Sunday, April 27, 2008

SOUQUET GRABS 8-BALL CROWN FROM ALCANO

RALF "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany waited two years to avenge his loss to Ronato Alcano in the finals of 2006 Philippine WPA World 9-Ball Championship in Manila.
Souquet crushed Alcano, 13-9, to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 2008 Damas World 8-Ball Championship at the Expo Center in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates, on Friday.

The win was worth $60,000 for Souquet, while Alcano settled for $20,000 in second place prize money. Ralf also follow the foot-step of the past double world champions in the likes of Alcano, Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan and hall of famer Efren "Bata" Reyes.

Statistic showed that Ralf had only 3 dry breaks and no errors while Ronnie tallied 3 errors and 3 successful breaks.

Actually, Souquet raced a quick 3-0 lead after he took advantage of two dry breaks from Alcano. Then he stretched his lead to five racks at 8-3, but Alcano got back to the table after a dry break from Souquet in rack 12 to run that rack and then broke and ran the next rack to get back to 8-5. After a break and run by Souquet in rack 14, Alcano mounted a comeback to climb back within one rack at 9-8.

Souquet broke dry in rack 18, but Alcano was unable to finish off the rack and Souquet moved ahead 10-8. Alcano broke and ran the next rack to get back within one rack, but Souquet answered with a break and run in rack 20 to once again take a 2 rack lead.

Alcano looked ready to get back within one rack again in rack 21, but a miss on the 8-ball was his final mistake and Souquet ran that rack and then broke and ran the next rack for the tournament win.

Other Filipino who participated in the World 8-Ball were Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco, Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey de Luna, Roberto Gomez, Elvis Calasang, Joven Bustamante, Israel Rota and Alan Cuartero.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

ALCANO VS. SOUQUET IN WORLD 8-BALL FINALS

DEFENDING CHAMPION Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany will face each other in what promises to be a classic race-to-13, alternate break final at the World Pool 8-Ball Championships at the the Expo Center in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates late last night. This after the tow hottest pool cue hurdle their respective rivals in the final four.

Alcano edged last year's runner-up and compatriot Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo,10-9, in the semi-finals while Souquet outplayed Marcus "Napoleon" Chamat of Sweden,10-8.

Actually, this is the second time the two players face off for the coveted crown. Alcano routed Souquet in the finals of 2006 Philippine WPA World 9-Ball Championships at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Here in WPA World 8-Ball, the two pool wizard were playing for the top prize of $60,000 with the runner-up getting $20,000, saying they deserved it after a tough and gruelling preliminaries round and knock-out stage before the championships round.

Last Year, Alcano complete the coveted double of winning the World Pool 9-Ball and 8-Ball championships and thereby duplicate the feat of

Chinese Taipei's teenaged sensation Wu Chia Ching, who achieved the distinction in 2005 and Filipino Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes, 1999 WPA World 9-Ball Champion in Cardiff, Wales and 2004 WPA World 8-Ball Champion here in Fujairah.

Alcano failed to set a new record (winning three major title, World 9-Ball, World 8-Ball and US Open 9-Ball) after settled for a runner-up place with eventual champion American brightest hope Shane Van Boening in the 2007 US Open 9-Ball in Chessapeake, Virginia.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

SMB BACKS TEN BALL TOUR

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---All roads lead to the first World Ten Ball Championship (WTBC) in September, said to be the ultimate battleground for pool professionals across the globe, but contenders have yet to prove their mettle in the San Miguel Beer-backed Philippine Pool Tour (PPT) to qualify for the major event.

Open to international and local players, the PPT kicks off on May 6 with the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup in Mandaluyong City. It will then swing through the country's key regions and cities, culminating in the world championship in September at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The winner of the Mandaluyong Cup will get a guaranteed seat in the WTBC, for which players around the world are competing to qualify. In addition, the champion will win $10,000 as cash prize. Players from 2nd to 32nd place will split the balance of the $30,000 prize fund.

A long-time supporter of billiards, San Miguel Beer (SMB) thinks PPT will be widely patronized by Ten Ball enthusiasts around the world. The tour is sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiards Union (APBU), Asia's highest governing body for pool sports.

"Ten Ball is fast emerging as the game of choice of top players, that's why we are very excited with the staging of the Philippine Pool Tour," said one SMB executive. " We know that our contenders and those from abroad are all looking forward to the start of the matches."

Players from Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, England, Germany, France, USA and other countries are expected to join the tour in one or more of its five legs. 2003 world champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany has signed up for the first leg.

Mandaluyong City was picked for the inaugural leg because Mayor Benhur Abalos is also the incumbent president of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

Nicknamed "Tiger City" for its dynamic growth, Mandaluyong has been very active in hosting national and international sports tournaments. It hosted last April 3-6 the highly successful Philippine Open of the Asian Golf Tour at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club. It will host side by side with the Mayor's Cup a national tennis championship on the week of May 6-11.

