.
Marlon Manalo, former Asian snooker champion turned pro billiard is in Group 14 along with 2006 Manila WPC semi-finalist Li He Wen of China, former world trickshot champ Fabio Petroni of Italy, and 2002 Cardiff WPC winner Earl Strickland of the USA.
Joven Bustamante, 2007 Korea Pro Tour champ is in Group 4 together with Asian Superstar Taiwanese Ching Shun-yang and Filipino-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir, carrying Malaysian flag.
Jeffrey de Luna, 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball silver medalist is in Group 5 with 2003 Cardiff WPC winner Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, and Filipino-Canadian Edwin Montal, representing Canada.
The crown Prince of Brunei Al Muhtadee Billah, who made it to the Group of 64 in the last year's edition is in Group 10 along with 2005 Taiwan WPC runner-up Ku Po-cheng of Taiwan.
Billiard expert said that Group 3 also a tough field that includes 2005 Taiwan WPC ruler Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 2005 Manila SEA Games 9-ball gold winner Luong Chi-doung of Vietnam, 2006 US Open champ John Schmidt of the USA, Radoslaw Babica of Poland and Vilmos Foldes of Hungrary, former three-time world junior champion.
Another two former world 9-ball champion Johnny Archer of the USA and Chao Fong-pao of Taiwan are the same bracket in Group 15.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
BILLIARD NEWS OCT. 10
PACMAN PUTTING UP A PHP2.0 MILLION 9-BALL INT'L TOUR
FRESH from his repeat victory over Mexico's Marco Antonio Barrera, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao shows his support of Philippine Billiards, and his way of giving thanks for his good fortune, by putting up Php2.0 million in prize money for a 9-Ball Tournament.
"Gusto lamang ni Manny (Pacquiao) na magpasamalat at ibahagi ang kanyang tagumpay sa ating mga kababayan. Kaya magpapalaro siya ng Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball," said RP no.1 trickshot player Julie Falcon Guevarra, organizer of the first P2.0 Million Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open.
Tournament director Falcon added that the qualifying round will be held on October 24-25 and 26 at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. along Macapagal Ave. in Pasay City.
The last 16 survivor after the qualifying round will test their skill in the knock-out stage on October 27 at the SM Mall of Asia and will be aired on Solar Sports.
In fact, the world renowned pair of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante have confirmed participation in the four-day event, which stakes P1 million to the winner and P500,000 to the runner-up, according to Falcon.
Also lending class and prestige to the tournament are double world champion Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza, who finished runner-up in the recent Guinness 9-Ball Tour grand finals in Bali, Indonesia.
Bata, Django and Alcano and company will be coming off the US 9-Ball Open Tournament before the Pacquiao 9 ball titlt.
Guevarra is expecting more than 100 players to see action in the event that is supported by Solar Entertainment Corporation. You can reach Guevarra at (0918) 319-0414 for complete details.
PAGULAYAN TOPS CANADIAN 9-BALL TOUR
FORMER World Pool Champion Filipino Alex Pagulayan won his third major title this year by demolishing Canadian Tyler Edey, 11-5, in the finals of Canadian 9-Ball Tour Stop last October 5-7 at the Bigwigs Billiards in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.
With his feat, the Cabagan, Isabela native received the top prize of $5,000 in the 94 player field that attracted top pool players headed by Ralf Souquet of Germany, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Filipino-Canadian and last years tour champion Edwin Montal, Brady Gollan, Jeff White, Chris Orme, Jason Klatt, Erik Hjorliefson, Alain Martel, John Morra, Ron Wiseman and Mario Morra.
The Diminutive cue artists playing under Puyat Sport's stable also won the 17th Japan 9-Ball Open last February in Tokyo, Japan by trouncing Taiwanese Ro-Li Wen (9-6) in the finals to capture the top prize of 1.5 million yen.
Pagulayan, the 2005 US Open 9-ball ruler beat Shane Van Boening of the United States to rule the 2007 World Summit of Pool at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada last June enroute top prize $12,000.
Pagulayan, who lifted the RP snooker and pool team to five gold medals in the 2005 Manila SEA Games beat hometown bet Antonio "Gaga" Gabica, 13-10, in the Sun.Star Superbalita 9-Ball Challenge Open Division at the SM Trade Hall in Cebu City last July for P160,000 grand prize.
