UNHERALDED Alex Nobleza scored his biggest win with a 9-8 victory over 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, as well former Kuwait house pro player Mario Tolentino shocked former world 9-ball champion Johnny "Scorpion" Archer of the United States, 9-7, to remain unscathed in the on-going $30,000 Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup 10-ball championship held at the Kaban ng Hiyas Building in Mandaluyong City.
The victory was the biggest upset so far in this event presented by San Miguel Beer which $10,000 top prize goes to the champion and a slot for this year's World Ten Ball slated on September.
"I just lucky because the ball is in my favor in the end game," said Nobleza, member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who hails from Camarines Sur.
Nobleza who earlier beat James De Leon, 9-4, will square off with Kenj Taguchi of Japan in the next round, winner over Fidel Punzalan, 9-8, and John Carlo Cerna, 9-0, respectively in the event jointly organized by Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines and Raya Sports in close cooperation with mayor Benhur Abalos, Brunswick Billiard Table and League Cities of the Philippines.
Tolentino, meanwhile, who start in a right direction with a 9-0 thrashing victory over Jestoni Magadia, 9-0, takes on Bob Flores, who beat Ken Escano, 9-6, and Michael Mengorio, 9-4, in order.
Meanwhile, 2005 WPA World Pool 3rd placer Marlon Manalo beat fellow snooker specialist James Al Ortega, 9-7, to face Gilbert Carbonera in the next round, who demolished Yong Bak Wang of Japan, 9-6.
Manalo first win at the hands of Luis Saberdo, 9-6, while Carbonera nipped Rocky Tullao, 9-7.
Ex-world 9-ball titlist Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany, Gerry Watson of Canada, Satoshi Kawabata ng Japan and Chieh-Te Chung of Taiwan also past their respective second round assignment to remain in the winner's side.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
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