The second leg of the PPT is scheduled in Puerto Princesa City in June, with Mayor Edward Hagedorn and the city government as host.

Other cities that will form part of the PPT in 2008 and 2009 include Cebu City, Davao City, Bacolod-Iloilo City, Clark-Angeles City, Subic-Olongapo City, Baguio City, Boracay, Pasay City and Manila.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

Monday, April 21, 2008

CALASANG EDGES KOREAN COUNTERPART IN WORLD 8-BALL

FILIPINO Elvis Calasang made his presence in day 1 after beating heavyweight Ryu Seuong Woo of Korea, 8-6, in their Group B match to join the early winners at the start of 2008 World 8-Ball Championships on Friday at the Expo Center Fujairah in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates.

Calasang, a former house pro and pool instructor in Middle East and member of the Philippine Billiard Development Foundation (PBDF), will meet Au Siu Wai of Hongkong in the next round, winner over Mohammed Obaid of UAE, 8-7.

Gabriele Cimmino of Italy and Marcus Western of Germany, meanwhile hurdle their respective rivals in Group B. Cimmino defeated compatriot Bruno Muratore, 8-7, to meet Western in the next round, who ambush Brunei Prince Muhtadee Billa, 8-1.

Earlier the other day, in Group A, defending champion Ronato Alcano smashed Carlos Talavera of Guatamela, 8-1, in the race-to-8, alternate break format to meet Li Haitao of China, who beat Hanni Al Howri of UAE, 8-5.

Mohammed El Assal of Iran shocked Bernard Kiat of Singapore, 8-2, to face Fu Jian Bo of China in the next round, who crushed Naif Al Jeweni of Kingdom of South Africa, 8-4.

In Group C, 2005 WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan blanked Sayeem Hossain of Bangladesh, 8-0, to meet Huidji See of the Netherlands, who edges Dimitri Jungo of Switzerland, 8-7.

In other matches saw, Karl Hanscho of England trounced Mahmood Al Hashmi of UAE, 8-2. His next assignment is Niels "The Terminator "Feijen of the Netherlands who outplayed Ron Wiseman of the United States, 8-1.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

HOHMANN, ARCHER, JOINS RP POOL TOUR

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---TWO world champions from Europe and America have signed up to play in the first Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup of the Philippine Pool Tour, which is scheduled on May 6 to 11 at the City Atrium and Kaban ng Hiyas Auditorium of Mandaluyong City.

Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, 2003 world 9-ball champion and 2006 straight pool champion, expressed his desire to compete in the Mandaluyong Cup in a letter to the Raya Sports office. He will be coming to Manila on May 6 after competing in the Korean Pro Pool Championship in Seoul on April 29 to May 2.

Following his stint in Manila, Hohmann will fly to Las Vegas to play in the Predator International Ten Ball Championship on May 13 to 17.

Johnny Archer of America, 1992 and 1997 world 9-ball champion, will be flying straight from the US to compete in the Mandaluyong Cup. Archer has been in top form lately. He won in succession the Turning Stone Classic in New York, the 12th annual Jay Swanson Memorial tournament in California, and the Great Southern Billiard Tour stop in South Carolina.

Archer and Hohmann will test their ten-ball skills against Filipino and Asian players who are expected to turn up in big numbers for the Mandaluyong Cup. The tournament offers $30,000 in prize money and a guaranteed seat for the winner in the World Ten Ball Championship in Manila in September.

Besides Mandaluyong City, the PPT will have four other legs this year: Puerto Princesa in June, Cebu, Davao and Pasay City. Other American and European players have expressed interest in joining the tour at its second leg in Palawan.

Both Hohmann and Archer are familiar to Filipino pool fans having played in the Philippines in the 2006 and 2007 World Pool Championship, as well as several invitational tournaments. Archer has won a couple of tournaments in the country.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

DEFENDING CHAMPION ALCANO OFF TO GOOD START IN WORLD 8 BALL

DEFENDING Champion and the Philippine No.1 rotation player Ronato "Volcano" Alcano got off to a great start yesterday in the 2008 World 8-Ball Championships before a huge crowd of pool fans at the Expo Center Fujairah in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates

The lanky cue artists from Calamba, Laguna, who also won the 2006 WPA World 9-Ball Championships in Manila and place second in the 2007 US Open 9-Ball Championships in Chesapeake, Virginia didn't waste time after a blazing start of 6-0 run in the race-to-8, alternate break format to beat unheralded Carlos Talavera from Guatamela, 8-1, in Group A.

Talavera's only rack came in the 7th, before Alcano ended the game at 8-1.