Here in his Canadian tour, according to official website yesterday, Pagulayan, the 2006 National Championships winner was putting on an incredible display that seemed to draw gasps from the audience at every turn. He won his first four matches by a combined score of 36-9 as no opponent could get more than four games on the wire before retiring in defeat. Jeff White almost beat the diminutive cue master. White kept it close throughout their contest but Pagulayan turned up the heat another notch when White took the match to the hill. Pagulayan claimed the one-game decider to progress and remain unbeaten.
San Miguel, PAGCOR, Dept. of Tourism back World Pool
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---TWO of the country's staunchest sports supporters – San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) – have teamed-up behind the prestigious 2007 World Pool championship set Nov. 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.
From basketball to boxing to billiards, SMC, the country's leading food and beverage giant, has made its mark in sponsoring worthy sports causes and Filipino athletes.
San Miguel was one of the major backers of Team Philippines that won the country's first overall crown in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. It also recently sponsored the RP squad that competed in the FIBA-Asia men's basketball championship in Tokushima, Japan.
On the other hand, PAGCOR is the single biggest government company responsible for funding the country's national sports development plan under the Philippine Sport Commission. The gaming firm is also into identifying budding sports performers who may one day give honor and glory to the Philippines.
Both SMC and PAGCOR are joint presenters of the $400,000 blue-ribbon billiards competition that is expected to draw the best cue artists all over the globe.
Partnering with Raya Sports, the event's promoter and organizer of the WPC is the Department of Tourism, which has been tapped as a gold sponsor.
Given the tourism's department extensive promotional resources, it intends to drum up awareness so that a lot of overseas billiards and pool enthusiasts will come over to the country to watch the games live, while also savoring the local tourist attractions. At least, 3000 visitors are expected in Manila for the event.
"We would like to acknowledge San Miguel, PAGCOR and the DOT as our partners in staging the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championship," Raya Sports president Yen Makabenta said." A tournament of this magnitude would not be possible without their help."
"Similar to what happened last year, we look forward to an extensive media coverage of the competition, both locally and overseas," added Makabent of the tourney that will be broadcast live for nine straight days simultaneously on ESPN Star Sports and ABC 5.
Billiards fans who want to watch the matches at the Big Dome are urged to buy their tickets early. They are available in all SM Tickenet outlets nationwide and at the Araneta Center box office.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FRESH from his repeat victory over Mexico's Marco Antonio Barrera, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao shows his support of Philippine Billiards, and his way of giving thanks for his good fortune, by putting up Php2.0 million in prize money for a 9-Ball Tournament.
"Gusto lamang ni Manny (Pacquiao) na magpasamalat at ibahagi ang kanyang tagumpay sa ating mga kababayan. Kaya magpapalaro siya ng Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball," said RP no.1 trickshot player Julie Falcon Guevarra, organizer of the first P2.0 Million Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open.
Tournament director Falcon added that the qualifying round will be held on October 24-25 and 26 at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. along Macapagal Ave. in Pasay City.
The last 16 survivor after the qualifying round will test their skill in the knock-out stage on October 27 at the SM Mall of Asia and will be aired on Solar Sports.
In fact, the world renowned pair of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante have confirmed participation in the four-day event, which stakes P1 million to the winner and P500,000 to the runner-up, according to Falcon.
Also lending class and prestige to the tournament are double world champion Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza, who finished runner-up in the recent Guinness 9-Ball Tour grand finals in Bali, Indonesia.
Bata, Django and Alcano and company will be coming off the US 9-Ball Open Tournament before the Pacquiao 9 ball titlt.
Guevarra is expecting more than 100 players to see action in the event that is supported by Solar Entertainment Corporation. You can reach Guevarra at (0918) 319-0414 for complete details.
PAGULAYAN TOPS CANADIAN 9-BALL TOUR
FORMER World Pool Champion Filipino Alex Pagulayan won his third major title this year by demolishing Canadian Tyler Edey, 11-5, in the finals of Canadian 9-Ball Tour Stop last October 5-7 at the Bigwigs Billiards in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.
With his feat, the Cabagan, Isabela native received the top prize of $5,000 in the 94 player field that attracted top pool players headed by Ralf Souquet of Germany, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Filipino-Canadian and last years tour champion Edwin Montal, Brady Gollan, Jeff White, Chris Orme, Jason Klatt, Erik Hjorliefson, Alain Martel, John Morra, Ron Wiseman and Mario Morra.
The Diminutive cue artists playing under Puyat Sport's stable also won the 17th Japan 9-Ball Open last February in Tokyo, Japan by trouncing Taiwanese Ro-Li Wen (9-6) in the finals to capture the top prize of 1.5 million yen.