AZbilliards boss Mike Howerton who is in Fujairah said to this writer in an email yesterday before the match, "The first round of matches are just starting now. The only Pinoy match taking place in the first round is Alcano vs Carlos Talavera from Guatamela. I don't see that being much of a problem for Ronnie to win. He actually has a pretty easy run into the final sixteen. There will also be a 3pm round and Elvis Calasang will place Seung Wo Ryu from Korea. That is all we have for Pinoy matches today (last night)."

Elvis Calasang is in Group B still engage battles as of presstime with Rye Seoung Woo of Korea.

Meanwhile, the Filipinos were greatly spread, and there's a great chance that it could be another All-Filipino finals like last year. Thanks to a lucky draw for the ten Filipino qualifiers.

The 2008 World 8-Ball Championships got underway last night in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates and the 64 players were split up into 8 different groups. The format is the same as the last World 9-Ball Championships that was held here in Manila last year. Four players will advance into the Round of 32 from each group. Two (2) straight wins and you're in to the next stage, and 2 will come from the losers' side.

Alcano, beat compatriot Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, 11-8, in the finals last year.

The petite Orcollo from Bislig, Surigao del Sur is aiming for a world title-shot as he takes on Mohammed Al Hosani of UAE in Group H, the same bracket of countryman Israel "Amay" Rota of Cebu, who goes up against Mark Gray of England.

Roberto "Superman" Gomez, the 2007 WPA World Pool Finalist is in Group D. He takes on Craig Bower of England while Antonio "Gaga" Gabica is in Group E and will test the mettle of Chris Melling of England.

Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and Alan "Surigao" Cuartero are all bunched up in Group F and will square off with Ralf Souquet of Germany, Amine Quahbi of Morocco and Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia, respectively.

Joven "The Shark" Bustamante is considered to be in the toughest group, Group G. He faces Marcus Chamat of Sweden.

Meanwhile, Brunei's Crown Prince Muhtadee Billah is in Group B against Marcus Western of Germany while lone female Jasmin Ouschan of Austria is in Group C and meets Saleem Al Juneebi of UAE.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

WORLD TEN BALL SLOT AT STAKE IN PHILIPPINE POOL TOUR IN MANDALUYONG

A whopping top prize of US$10,000 plus a slot in the inauguration of WPA World Ten Ball Championships goes to the winner when the Philippine Pool Tour (PPT) gets it's first rack on May 6 to 11 in Mandaluyong City.

This was bared yesterday by Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) spokesman Amado "June" Diokno to be held at the City Hall Atrium and Kaban ng Hiyas Auditorium.

"There will be at least one PPT tournament per month until the World Ten Ball Championship in Manila on September 2008," said Diokno, also the executive director of the newly-formed Philippine Billiard Development Foundation (PBDF). "We expect many foreign players and fans to pour into Manila this year."

Dubbed the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup, the tournament is a Ten Ball event where the winner gets an automatic slot in the WPA World Ten Ball Championship in Manila in September. It is one of six tournaments under the RP Pool Tour organized by BSCP in partnership with Raya Sports, Star Billiards and PBDF,

The Mandaluyong Cup is open to Filipino and foreign players of both sexes. In keeping with Olympic practice since 1992, it will not distinguish between professional and amateur players. Foreign players from Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan and Europe have already expressed their intent to join the PPT.

Mayor Benhur Abalos of Mandaluyong City is giving his full support to the event, in keeping with his city's longstanding program of encouraging sports events and sports development. The city was host of the recent and highly successful Philippine Open leg of the Asian Golf Tour at the Wack-Wack golf course.

Diokno added that other stops of the PPT will be in Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Davao, Olongapo and Pasay City. City mayors and city governments will become hosts of the tournaments under a program developed by BSCP with the League of City Mayors of the Philippines.

Star Billiards will provide world-class equipment for the Mandaluyong Cup. This includes Brunswick tables, Simonis cloth and Aramith balls.

Entry in the Mandaluyong Cup is $50 or P2000. Members of the PBT get a 50% discount on their entry fees. Registration is now being accepted by BSCP and Raya Sports. Contact Ms. Ahyie Torres, Tel. 8952021 and email: raya@prismphil.com.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

TWO MORE FILIPINOS QUALIFY FOR WORLD 8-BALL

MAKE IT TO THE 64-MAIN DRAW OF WORLD 8-BALL

TWO more Filipino cue artists made it to the 64 main draw of 2008 World 8-Ball Championships after topping their respective qualifying tournament at the the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates, on Monday.

The Qatar based house pro and pool instructor Israel "Amay" Rota, who hails from Cebu trounced Chris Melling of England, 5-4, in the qualifying 3 while the Quezon City resident Joven "The Shark" Bustamante won the 4th qualifying event via 5-3 score against another England player Mike Hill.

Last Saturday, 2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto Gomez won the 1st qualifying event followed by 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medallist Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna last Sunday, winner in the 2nd qualifying event.

The Philippines is hoping to add more bets through these qualifiers with players like 2004 World 8-ball runner-up Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, former Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle, reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza and veteran internationalists Warren Kiamco and Ramil Gallego.

Meanwhile, already seeded in the tournament are defending champion Ronnie Alcano and last year's runner-up Dennis Orcollo, as well as Antonio Gabica and Elvis Calasang, who both topped the qualifying round of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) recently.

Meanwhile, other world-renowned players seeded in the main draw are 2005 WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 2007 WPA World 9-Ball champion Darryl Peach of England, reigning US Open 9-ball titlist Shane Van Boening of the United States, and former World Pool champions Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann of Germany. The field will also have a lone female entry in Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, and a touch of royalty with the participation of Brunei's Crown Prince Muhtadee Billah.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

Monday, April 14, 2008

DE LUNA BEATS BUSTAMANTE, QUALIFIES FOR WORLD 8-BALL TOURNEY

BECOMES THE SIXTH FILIPINO TO QUALIFY

JEFFREY "The Bull" De Luna overpowered Bugsy stalwart Joven Bustamante, 5-4, in the semis then blanked a British opponent, 5-0, in the finals to dominate the second of eight qualifying tournaments for the 2008 World 8-Ball Championship to be held at the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday.

The 24-year-old De Luna, member of the newly-formed Philippine Billiard Development Foundation (PBDF) became the sixth Filipino to enter the tournament proper when the 64-man main draw of this annual World 8-Ball event gets it's first rack on April 18 and will ends on April 25.

"Pa birthday ko ito sa mahal kong si Ian (De Luna) at alay ko din sa bayan ang aking tagumpay," Jeff referring's the 24th birthday celebration yesterday by her wife Ian De Luna.

Ian, wife of Jeff commented, "The words that inspires him (Jeff), no matter how good you started it, its how you ended it," said Ian, also a professional women's billiard player.

Jeff also beat another Bugsy mainstay and 2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto Gomez, 6-3, in the bonus round. Last Saturday, Gomez won the first of eight qualifying rounds.
Jeff, 24, rose to prominence in billiard world after beating former two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medallist Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan in the semi-finals of 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball competition. He settled for runner-up to his fellow PBDF player Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica.

Jeff also beat world no.1 and Bugsy top player Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo to win the 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open last year at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

By winning this second of eight qualifying tournaments, Jeff will join fellow qualifier Gomez and seeded players composed of defending champion Ronnie Alcano and runner-up Orcollo, as well as Gabica and Elvis Calasang, who both topped the qualifying round of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) recently.

Other Filipinos saw action in the qualifying round were 2004 World 8-ball runner-up Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, former world 9-ball champion Alex Pagulayan, former Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle, reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza and veteran internationalists Warren Kiamco, Ramil Gallego, and Israel Rota.

Meanwhile, other world-renowned players seeded in the main draw are 2005 WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 2007 WPA World 9-Ball champion Darryl Peach of England, reigning US Open 9-ball titlist Shane Van Boening of the United States, and former World Pool champions Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann of Germany. The field will also have a lone female entry in Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, and a touch of royalty with the participation of Brunei's Crown Prince Muhtadee Billah.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

Friday, April 11, 2008

RP POOL TOUR KICKS OFF WITH MANDALUYONG CUP

The Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines announced today (April 10) the launching of the Philippine Pool Tour (PPT) with the inaugural tournament in Mandaluyong City on May 6 to 11.

Dubbed the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup, the tournament is a Ten Ball event whose winner will get an automatic slot in the WPA World Ten Ball Championship in Manila in September. It is one of six tournaments under the RP Pool Tour organized by BSCP in partnership with Raya Sports, Star Billiards and the Philippine Billiards Foundation,

Prize money for the Cup is $20,000, with $10,000 going to the winner. Prizes will be given up to 32nd place in the tournament.

The Mandaluyong Cup is open to Filipino and foreign players of both sexes. In keeping with the Olympic tradition since 1992, it will not distinguish between professional and amateur players. Foreign players from Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan and Europe have already expressed their intent to join the PPT.

Mayor Ben-hur Abalos of Mandaluyong City is giving his full support to the event, in keeping with his city's longstanding program of encouraging sports events and sports development. The city was host of the recent and highly successful Philippine Open leg of the Asian Golf Tour at the Wack-Wack golf course.

As venue for the tournament, Mandaluyong will lend both its City Hall Atrium and Kaban ng Hiyas Auditiorium.

June Diokno, spokesman of the Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines, said that other stops of the PPT will be in Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Davao, Olongapo and Pasay City. City mayors and city governments will become hosts of the tournaments under a program developed by BSCP with the League of City Mayors of the Philippines.

"There will be at least one PPT tournament per month until the World Ten Ball Championship," Diokno said. "We expect many foreign players and fans to pour into Manila this year."

Star Billiards will provide world-class equipment for the Mandaluyong Cup. This includes Brunswick tables, Simonis cloth and Aramith balls.