Pagulayan, the 2005 US Open 9-ball ruler beat Shane Van Boening of the United States to rule the 2007 World Summit of Pool at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada last June enroute top prize $12,000.
Pagulayan, who lifted the RP snooker and pool team to five gold medals in the 2005 Manila SEA Games beat hometown bet Antonio "Gaga" Gabica, 13-10, in the Sun.Star Superbalita 9-Ball Challenge Open Division at the SM Trade Hall in Cebu City last July for P160,000 grand prize.
Here in his Canadian tour, according to official website yesterday, Pagulayan, the 2006 National Championships winner was putting on an incredible display that seemed to draw gasps from the audience at every turn. He won his first four matches by a combined score of 36-9 as no opponent could get more than four games on the wire before retiring in defeat. Jeff White almost beat the diminutive cue master. White kept it close throughout their contest but Pagulayan turned up the heat another notch when White took the match to the hill. Pagulayan claimed the one-game decider to progress and remain unbeaten.
San Miguel, PAGCOR, Dept. of Tourism back World Pool
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---TWO of the country's staunchest sports supporters – San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) – have teamed-up behind the prestigious 2007 World Pool championship set Nov. 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.
From basketball to boxing to billiards, SMC, the country's leading food and beverage giant, has made its mark in sponsoring worthy sports causes and Filipino athletes.
San Miguel was one of the major backers of Team Philippines that won the country's first overall crown in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. It also recently sponsored the RP squad that competed in the FIBA-Asia men's basketball championship in Tokushima, Japan.
On the other hand, PAGCOR is the single biggest government company responsible for funding the country's national sports development plan under the Philippine Sport Commission. The gaming firm is also into identifying budding sports performers who may one day give honor and glory to the Philippines.
Both SMC and PAGCOR are joint presenters of the $400,000 blue-ribbon billiards competition that is expected to draw the best cue artists all over the globe.
Partnering with Raya Sports, the event's promoter and organizer of the WPC is the Department of Tourism, which has been tapped as a gold sponsor.
Given the tourism's department extensive promotional resources, it intends to drum up awareness so that a lot of overseas billiards and pool enthusiasts will come over to the country to watch the games live, while also savoring the local tourist attractions. At least, 3000 visitors are expected in Manila for the event.
"We would like to acknowledge San Miguel, PAGCOR and the DOT as our partners in staging the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championship," Raya Sports president Yen Makabenta said." A tournament of this magnitude would not be possible without their help."
"Similar to what happened last year, we look forward to an extensive media coverage of the competition, both locally and overseas," added Makabent of the tourney that will be broadcast live for nine straight days simultaneously on ESPN Star Sports and ABC 5.
Billiards fans who want to watch the matches at the Big Dome are urged to buy their tickets early. They are available in all SM Tickenet outlets nationwide and at the Araneta Center box office.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Monday, October 8, 2007
ALCANO HEADS RP'S WORLD POOL BETS
CURRENT WPA 9-BALL AND WPA 8-BALL CHAMPION Ronato Alcano heads 11 other Filipino pool bets when they compete in the main draw of 2007 World Pool Championships on November 3 to 11 at the Araneta Colesium in Cubao, Quezon City.
"Grabe ang pressure pag ikaw ang current winner ng WPC, pero gagawin ko ang best ko. Hope Filipino pa din ang mananalo sa WPC," said the 34-yeard-old lanky cue artist Alcano, tagged as the "Volcano" in the world of pool after beating German hopeful Ralf Souquet in the finals of WPC in Manila last year.
Joining Alcano in the tournament proper according to Matchroom Sport, international organizer of the event, are 1999 WPC Cardiff titlist Efren "Bata" Reyes, 2004 WPC Taiwan titlist Alex Pagulayan, 2002 WPC Cardiff runner-up Francisco Bustamante, 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com champion Dennis Orcollo, reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza, Marlon Manalo, Antonio Lining, Ramil Gallego, Rodolfo Luat, Jeffrey de Luna, and Joven Bustamante.
Luke Riches, Matchroom media director, said that the 12 players are assured of official spots in the 128-main draw of the tournament. They will automatically enter the group stage of the WPC.
The Philippines will strive to retain the highly coveted World Pool Championship title and secure a record fourth world championship according to Yen Makabenta president of Raya Sports, the Philippine promoter and organizer of the tournament.
"With this roster of players, we believe we have a good chance of repeating this year," said Makabenta, also the chairman of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) "If it's not Alcano, it could be anyone of the other 11. But the competition this time will be much tougher."