Entry in the Mandaluyong Cup is $50 or P2000. Members of the PBT get a 50% discount on their entry fees. Registration is now being accepted by BSCP and Raya Sports. Contact Ms. Ahyie Torres, Tel. 8952021 and email: raya@prismphil.com.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

CORTEZA, GALLEGO, KIAMCO EYES WORLD 8-BALL SLOT IN FUJAIRAH

TOP players of Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) are ready to face their respective opponents in the qualifying event of the World 8-Ball which will start on April 12 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

National champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego and Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, the three musketeers under the management of sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy will try to knock and enter in the first of 8 qualifying round wherein only one player is allowed to get in per event.

"Hope palarin kami ni Bebeng (Gallego) at Warren (Kiamco) na makapasok sa main draw ng World 8-Ball." said the Southeast Asian Games multiple gold medallist Corteza, who hails from Davao City.

"Hindi naman sasayangin ang walang humpay na suporta at pagtitiwala na binigay sa amin ni Boss Jo (Jonathan Sy), kaya ibibigay naming tatlo ang lahat ng makakaya namin para manalo para sa bayan," added the Japan champion Gallego.

" Talagang pinaghandaan namin ito (World 8-ball) nina Bebeng (Gallego) at Lee Vann (Corteza)." said Kiamco, the 2007 US Bar 9-ball and 8-ball champion.

Th triumvirate also schedule to play in the forthcoming Predator 10-Ball Championships on May 12 to 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Qatar World Open 9-Ball Tournament on June 29 to July 5 in Doha, Qatar.

In related story in World 8-Ball, the Filipino already seeded in the tournament proper on April 18 to 25 are last year's champion Ronato Alcano and runner-up Dennis Orcollo, together with Antonio Gabica and Elvis Calasang, who both won the qualifying round of Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP), the sole governing billiards body in the country.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

IRIS RANOLA TOPS GREAT LAKE QUALIFIER

IRIS RAƑOLA TOPS GREAT LAKE QUALIFIER

PHILIPPINE lone representative Iris RaƱola couldn't hide her excitement after winning her 9-ball debut tour in the United States.

Playing under the banner of Puyat Sports Stable, RaƱola, who hails from Divisoria, Zamboanga trounced Iowa's Rachel Brykett, 9-5, in the finals to capture the title for the 8th and final stop of the 07-08 Great Lake qualification tournaments for the WPBA BCA GenerationPool.com at the Jacobs Cues billiard hall in Galesburg, Illinois last April 5.

" Tiyak ko hindi kayang ipaliwanag ang nadarama ni Iris (RaƱola) ngayon dahil maganda agad ang simula ng kanyang kampanya sa US," said national women's coach Boyet Asonto yesterday who just arrived the country the other day from Taiwan by accompanying Rubilen Amit and Mary-Ann Basas, both finish in the last 16 in the 2008 Amway WPA World 9-Ball Championships.

"Sabi sa akin ni Iris (RaƱola) na sasali siya ng maraming tournament sa US para mahasa siya at makakuha ng experience. Pero isa din dahilan kaya siya pumunta sa US para ipagamot ang kanyang sakit na cyst sa kaliwa niyang breast." He added.

According to the official website yesterday, the reigning national women's champion Ranola, who finished fourth in the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball competition had a nice start over tour season points winner Liz Lovely of Dayton, Ohio, 7-4, then blasted her next two assignments against Donna Ferguson, 7-0, and Tina Hess, 7-0 and defeated Brykett, 7-4, for the hot-seat match. Brykett bounced back with a 7-5 win over Tina Hess in the one-loss side to earn a rematch with Ranola in the final.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

JOVEN TAMANG DEFENDS HIS TITLE

JOVEN TAMANG WILL DEFEND HIS 9-BALL TITLE IN HOBBIES BILLIARD

AFTER topping the inauguration leg last week, Joven Tamang will defend his title against a dozen aspiring cue artists who want to follow the foot steps of Filipino billiards great Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan when the All Amateur Players Open 9-Ball Tournament resumes with its weekly leg on April 12 at the Hobbies Billiard 8 President Diosdado Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

Tamang trounced Baste Padua, 7-4, in the finals to captured the title plus the top prize P5,000 in the double knock-out tournament, organized and sponsored by sports patron Danny Bariso.

According to Mr. Bariso, the 9-ball tournament is open to all amateurs player in the country which aims to discover new billiards talents.

Tournament coordinator RP no.1 trick shot champion Julie "Falcon" Guevarra said that a whopping top purse P20,000 awaits to the Grand Finale winners slated this year.