Other Filipino players could join the dozen if they gain an official spot via the 10 qualifying tournaments which are scheduled to take place on October 27-31 at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City. Last year, a total of 20 Filipino players qualified for the event.
So far, the US has the most number of qualified players for the WPC with 15. It is followed by the Philippines with 12 and Chinese Taipei with 8.
The 2007 WPC is being presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in close cooperation with Department of Tourism (DOT). The entire tournament will be broadcast live for nine days by ESPN STAR Sports and ABC-5. Tickets to the event are on sale in all SM stores nationwide and at the Araneta Coliseum box office.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
"Grabe ang pressure pag ikaw ang current winner ng WPC, pero gagawin ko ang best ko. Hope Filipino pa din ang mananalo sa WPC," said the 34-yeard-old lanky cue artist Alcano, tagged as the "Volcano" in the world of pool after beating German hopeful Ralf Souquet in the finals of WPC in Manila last year.
Joining Alcano in the tournament proper according to Matchroom Sport, international organizer of the event, are 1999 WPC Cardiff titlist Efren "Bata" Reyes, 2004 WPC Taiwan titlist Alex Pagulayan, 2002 WPC Cardiff runner-up Francisco Bustamante, 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com champion Dennis Orcollo, reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza, Marlon Manalo, Antonio Lining, Ramil Gallego, Rodolfo Luat, Jeffrey de Luna, and Joven Bustamante.
Luke Riches, Matchroom media director, said that the 12 players are assured of official spots in the 128-main draw of the tournament. They will automatically enter the group stage of the WPC.
The Philippines will strive to retain the highly coveted World Pool Championship title and secure a record fourth world championship according to Yen Makabenta president of Raya Sports, the Philippine promoter and organizer of the tournament.
"With this roster of players, we believe we have a good chance of repeating this year," said Makabenta, also the chairman of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) "If it's not Alcano, it could be anyone of the other 11. But the competition this time will be much tougher."
Other Filipino players could join the dozen if they gain an official spot via the 10 qualifying tournaments which are scheduled to take place on October 27-31 at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City. Last year, a total of 20 Filipino players qualified for the event.
So far, the US has the most number of qualified players for the WPC with 15. It is followed by the Philippines with 12 and Chinese Taipei with 8.
The 2007 WPC is being presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in close cooperation with Department of Tourism (DOT). The entire tournament will be broadcast live for nine days by ESPN STAR Sports and ABC-5. Tickets to the event are on sale in all SM stores nationwide and at the Araneta Coliseum box office.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, October 7, 2007
JEFF DE LUNA, HARI NG MESA
JEFF "BATA" DE LUNA RETAINS HARI NG MESA IN POOL SHOWDOWN
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Jeffrey "Bata" de Luna remained Pool Showdown's "Hari ng Mesa" last Saturday when he defeated challenger Panfilo "Abu" Damuag 11-7 in a thrilling 10-ball match at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Zone.
From 5-all, de Luna raced to a 7-5 advantage. Each time Damuag closed the gap, de Luna would spurt ahead. With the score at 10-7, the first Pool Showdown "Hari ng Mesa" administered the coup de grace with a masterful runout.
For his second successive match-of-the-week victory, de Luna won for himself the weekly prize of $1000 and a bonus of $500 for remaining king of the table.
Damuag for his part got the challenger's prize of $800, earned for his victory in the ring game to pick the weekly challenger.
In the post-match interview on ABC-5, De Luna declared that he would defend his pool kingship and he was "ready to take on anyone."
The twice-a-week pool TV program proceeds with another ring game this Monday (Oct. 8) at the Rizal Memorial billiards facility. The winner of the ring game will challenge De Luna on Saturday, October 13.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Jeffrey "Bata" de Luna remained Pool Showdown's "Hari ng Mesa" last Saturday when he defeated challenger Panfilo "Abu" Damuag 11-7 in a thrilling 10-ball match at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Zone.
From 5-all, de Luna raced to a 7-5 advantage. Each time Damuag closed the gap, de Luna would spurt ahead. With the score at 10-7, the first Pool Showdown "Hari ng Mesa" administered the coup de grace with a masterful runout.
For his second successive match-of-the-week victory, de Luna won for himself the weekly prize of $1000 and a bonus of $500 for remaining king of the table.
Damuag for his part got the challenger's prize of $800, earned for his victory in the ring game to pick the weekly challenger.
In the post-match interview on ABC-5, De Luna declared that he would defend his pool kingship and he was "ready to take on anyone."
The twice-a-week pool TV program proceeds with another ring game this Monday (Oct. 8) at the Rizal Memorial billiards facility. The winner of the ring game will challenge De Luna on Saturday, October 13.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Friday, October 5, 2007
WPC + BSCP RANKINGS
EX-WORLD CHAMP STRICKLAND, VAN VOENING LEADS US BETS IN WPC
EX-world pool titlist Earl "The Pearl" Strickland and rising young player Shane van Boening will lead the 15-man delegation of the United States to the 2007 World Pool Championship at the Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 3-11.
This was bared yesterday by tournament director Sol Gueco, after the United States Professional Pool players Association (UPA) named the 15 players as the official US representatives in the WPC based on their performance in major US pool events and previous world pool championships.
Strickland, noted for his erratic behavior in tournaments, won the WPC in 2002 in Cardiff, Wales when he beat Filipino stalwart Francisco "Django" Bustamente 17-15 in the finals.
Van Boening, nicknamed the South Dakota Kid, has made a name for his stellar play this year in major tournaments in the US, often against Filipino aces. Most notably, he won the Predator International 10-Ball Championship in Florida.
Joining them in the tournament are compatriots Johnny Archer, Charlie Bryant
Corey Deuel, Mike Davis, Troy Frank, Jeremy Jones, Rodney Morris, Shawn Putnam
Tony Robles, Robb Saez , John Schmidt , Charlie Williams and Ronnie Wiseman.
American Players qualify for the World Pool Championship by attaining top ranking on the UPA Tour. Also, at every UPA tour stop, the 1st and 2nd place finisher are automatically invited to the WPC.
The Philippines is hosting the WPC for the second year in succession. This year's world championship is being presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Tickets to the WPC are now on sale at all SM stores nationwide and at the Araneta Coliseum box office.
1ST SMC BSCP 9-BALL RANKING POINTS TOUR WILL BE HELD IN SM BACOOR
THE San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) will be holding a 9-Ball Tournament to determine Ranking among Filipino players. Winner of the tournament takes home the top prize of P50,000.
Some of the country's top cue artists are expected to battle it out in the event sanctioned and organized by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, hosted by Bacoor, Cavite mayor Strike Revilla. The tournament is sponsored by SMC. The semi-final and championship round will start at 2:00pm on October 10 in SM Bacoor, Cavite.
Antonio Gabica, fresh from winning the 2007 SMB RP 9-Ball Open, Jeffrey de Luna, first Hari ng Mesa (King of the Table) Pool Showdown winner, and Gandy Valle, who teaming up with Jay Jay Millares to emerge champion in the 1st SMC Scotch 10-ball doubles have signified their intention to play in this tournament.
"This is the first time that the BSCP is conducting an official ranking tournament which aims to promote camaraderie among Filipino pool players and discover the future world class athlete," said BSCP president Ernesto Fajardo.
The qualifying round will be held at the Side Pocket Billiard Hall in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City on October 9 at 10:00am where the top four finishers will advance in the tournament proper in SM Bacoor, Cavite.
Tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo added that the runner-up in this tournament will take home P20,000, third place gets P10,000 while fourth place receives P5,000.
Fifth to 8th placers received P2,500 while 9th to 16th placers satisfied P1,000 each. Entry pee is pegged at P300.
For inquiries and details, 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 SMC sponsored billiard activities are first-ever SMC Speed Shoot invitational challenge on October 11 followed by SMC Challenge the House Pro Player on October 12, both will be held at the famous Bugsy Lair's Billiard Hall in Sgt. Esguerra, Timog, Quezon City, one of the highlights of SMB's annual Octoberfest.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
EX-world pool titlist Earl "The Pearl" Strickland and rising young player Shane van Boening will lead the 15-man delegation of the United States to the 2007 World Pool Championship at the Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 3-11.
This was bared yesterday by tournament director Sol Gueco, after the United States Professional Pool players Association (UPA) named the 15 players as the official US representatives in the WPC based on their performance in major US pool events and previous world pool championships.
Strickland, noted for his erratic behavior in tournaments, won the WPC in 2002 in Cardiff, Wales when he beat Filipino stalwart Francisco "Django" Bustamente 17-15 in the finals.
Van Boening, nicknamed the South Dakota Kid, has made a name for his stellar play this year in major tournaments in the US, often against Filipino aces. Most notably, he won the Predator International 10-Ball Championship in Florida.
Joining them in the tournament are compatriots Johnny Archer, Charlie Bryant
Corey Deuel, Mike Davis, Troy Frank, Jeremy Jones, Rodney Morris, Shawn Putnam
Tony Robles, Robb Saez , John Schmidt , Charlie Williams and Ronnie Wiseman.