Registration fee is P300. For inquiries, please call or text Mr. Guevarra at mobile no. 0918-319-0414 or Ms. Anna Pomales at tel.no. 556-1264 or mobile no.0916-628-7158 for complete details.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by josive sison

Sunday, April 6, 2008

CHANG TAKES ANOTHER LEG OF THE GUINNESS TOUR

It seemed as though nothing can stop Taiwan hotshot Chang Jung-lin who completed a stellar start to demolish his compatriot Wang Hung-Hsiang, 11-7, in an all Taiwanese finals to claim the second trophy of the 2008 Guinness 9-Ball Tour at the G Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, Sunday.

Chang, who took the inaugural leg in Taipei, Taiwan last month by beating Filipino Joven Bustamante, 11-5, in the finals.

His victory also continued the impressive showing of the Chinese Taipei contingent, which is aiming for a repeat of the last year's six-city sweep.

For their efforts, Chang pocketed $15,000, while Wang netted $6,000. The Tour's next stop will be in Genting, Malaysia, which will take place next month from May 30 to June 1.

The tournament underdog Wang took a 3-1 lead hoping to make a name for himself among the elite 24-member field composed of Asia's best cue masters. However, he committed a couple of errors and dry breaks allowing Chang to lead the match at 10-3 after winning nine consecutive racks. But Wang didn't give up easily when he charged to close the match at 10-7 before Chang finally nailed the last rack.

On the way to the finals, Chang beat Wu Chia Ching, 9-7, to arrange a titular showdown with Wang, winner over Yang Ching-shun, 9-6.

The Filipino representative here in Taiwan but failed to advance in the final four yesterday were Bustamante, Antonio Gabica, both quarter-finalists and Alex Pagulayan and Dennis Orcollo, who fell short in the knock-out stage last Friday.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

AMIT, BASAS BOWS OUT OF AMWAY WOMEN'S 9-BALL

RUBILEN Amit and Mary-Ann Basas of the Philippines led early in their respective matches but failed to advance in the next round after losing in their last 16 assignment of the 2008 WPA Amway World Women's 9-Ball Championship yesterday in Taipei, Taiwan.

The Cebuana native Amit fell short against world No.1 Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, 4-7, while Basas, was nipped by Chieh-Yu Chou of Chinese-Taipei, 6-7.

Ouschan, who also beat Amit in their group stage play in last year's edition will square off with Chou in the quarter-final round.

Amit and Basas, whose stint here is being supported by sportsman/ businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, are both under the watchful eye of national women's head coach Boyet Asonto.

"Sayang, parehong lamang sa simula sina Rubilen (Amit) at Mary-Ann (Basas) pero minalas sa bandang huli," said coach Boyet Asonto, in a long distance telephone interview yesterday.

Putch Puyat, commented yesterday "Proud ako sa mga player natin kasi ginawa nila ang kanilang best para sa bayan, 'yung nga lamang ay hindi pumabor ang bola sa laro nila sa last 16" said Puyat.

Amit led the match 3-1, but errors let Ouschan back into the match for the 7-4 win according to the official website yesterday while local hopeful Chou are still alive after an unbelievable win over Basas. Basas led the match 5-2, but missed a 5-ball allowing Chou back to the table. Chou evened the score at 5-5 before scratching on a 9-ball. Basas reclaimed the lead at 6-5, breaking for the match. A safety by Basas went awry when Chou kicked at the 2-ball and ended up making the 9-ball to tie the match at 6-6. Chou then went on to win the final game.

Basas who needed to go through the qualification tournament, finished with two wins and 3 loses in Group F while last year's runner-up Amit topped the Group H bracket with four wins and one loss to automatically advance in the round-of-16. Basas, meanwhile disposed of Hsiang Lin-Tan of Chinese-Taipei, 7-3, in the last 24 to advance in the last 16.

In other matches, Hsiao-Chi Lin of Chinese-Taipei turned back 2007 Macau Asian Indoor Games 9-Ball Champion and Osaka Open Champion Shu-Han Chang of Japan, 7-6, to face Allison Fisher who beat countryman Kelly Fisher of Great Britain, 7-3, in the last 24 and Yukiko Hamanashi of Japan , 7-4, in the last 16.

Tournament favorite Jeanette "The Black Widow" Lee of the United States continued her winning ways by crushing Line Kjorsvik of Norway, 7-6, in the last 24 and Akimi Kajitani of Japan, 7-3, in the last 16 to meet Yuan Chung-lin of Chinese-Taipei in the next round.

submitted by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

Saturday, April 5, 2008

RUBILEN AMIT IN SWEET 16, MARY ANN BASAS MAKES IT TO LAST 24 IN AMWAY

PHILIPPINE top female player Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit continued her winning ways after dominating her Group H bracket to barge into the "Sweet 16" after the second day of 2008 WPA Amway World Women's 9-Ball Championship yesterday in Taipei, Taiwan.

Amit, whose stint here is being supported by sportsman/ businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat finished with 4 wins and 1 loss in her Group H bracket. She will face the winner of the match between Akio Ohtani of Japan and world's no.1 Jasmin Ouschan of Austria for the last 16.