American Players qualify for the World Pool Championship by attaining top ranking on the UPA Tour. Also, at every UPA tour stop, the 1st and 2nd place finisher are automatically invited to the WPC.
The Philippines is hosting the WPC for the second year in succession. This year's world championship is being presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Tickets to the WPC are now on sale at all SM stores nationwide and at the Araneta Coliseum box office.
1ST SMC BSCP 9-BALL RANKING POINTS TOUR WILL BE HELD IN SM BACOOR
THE San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) will be holding a 9-Ball Tournament to determine Ranking among Filipino players. Winner of the tournament takes home the top prize of P50,000.
Some of the country's top cue artists are expected to battle it out in the event sanctioned and organized by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, hosted by Bacoor, Cavite mayor Strike Revilla. The tournament is sponsored by SMC. The semi-final and championship round will start at 2:00pm on October 10 in SM Bacoor, Cavite.
Antonio Gabica, fresh from winning the 2007 SMB RP 9-Ball Open, Jeffrey de Luna, first Hari ng Mesa (King of the Table) Pool Showdown winner, and Gandy Valle, who teaming up with Jay Jay Millares to emerge champion in the 1st SMC Scotch 10-ball doubles have signified their intention to play in this tournament.
"This is the first time that the BSCP is conducting an official ranking tournament which aims to promote camaraderie among Filipino pool players and discover the future world class athlete," said BSCP president Ernesto Fajardo.
The qualifying round will be held at the Side Pocket Billiard Hall in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City on October 9 at 10:00am where the top four finishers will advance in the tournament proper in SM Bacoor, Cavite.
Tournament director Jojo Santos Arruejo added that the runner-up in this tournament will take home P20,000, third place gets P10,000 while fourth place receives P5,000.
Fifth to 8th placers received P2,500 while 9th to 16th placers satisfied P1,000 each. Entry pee is pegged at P300.
For inquiries and details, 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 SMC sponsored billiard activities are first-ever SMC Speed Shoot invitational challenge on October 11 followed by SMC Challenge the House Pro Player on October 12, both will be held at the famous Bugsy Lair's Billiard Hall in Sgt. Esguerra, Timog, Quezon City, one of the highlights of SMB's annual Octoberfest.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
TAIWAN SENDING 44 TO WORLD POOL QUALIFIERS
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---With eight bets already qualified for the World Pool Championship in November, Chinese Taipei is sending 44 more players to the WPC qualifiers set to start on October 27.
The Chinese Taipei Pocket Billiards Association (CTPBA) registered all 52 players with Raya Sports the other day, along with booking their hotel reservations, to ensure their participation in the event.
The WPC qualifiers will be staged at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City, and will run for five days from Oct. 27 to 31. At present, there are 10 spots up for competition in the qualifying tournament.
Among the prominent Taiwanese players registered are Wang Hung-Hsiang, Lee Kun-Fang, and three-time world junior champion Wu Yu-Lun.
Chinese Taipei has won the world title three times, twice courtesy of Chao Fong-Pang and once by Wu Chia-Ching, the 2005 world champion.
The Philippines has won the title three times likewise, courtesy of Efren Reyes (1999), Alex Pagulayan (2004), and Ronnie Alcano (2006).
Entries to the qualifiers have been pouring in lately with just over three weeks to go before the deadline. Among the players already registered are seven Vietnamese, five Singaporeans, three Chinese, and 11 Filipinos.
The 2007 World Pool Championship will be staged at the Araneta Coliseum on November 3-11. The event is jointly presented by San Miguel Corporation and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The WPC will be staged by Matchroom Sport of the UK and broadcast by ESPN-Star Sports. Raya Sports is the Philippine organizer of the tournament.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
The Chinese Taipei Pocket Billiards Association (CTPBA) registered all 52 players with Raya Sports the other day, along with booking their hotel reservations, to ensure their participation in the event.
The WPC qualifiers will be staged at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City, and will run for five days from Oct. 27 to 31. At present, there are 10 spots up for competition in the qualifying tournament.
Among the prominent Taiwanese players registered are Wang Hung-Hsiang, Lee Kun-Fang, and three-time world junior champion Wu Yu-Lun.
Chinese Taipei has won the world title three times, twice courtesy of Chao Fong-Pang and once by Wu Chia-Ching, the 2005 world champion.
The Philippines has won the title three times likewise, courtesy of Efren Reyes (1999), Alex Pagulayan (2004), and Ronnie Alcano (2006).
Entries to the qualifiers have been pouring in lately with just over three weeks to go before the deadline. Among the players already registered are seven Vietnamese, five Singaporeans, three Chinese, and 11 Filipinos.
The 2007 World Pool Championship will be staged at the Araneta Coliseum on November 3-11. The event is jointly presented by San Miguel Corporation and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The WPC will be staged by Matchroom Sport of the UK and broadcast by ESPN-Star Sports. Raya Sports is the Philippine organizer of the tournament.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
DAMUAG VS. DE LUNA IN POOL SHOWDOWN
NEGROS Billiard Stable (NBS) stalwart Panfilo "Abu Linkok" Damuag won the right to challenge Bugsy Promotion ace Jeffrey "The Bull" de Luna for king-of-the-table honors (Hari ng Mesa) when he bested a strong field in devastating fashion last Monday night at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Zone.
Damuag won eight straight games of 9-ball in the Group C Ring Game that included Dennis Orcullo (2007 BCA Enjoy Pool Champion), Joven Bustamante (2007 Korean
International Champion), and upcoming young players Jharome Pena and Roland Garcia.
Although he did not break even once, Damuag shut out his opponents as they kept going dry on their breaks and he ran out rack after rack.
For his feat, Damuag earned the right to challenge De Luna in Pool Showdown's Match of the Week on Saturday (October 6). The winner will be crowned as "Hari ng
Mesa" for the week and will await a challenger the following Saturday.
The 30-year-old, born in Norala, South Cotabato, now a resident of Bacolod City, is a member of Negros Billiards Stable, the players' group managed by Jonathan Sy and Christopher Palses. Though not a Muslim, he was dubbed "Abu Linkok" by billiards
aficionados.
De Luna, first to be crowned Hari ng Mesa, is part of Bugsy Promotions, the group managed by Perry Mariano. He got the other monicker "Jeff Bata" because of his rise as a pool player while still in his teens, much like Efren "Bata" Reyes.
Pool Showdown is a joint production of Raya Sports and ABC-5. It is broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:00 to 10-30 in the evening.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
TEAM FOR THAI SEAG + CORTEZA IN U.S. 9-BALL OPEN
RP CUE SPORTS TEAM BOUND FOR THAILAND SEAG IS COMPLETE - FAJARDO
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---THE line up of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines for this year's Thailand SEAG is now complete. This was bared yesterday by BSCP president Ernie Fajardo.
"Kanina (kahapon) lamang namin (BSCP) pinasa ang complete line-up natin sa SEAG," said Fajardo.
Marlon Manalo, the former Asian snooker champion will head the snooker team along with James Al Ortega, Benjie Guevarra, and Rodolfo Lordan Jr.
Manalo, the 2006 Taiwan World 9-ball semi-finalist will also see action in the 9-ball doubles, teaming up with Antonio Gabica, the 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball gold medalist and 8-ball silver medalist.
Completing the cast for the pool event (9-ball and 8-ball) are Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo and current double world champion Ronato Alcano.
Reynaldo Grandea and Emilio Villariza will participate in the Carom event while Rubilen Amit, Mary-Ann Basas and Irish Ranola will show their skills in the women's pool competition (9-ball and 8-ball).
"I believe this is a strong team," said Fajardo.
CORTEZA SETTING HIS SIGHTS TO CAPTURE US OPEN 9-BALL CROWN
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---IT'S time to set loftier goals. After a runner-up place finish in the tough Grand Finale of the Guinness 9-Ball Tour in Bali, Indonesia last month, Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) ace Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza is now setting his sights to capture the prestigious US Open 9-Ball crown.
This year marks the 32nd Annual U.S.Open from October 14 to October 20, 2007. This event will be held again at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia. The U.S.Open is The Longest Run and Most Pretigious 9-Ball Event in the world. The field is limited to 256 Players who each must pay-up the Entry fee of $500.00.
"Iba ang pakiramdam pag nakahilera ka na sa mga US Open 9-ball champion kaya nga puspusan ang ginagawa kong pagsasanay sa One Side Billiard Hall sa Malate at sa Side Pocket sa Quezon Avenue," said the 28-year-old Corteza who received his official invitation yesterday from Barry Bherman, founder of the US Open 9-Ball Championship.
Corteza's star rose after he topped the 2006 All Japan Championships last December followed a victory in the 2nd BSCP National 9-Ball Pool Championship in Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila. The pride of Davao also pocketed the 2007 Turning Stone 9-Ball Championship in Verona, New York last August and settled runner- up place in the International Challenge of Champion in Unscaville, Connecticut. He also finished runner-up in inauguration of Guinness 9-ball tour in Jakarta
Christopher Palses, coach and manager of Negros Billiard Stable under the guidance of Vis-Min billiards God Father Jonathan Sy who also supports 2006 US Open 9-Ball runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and many time Japan Champion Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego also playing the US Open 9-ball, believes Corteza will do well again in the United States.
"With his victories here and abroad, Lee Vann (Corteza) is now one of the favorites in the US Open," Palses said.
Among the big names coming to the US Open cuefest are defending champion John Schmidt, Johnny Archer, Earl Strickland, Rodney Morris, Nick Varner, Corey Deuel and Gabe Owen of the United States, Neils Feijen and Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands, Raj Hundal and Darly Peach of Great Britain, Tomoo Takano and Naoyuki Ooi of Japan, Mika Immonen and Marcus Juva of Finland, Ralf Souquet, Thorsten Hohmann of Germany.
Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Jose "Amang" Parica, Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Edwin Montal and Roel Esquillo will also be competing to give a good fight for the Filipino cue artists.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---THE line up of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines for this year's Thailand SEAG is now complete. This was bared yesterday by BSCP president Ernie Fajardo.
"Kanina (kahapon) lamang namin (BSCP) pinasa ang complete line-up natin sa SEAG," said Fajardo.
Marlon Manalo, the former Asian snooker champion will head the snooker team along with James Al Ortega, Benjie Guevarra, and Rodolfo Lordan Jr.
Manalo, the 2006 Taiwan World 9-ball semi-finalist will also see action in the 9-ball doubles, teaming up with Antonio Gabica, the 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball gold medalist and 8-ball silver medalist.
Completing the cast for the pool event (9-ball and 8-ball) are Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo and current double world champion Ronato Alcano.
Reynaldo Grandea and Emilio Villariza will participate in the Carom event while Rubilen Amit, Mary-Ann Basas and Irish Ranola will show their skills in the women's pool competition (9-ball and 8-ball).
"I believe this is a strong team," said Fajardo.
CORTEZA SETTING HIS SIGHTS TO CAPTURE US OPEN 9-BALL CROWN
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---IT'S time to set loftier goals. After a runner-up place finish in the tough Grand Finale of the Guinness 9-Ball Tour in Bali, Indonesia last month, Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) ace Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza is now setting his sights to capture the prestigious US Open 9-Ball crown.
This year marks the 32nd Annual U.S.Open from October 14 to October 20, 2007. This event will be held again at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia. The U.S.Open is The Longest Run and Most Pretigious 9-Ball Event in the world. The field is limited to 256 Players who each must pay-up the Entry fee of $500.00.
"Iba ang pakiramdam pag nakahilera ka na sa mga US Open 9-ball champion kaya nga puspusan ang ginagawa kong pagsasanay sa One Side Billiard Hall sa Malate at sa Side Pocket sa Quezon Avenue," said the 28-year-old Corteza who received his official invitation yesterday from Barry Bherman, founder of the US Open 9-Ball Championship.
Corteza's star rose after he topped the 2006 All Japan Championships last December followed a victory in the 2nd BSCP National 9-Ball Pool Championship in Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila. The pride of Davao also pocketed the 2007 Turning Stone 9-Ball Championship in Verona, New York last August and settled runner- up place in the International Challenge of Champion in Unscaville, Connecticut. He also finished runner-up in inauguration of Guinness 9-ball tour in Jakarta
Christopher Palses, coach and manager of Negros Billiard Stable under the guidance of Vis-Min billiards God Father Jonathan Sy who also supports 2006 US Open 9-Ball runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and many time Japan Champion Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego also playing the US Open 9-ball, believes Corteza will do well again in the United States.
"With his victories here and abroad, Lee Vann (Corteza) is now one of the favorites in the US Open," Palses said.
Among the big names coming to the US Open cuefest are defending champion John Schmidt, Johnny Archer, Earl Strickland, Rodney Morris, Nick Varner, Corey Deuel and Gabe Owen of the United States, Neils Feijen and Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands, Raj Hundal and Darly Peach of Great Britain, Tomoo Takano and Naoyuki Ooi of Japan, Mika Immonen and Marcus Juva of Finland, Ralf Souquet, Thorsten Hohmann of Germany.
Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Jose "Amang" Parica, Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Edwin Montal and Roel Esquillo will also be competing to give a good fight for the Filipino cue artists.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
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