According to national women's head coach Boyet Asonto in a long distance interview yesterday, the Cebuana native Amit trounced Shu Wah Hoe of Singapore, 7-4, and edged Anna Kostanian of the United States, 7-6, before yielding to Shu-Han Chang of Chinese-Taipei, 6-7. Her first two wins against Denise Wilkinson of New Zealand, 7-4, and qualifier 8 Chun Ting Lee of Chinese-Taipei, the other day.

"Sana mahawakan ni Rubilen (Amit) 'yung momentum," commented Asonto.

Amit, who took the gold medal in the women's 9-ball of the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games is aiming to surpass her last year's runner-up finish here in Taipei.

It shall be recalled that Xiao-Ting Pan of China defeated Amit, 11-5, in the last year's finals. Pan pocketed the top purse of $20,000 while Amit went home the runner-up prize of $10,000, her biggest pay check. However Pan is not playing in the event due to problems with her Visa.

Still on the same tournament...

BASAS MAKES IT TO THE LAST 24

Another Filipino entry Mary Ann Basas, who hails from Davao City made it to the last 24 after winning her last two matches against Belinda Calhoun of the United States, 7-2, and Estelle Bijnen of the Netherlands, 7-6, and finished with 2 wins and 3 loses in her Group F matches. Her next assignment is Hsiang-Lin Tan of Chinese-Taipei for the right to enters into the last 16. Amit automatic enters into the last 16 by virtue of a good performance after topping her group play.

Here are the statistics of countries who made it to the last 24: Japan – 3, Taiwan – 8, Korea – 2, Philippines – 2, Netherlands – 1, Norway – 1, Austria – 2, Germany – 1, UK – 2 and USA – 2.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

RUBILEN AMIT STARTS HOT IN AMWAY WORLD WOMEN'S 9-BALL TOURNEY

RP'S no.1 Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit won her first two games on the opening day of the 2008 Amway World Women's 9-Ball Championship yesterday in Taipei, Taiwan.

The Cebuana native Amit, who took the gold medal in the women's 9-ball of the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games brought down Denise Wilkinson of New Zealand, 7-4, and local ace Chun Ting Lee, 7-5, respectively.

According to the official website, Amit led the match 5-1, but missed an 8-ball allowing Lee back to the table. Lee quickly tied the score at 5-5, but then missed her own 8-ball. Amit took a 5 minute break and then finished off the final two racks for the win. "I am really under pressure, because I was second place in last year, I know I have to adjust myself to be more relaxed," Amit commented after the match.

Amit alongside Puyat Sports stablemates Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante have been cast to star with lead role American female cue Jennifer Barretta in the upcoming motion picture "9-Ball" the film is scheduled to begin principal photography June 15 at Universal Studios.

In related reports here in Amway World Women's 9-Ball Championship, another Filipino entry Mary-Ann Basas, who hails from Davao City made it to the tournament proper after a magnificent performance in the qualification tournament while Irish RaƱola failed to participate. She is currently in the United States.

Defending champion Xiao-Ting Pan of China is not playing in the event due to problems with her Visa. Pan's loss will be the gain of 20 year old Korean player Eun-Ji Park who had the best performance during the qualifying stage.

In other matches, world's no.1 Jasmin Ouschan of Austria scored a 7-1 wins against Sue Pin Kao of Taiwan and Joanne Ashton of Canada while Jeanette "The Black Widow" Lee of the United States crushed Suet-Yee Kwan of Malaysia, 7-1, and Diana Statecnzy of Germany, 7-1.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

ORCOLLO, PAGULAYAN TAKES DIFFERENT ROUTE IN GUINNESS TOUR

FILIPINO Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan took different routes at the start of the second leg of the Guinness 9-Ball Tour, yesterday at the G Hotel in Penang, Malaysia.

Orcollo defeated Ricky Yang of Indonesia, 9-7, in Group E and needed to beat former Asian 9-Ball tour over-all champion Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei to advance in the knock-out stage today.

Pagulayan, the 2004 WPA World 9-Ball Champion, bowed to 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Luong Chi-Dong of Vietnam, 7-9, in Group C and pray that he will beat Ryu Seong Woo of Korea to be able to force a two-way tie if Ryu also beat Luong.

Playing as of press time were Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica and Joven "The Shark" Bustamante, who is aiming to surpass his runner-up finish in the kick off leg last month in Taipei, Taiwan which was dominated by Taiwanese Chang Jun-ling.

Gabica, whose stint here is supported by the Philippine Billiard Development Foundation (PBDF), takes on Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia and Bernard Tey of Singapore in Group B while Bustamante battles Naoyuki Oi and Sumit Talwar of India in Group H.

A total of 24 Asian superstars are bracketed in Eight groups, sanctioned by the Asian Professional Billards Union (APBU), the event will also have players from Malaysia , Indonesia , Singapore , Vietnam , Korea , Japan , Thailand , India and China.

The Winner of each leg will take home US$ 15,000 while the Grand Finals Champion will walk away with US$ 36,000.

The Guinness 9-Ball Tour is the only ranking tour in Asia for players to qualify for the WPA World Pool Championship and the top 10 finishers in the Tour's Order of Merit will automatically earn a slot for pool's most prestigious event, the 2007 WPA 9Ball Championship scheduled in November.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Thursday, April 3, 2008

PAGULAYAN, 3 OTHERS OPEN GUINNESS CAMPAIGN TOUR TODAY

FORMER WORLD 9-BALL Champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan alongside Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and Joven "The Shark" Bustamante take on the mission to lead the Filipinos in stopping the Taiwanese domination in the second leg of the 2008 Guinness 9-Ball Tour starting, today, Friday at the G Hotel in Penang, Malaysia.

Pagulayan, also the 2005 US Open titlist, battles in the three-man group event which are composed of Ryu Seong Woo of Korea and Luong Chi-Dong of Vietnam, the 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist.

"I hope to perform well in this event, medyo hindi kasi naging maganda performance natin sa nakalipas," said the Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan, who failed to make it to the knock-out stage in the kick off leg of Guinness in Taipei, Taiwan and Japan 9-Ball Open in Tokyo, Japan.

Gabica, the 2007 SMB-Solar Sports RP 9 Ball Open champion and 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games gold medallist, will test the mettle of Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia in Group B along with and Bernard Tey of Singapore.

Bustamante, who is aiming to surpass his runner-up finish with first-leg winner Taiwanese Chang Jung-lin will square off Naoyuki Oi of Japan and Sumit Talwar of India in Group H.Chang, also the reigning Guinness 9-ball tour Grand Finale champion, who beat Lee Vann Corteza in the crown is in Group A together with Chinese sharpshooter Fu Jian-Bo and spiky-haired Thailand bet Nitiwat Kanjanasri.

Orcollo, on the other hand, who is fresh from winning the Quezon City 9-ball tour and Japan 9-ball Open are bracketed in Group E so called "group of death" in the company of former Asian 9-Ball tour over-all champion Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei and Ricky Yang of Indonesia.

A total of 24 Asian superstars are bracketed in Eight group, sanctioned by the Asian Professional Billards Union (APBU), the event will also have players from Malaysia , Indonesia , Singapore , Vietnam , Korea , Japan , Thailand , India and China.
Winners of each leg will take home US$ 15,000 while the Grand Final Champion will walk away with US$ 36,000.

The Guinness 9-Ball Tour is the only ranking tour in Asia for players to qualify for the WPA World Pool Championship and the top 10 finishers in the Tour's Order of Merit will automatically earn a slot for pool's most prestigious event, the 2007 WPA 9Ball Championship scheduled in November.

Telecast of Asia's premier pool competition will be carried LIVE on STAR Sports with fifteen hours of exhilarating competition from 4 April to 6 April 2008. This year, STAR Sports will complement its live broadcast with a 30-minute preview programme before each leg. Broadcast times are as follows:

Fri, 04 April, 2008 4.30pm (HKT) Preview show (30min)

Fri, 04 April, 2008 5.00pm (HKT) Joven Bustamante (PHI) vs Naoyuki Oi (JAP)
6.30pm (HKT) Ibrahim Amir (MAS) vs Antonio Gabica (PHI)
8.00pm (HKT) Chang Jung-Lin (TPE) vs Fu Jian-Bo (CHN)

Sat, 05 April, 2008 from 12.00pm (HKT)Quarterfinals (4 Matches)
Sun, 06 April, 2008 from 12.00am (HKT)Semifinals & Finals (3 Matches)


(Competition on Friday will start at 11am; TV Schedules subject to change without prior notice)

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

ALL AMATEUR OPEN 9-BALL

TOUR RESUMES IN HOBBIES BILLIARD-8 ON APRIL 5

DOZENS of aspiring cue artists want to follow the foot step of Filipino billiards great Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan gather anew as the All Amateurs Players Open 9-Ball Tournament resumes with its weekly leg on April 5 to 6 at the Hobbies Billiard 8 President Diosdado Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

Supported by sports patron Danny Bariso, the double knock-out, race-to-6 format offers P5,000 to the champion and P2,000 to the runner-up place.

Tournament coordinator RP no.1 trick shot champion Julie "Falcon" Guevarra said that a whopping top purse P20,000 awaits to the Grand Finale winners slated this year.

Mr. Guevarra added that the 9-ball tournament is open to all amateurs player in the country which aims to discover new billiards talents.

Registration fee is P300. For inquiries, please call or text Mr. Guevarra at mobile no. 0918-319-0414 or Ms. Anna Pomales at tel.no. 556-1264 or mobile no.0916-628-7158 for complete details.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO