ADD Qatar Open now to the name of Dennis Orcollo.
The Bislig, Surigao native, winner of the 2006 World Pool leaque and 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com, added the inauguration of Qatar World 9-Ball Open to his growing list of tournament achievements when he topped Saturday night at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Al Muntazah Road in Doha, Qatar.
The 29-year-old Orcollo, fondly called "Robocop" in the pool world bested veteran European player Niels "The Terminator" Feijen 13-5, in the finals to bag the title and the top purse $40,000. Feijen, on the other hand receive the runner-up prize of $20,000.
Losing semi-finalists reigning World 8-Ball Champion Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany and current US Open 9-Ball titlist Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening of the United States, likewise received $ 10,000 each.
This was the second major title of Orcollo, currently No.1 in the world ranking after winning the Japan 9-Ball Open last March, beating Japanese pro player Ryoji Aoki, 9-2, in the finals to bag the title and the two million yen (P835,127) top purse.
On the road to the race-to-13 finals, Orcollo stuns Souquet 11-8, in the final four while Feijen stop the winning run Van Boening, 11-4, in other semi-final pit.
Other Filipino who competed in this $150,000 total pot prize tournament were most Filipino popular cue artists Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, Joven "The Shark" Bustamante and Middle East based Pinoy---Allan "Surigao" Cuartero and Ruben Cuna.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Thursday, July 10, 2008
ORCOLLO LAST FILIPINO STANDING IN QATAR WORLD 9-BALL SEMIS
ALL eyes on World No.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, the last Filipino standing who posted two consecutive wins to move into the semi-final round of the Qatar Open 9-Ball tournament at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Al Muntazah Road in Doha, Qatar.
The Bislig, Surigao del Sur pride Orcollo, on the other hand, the ex-World Pool Leaque ruler stuns compatriots Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, 11-6, and Japan based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 11-9, respectively. Gallego, earlier eliminated Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 11-8, in the round-of-16.
Orcollo next assignment is Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany, winner over Darren Appleton of Great Britain in the round-of-16 and fellow World 9-ball titlist Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan in a similar 11-9 victory, in the round-of-8.
Pagulayan eliminated countryman 2007 World 9-Ball Finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 11-6, in the round-of-16 before bowing to Souquet.
Joining them into the final four also applying race-to-11, alternate break format were reigning US Open 9-Ball kingpin Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening of the United States and Derby City Classic ruler Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands, who routed their respective opponents. The duo will clash for another semi-final pair.The finals of the $150,000 total pot prize tournament will be using race-to-13.
Van Boening beat Radoslaw Babica of Poland, 11-10, and Thomas "The Lean Machine" Engert of Germany, 11-9, in order while Feijen trounced 2007 WPA World Junior champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 11-8, and Naoyuki Ooi of Japan, 11-7. Ooi, conqueror of 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball champion Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, 11-8, in the round-of-16.
The champion here will receive $40,000, the runner-up gets $20,000, the losing semi-finalists will bring home $10,000 each, 5th to 8th placers will receive $5,000 each, 9thto 16th placers will pockets $2,500 each. While the 17th to 32nd placers will not go home empty-handed with $1,200 each.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
The Bislig, Surigao del Sur pride Orcollo, on the other hand, the ex-World Pool Leaque ruler stuns compatriots Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, 11-6, and Japan based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 11-9, respectively. Gallego, earlier eliminated Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 11-8, in the round-of-16.
Orcollo next assignment is Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany, winner over Darren Appleton of Great Britain in the round-of-16 and fellow World 9-ball titlist Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan in a similar 11-9 victory, in the round-of-8.
Pagulayan eliminated countryman 2007 World 9-Ball Finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 11-6, in the round-of-16 before bowing to Souquet.
Joining them into the final four also applying race-to-11, alternate break format were reigning US Open 9-Ball kingpin Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening of the United States and Derby City Classic ruler Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands, who routed their respective opponents. The duo will clash for another semi-final pair.The finals of the $150,000 total pot prize tournament will be using race-to-13.
Van Boening beat Radoslaw Babica of Poland, 11-10, and Thomas "The Lean Machine" Engert of Germany, 11-9, in order while Feijen trounced 2007 WPA World Junior champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 11-8, and Naoyuki Ooi of Japan, 11-7. Ooi, conqueror of 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball champion Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, 11-8, in the round-of-16.
The champion here will receive $40,000, the runner-up gets $20,000, the losing semi-finalists will bring home $10,000 each, 5th to 8th placers will receive $5,000 each, 9thto 16th placers will pockets $2,500 each. While the 17th to 32nd placers will not go home empty-handed with $1,200 each.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
PAGULAYAN, ORCOLLO ADVANCE TO QATAR WORLD 9-BALL SEMIS
FORMER World 9-Ball Champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and World No.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo racked up two consecutive wins to move into the semi-final round of the Qatar Open 9-Ball tournament at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Al Muntazah Road in Doha, Qatar.
The Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan, the 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled cue artists defeated countryman 2007 World 9-Ball Finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 11-6, in the round-of-16 then subdued fellow World 9-Ball titlist Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany, 11-9, in the round-of-8.
The Bislig, Surigao del Sur pride Orcollo, on the other hand, the ex-World Pool Leaque ruler stuns compatriots Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, 11-6, and Japan based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 11-9, respectively. Gallego, earlier eliminated Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 11-8, in the round-of-16.
Joining them into the final four also applying race-to-11, alternate break format were reigning US Open 9-Ball kingpin Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening of the United States and Derby City Classic ruler Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands, who routed their respective opponents. The finals of the $150,000 total pot prize tournament will be using race-to-13.
Van Boening beat Radoslaw Babica of Poland, 11-10, and Thomas "The Lean Machine" Engert of Germany, 11-9, in order while Feijen trounced 2007 WPA World Junior champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 11-8, and Naoyuki Ooi of Japan, 11-7. Ooi, conqueror of 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball champion Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, 11-8, in the round-of-16.
The champion here will receive $40,000, the runner-up gets $20,000, the losing semi-finalists will bring home $10,000 each, 5th to 8th placers will receive $5,000 each, 9thto 16th placers will pockets $2,500 each. While the 17th to 32nd placers will not go home empty-handed with $1,200 each.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
The Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan, the 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled cue artists defeated countryman 2007 World 9-Ball Finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 11-6, in the round-of-16 then subdued fellow World 9-Ball titlist Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany, 11-9, in the round-of-8.
The Bislig, Surigao del Sur pride Orcollo, on the other hand, the ex-World Pool Leaque ruler stuns compatriots Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, 11-6, and Japan based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 11-9, respectively. Gallego, earlier eliminated Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 11-8, in the round-of-16.
Joining them into the final four also applying race-to-11, alternate break format were reigning US Open 9-Ball kingpin Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening of the United States and Derby City Classic ruler Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands, who routed their respective opponents. The finals of the $150,000 total pot prize tournament will be using race-to-13.
Van Boening beat Radoslaw Babica of Poland, 11-10, and Thomas "The Lean Machine" Engert of Germany, 11-9, in order while Feijen trounced 2007 WPA World Junior champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 11-8, and Naoyuki Ooi of Japan, 11-7. Ooi, conqueror of 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball champion Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, 11-8, in the round-of-16.
The champion here will receive $40,000, the runner-up gets $20,000, the losing semi-finalists will bring home $10,000 each, 5th to 8th placers will receive $5,000 each, 9thto 16th placers will pockets $2,500 each. While the 17th to 32nd placers will not go home empty-handed with $1,200 each.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
PAGULAYAN BEATS ARCHER; BATA, DJANGO POST WINS IN QATAR WORLD 9-BALL OPEN
ALEX "THE LION" PAGULAYAN, is looking forward to another major title this year after beating fellow former WPA World 9-Ball Champion Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer of the United States, 9-2, in Group 2 after the second round to keep the Philippine hopes high in the on-going $150,000 total pot prize Qatar Open 9-Ball tournament at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Al Muntazah Road, Doha, Qatar, late Monday.
RP's long-time 1-2 punch Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante, who both got bye in the opener also hurdled their respective rivals.
Reyes, the 1999 WPA World 9-Ball Champion and 2004 WPA World 8-Ball title-holder who is aching a to bounce back from the embarrassment he suffered in the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup in Cebu against a virtually unknown Rodrigo Geronimo, 9-1, blasted Abdulatef Alfawal of Qatar, 9-0, in Group 3 while Bustamante, the 2002 WPA World 9-Ball finalist beat Ali Al Obaidaly of Qatar, 9-2, in Group 2.
Equally impressive were 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica who nipped Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, 9-0, in Group 6, 2005 WPA World 9-Ball 3 rd placers Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo who stunned Yousof Al Wadi of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 9-1, in Group 6, 2006 World Pool leaque titlist Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo who outpointed Subah Habib of Bahrain, 9-1, in Group 1 and reigning WPA World 9-Ball finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez defeated Farshad Shahverdi of Iran, 9-3, in Group 4.
Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, the 2006 WPA World 9-Ball ruler and 2007 WPA World 8-Ball kingpin, meanwhile edges Radoslaw Babica of Poland, 9-8, in Group 1.
There were also upsets…
Gandy Valle, the pride of Davao City who is fresh from winning the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup in Cebu shocked current WPA World 9-Ball ruler Daryl Peach of Great Britain, 9-5, in Group 5, little-known Ruben Cuna nipped Thomas Engert of Germany, 9-8, in Group 3, and Allan "Surigao" Cuarteto crushed Markus Juva of Finland, 9-3 in Group 8.
National Champion Lee Vann Corteza, the native of Davao City also eyeing the top prize $40,000 after demolishing Ricky Yang of Indonesia, 9-5, in Group 7, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, clobbered Dharminder Lilly of India, 9-7, in Group 5, the Japan-based Ramil Gallego overpowered countryman Joven Bustamante, 9-5, in Group 2, as well Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, the 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball champion trounced Wang Hung Hsiung of Taiwan, 9-7 in Group 7.
A mixed result was happened to former World Champions---Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann, Oliver "The Machine" Ortmann and Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany.
Wu, who is coming from a big win after topping the 2nd leg Philippine Pool Tour of Puerto Princesa Mayor's Cup Ten-ball defeated Ahmed Al Sada of Qatar, 9-4, in Group 4, Immonen subdued Ivika Putnik of Croatia, 9-7, in Group 7, Hohmann beat 2005 WPA World 9-Ball finalist Chang Pei-wei of Taiwan, 9-7 in Group 5, Ortmann bowed to Zaed Dwab of Jordan, 9-5 in Group 4 and Souquet was yielded to Hijikata Hayato of Japan, 9-6, in Group 6.
2007 Guinness 9-ball tour grand champion Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan also made his presence by beating Bashar Hussain of Qatar,9-2, in Group 6, three-time world junior champion Vilmos Foldes of Hungrary hammered Fahad Mohammadi of Qatar, 9-4, in Group 7 , Marcus "Napoleon" Chamat of Sweden conquered 2007 WPA World Junior champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 9-7, in Group 3, Niels "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands defeated Khaled Almutiri of Kuwait, 9-4, in Group 8, as well unheralded Zhang Shuchun of China who beat ex-world trickshot titlist Fabio Petroni of Italy, 9-6, in Group 8.
Around 96 players will see action in this event. They will be divided into eight groups with 12 players each. They will play in a double elimination, alternate break, race-to-nine format.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
RP's long-time 1-2 punch Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante, who both got bye in the opener also hurdled their respective rivals.
Reyes, the 1999 WPA World 9-Ball Champion and 2004 WPA World 8-Ball title-holder who is aching a to bounce back from the embarrassment he suffered in the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup in Cebu against a virtually unknown Rodrigo Geronimo, 9-1, blasted Abdulatef Alfawal of Qatar, 9-0, in Group 3 while Bustamante, the 2002 WPA World 9-Ball finalist beat Ali Al Obaidaly of Qatar, 9-2, in Group 2.
Equally impressive were 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica who nipped Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, 9-0, in Group 6, 2005 WPA World 9-Ball 3 rd placers Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo who stunned Yousof Al Wadi of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 9-1, in Group 6, 2006 World Pool leaque titlist Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo who outpointed Subah Habib of Bahrain, 9-1, in Group 1 and reigning WPA World 9-Ball finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez defeated Farshad Shahverdi of Iran, 9-3, in Group 4.
Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, the 2006 WPA World 9-Ball ruler and 2007 WPA World 8-Ball kingpin, meanwhile edges Radoslaw Babica of Poland, 9-8, in Group 1.
There were also upsets…
Gandy Valle, the pride of Davao City who is fresh from winning the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup in Cebu shocked current WPA World 9-Ball ruler Daryl Peach of Great Britain, 9-5, in Group 5, little-known Ruben Cuna nipped Thomas Engert of Germany, 9-8, in Group 3, and Allan "Surigao" Cuarteto crushed Markus Juva of Finland, 9-3 in Group 8.
National Champion Lee Vann Corteza, the native of Davao City also eyeing the top prize $40,000 after demolishing Ricky Yang of Indonesia, 9-5, in Group 7, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, clobbered Dharminder Lilly of India, 9-7, in Group 5, the Japan-based Ramil Gallego overpowered countryman Joven Bustamante, 9-5, in Group 2, as well Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, the 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball champion trounced Wang Hung Hsiung of Taiwan, 9-7 in Group 7.
A mixed result was happened to former World Champions---Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann, Oliver "The Machine" Ortmann and Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany.
Wu, who is coming from a big win after topping the 2nd leg Philippine Pool Tour of Puerto Princesa Mayor's Cup Ten-ball defeated Ahmed Al Sada of Qatar, 9-4, in Group 4, Immonen subdued Ivika Putnik of Croatia, 9-7, in Group 7, Hohmann beat 2005 WPA World 9-Ball finalist Chang Pei-wei of Taiwan, 9-7 in Group 5, Ortmann bowed to Zaed Dwab of Jordan, 9-5 in Group 4 and Souquet was yielded to Hijikata Hayato of Japan, 9-6, in Group 6.
2007 Guinness 9-ball tour grand champion Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan also made his presence by beating Bashar Hussain of Qatar,9-2, in Group 6, three-time world junior champion Vilmos Foldes of Hungrary hammered Fahad Mohammadi of Qatar, 9-4, in Group 7 , Marcus "Napoleon" Chamat of Sweden conquered 2007 WPA World Junior champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 9-7, in Group 3, Niels "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands defeated Khaled Almutiri of Kuwait, 9-4, in Group 8, as well unheralded Zhang Shuchun of China who beat ex-world trickshot titlist Fabio Petroni of Italy, 9-6, in Group 8.
Around 96 players will see action in this event. They will be divided into eight groups with 12 players each. They will play in a double elimination, alternate break, race-to-nine format.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
PAGULAYAN, ALCANO ADVANCE IN QATAR
FORMER World Champions Alex Pagulayan and Ronato Alcano topped their respective brackets in the qualifying round to advance in the main draw of Qatar Open 9-Ball tournament June 29 to July 5 at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation, Al Muntazah Road in Doha, Qatar.
The Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan, the 2004 WPA World 9-Ball Titlist and 2005 US Open beat compatriot and Cebu native Israel "Amay" Rota, 7-4, to rules Group 6.
Alcano, the lanky-cue artists from Calamba, Laguna, who is also the 2006 WPA World 9-Ball Champion and 2007 WPA World World 8-Ball ruler stuns Mohanna OBaidly, 7-1, to dominate Group 5 division.
Actually, expect more Filipinos in the tournament proper today after sweeping all qualifying event on Friday (A qualifying tournament gets going yesterday.
Allan Cuartero bested 2007 WPA World 9-Ball finalist Roberto Gomez, 7-2, in Group 1,
Ruben Cuna stopped the winning ways of snooker specialist Benjie Guevarra, 7-1, in Group 2, Joven Bustamante beat Monaza Belardo, 7-1, in Group 3, Vicente Joyme beat Ibrahim Al Ahmad, 7-1, in Group 4.
Gandy Valle, who hails from Davao City and fresh from winning of Villar Cup Cebu leg last weekends is hoping to make it to the cut today playing in the last qualifying round yesterday. Valle bowed to Ahmad, 7-6, who beat Joyme, nephew of Rolly "Lando" Vicente of Puyat Sports in the finals of Group 4.
Pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, World No.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, and reigning national champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza took a bye in the first round.
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo is very optimistic that our Filipino pool wizards will perform well in the said event "We are very confident that our Filipino pool athletes will perform well in the Qatar World 9-Ball Open,"
Meanwhile, Leonardo "Dodong Dadiangas" Andam is expect to beat his first round opponent against local bet Ahmed Al Sada and if he prevails, another former WPA 9-Ball and 8-Ball ruler Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan is waiting in the next round. Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, on the other hand will face Dharminder Lilly of India while Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica will square off Qualifier 1.
Around 96 players will see action in this $150,000 total pot prize event that offers $40,000 to the winner. They will be divided into eight groups with 12 players each. They will play in a double elimination, alternate break, race-to-nine format. Four players from each group will qualify – two from the winner's bracket and two from the loser's bracket.A formidable cast of foreign participants from Europe and the United States also in the main draw. Ralf Souquet, Thomas Engert, Oliver Ortmann and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, Radoslaw Babica of Poland, Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, Niels Fejen of the Netherlands, Fabio Petroni of Italy, Marcus Chamat of Sweden and Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening of the US are also the favorites in the tournament. Also include reigning WPA World 9-Ball Titlist Daryl Peach of Great Britain.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
The Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan, the 2004 WPA World 9-Ball Titlist and 2005 US Open beat compatriot and Cebu native Israel "Amay" Rota, 7-4, to rules Group 6.
Alcano, the lanky-cue artists from Calamba, Laguna, who is also the 2006 WPA World 9-Ball Champion and 2007 WPA World World 8-Ball ruler stuns Mohanna OBaidly, 7-1, to dominate Group 5 division.
Actually, expect more Filipinos in the tournament proper today after sweeping all qualifying event on Friday (A qualifying tournament gets going yesterday.
Allan Cuartero bested 2007 WPA World 9-Ball finalist Roberto Gomez, 7-2, in Group 1,
Ruben Cuna stopped the winning ways of snooker specialist Benjie Guevarra, 7-1, in Group 2, Joven Bustamante beat Monaza Belardo, 7-1, in Group 3, Vicente Joyme beat Ibrahim Al Ahmad, 7-1, in Group 4.
Gandy Valle, who hails from Davao City and fresh from winning of Villar Cup Cebu leg last weekends is hoping to make it to the cut today playing in the last qualifying round yesterday. Valle bowed to Ahmad, 7-6, who beat Joyme, nephew of Rolly "Lando" Vicente of Puyat Sports in the finals of Group 4.
Pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, World No.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, and reigning national champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza took a bye in the first round.
Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo is very optimistic that our Filipino pool wizards will perform well in the said event "We are very confident that our Filipino pool athletes will perform well in the Qatar World 9-Ball Open,"
Meanwhile, Leonardo "Dodong Dadiangas" Andam is expect to beat his first round opponent against local bet Ahmed Al Sada and if he prevails, another former WPA 9-Ball and 8-Ball ruler Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan is waiting in the next round. Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, on the other hand will face Dharminder Lilly of India while Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica will square off Qualifier 1.
Around 96 players will see action in this $150,000 total pot prize event that offers $40,000 to the winner. They will be divided into eight groups with 12 players each. They will play in a double elimination, alternate break, race-to-nine format. Four players from each group will qualify – two from the winner's bracket and two from the loser's bracket.A formidable cast of foreign participants from Europe and the United States also in the main draw. Ralf Souquet, Thomas Engert, Oliver Ortmann and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, Radoslaw Babica of Poland, Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, Niels Fejen of the Netherlands, Fabio Petroni of Italy, Marcus Chamat of Sweden and Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening of the US are also the favorites in the tournament. Also include reigning WPA World 9-Ball Titlist Daryl Peach of Great Britain.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
MARLON MANALO CUES UP FOR QATAR WORLD 9-BALL OPEN
AFTER a semi-final finish in the just concluded second leg of Philippine Pool Tour dubbed as the Puerto Princesa Cup over the weekend at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Palawan, "Marvelous" Marlon Manalo is setting his sights on the forthcoming Qatar Open 9-Ball tournament set on June 29-July 5 at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation, Al Muntazah Road in Doha, Qatar.
The 30-year-old Mandaluyong native Manalo failed to advance in the championship's round of the Puerto Princesa Ten Ball bash after bowing to runner-up Jericho Bañares, the reigning RP junior champion, 8-9, in the final four. Double world champion (WPA 9 ball and 8 ball) Wu Chia-ching of Chinese-Taipei rules the said event after beating Bañares, 11-9, in the finals.
"Hindi talaga ukol 'yung Puerto Princesa Ten Ball Tour sa akin. Hope makabawi tayo dito sa Qatar World 9-Ball Open," said Manalo, who left the country yesterday, whose stint in Qatar are supported by Mandaluyong mayor Benhur Abalos and Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF).
Joining Manalo in the tournament proper of $150,000 event are Filipino pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, world No.1 Dennis Orcollo, reigning national champion Lee Vann Corteza, Warren Kiamco, 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open titlist Jeffrey De Luna and 2006 Doha Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica.
It shall be recalled that Gabica and Manalo, settled a strong 1-2 finish in the inaugural leg of Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup of Philippine Pool Tour.
Around 96 players will see action in this event. They will be divided into eight groups with 12 players each. They will play in a double elimination, alternate break, race-to-nine format.
A formidable cast of foreign participants from Europe and the United States will also compete. Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany and Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening of the US are also the favorites in the tournament. Not to be outdone Taiwanese youth sensation Wu and compatriot Pin-Yi Ko, the reigning world junior champion.
All these players are already seeded in the tournament proper sanctioned by the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA) and Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU).
Cebu leg champion Gandy Valle, Ramil Gallego and snooker specialist Benjie Guevarra will participate in the stage one elimination on June 27. However, if another slot opens in the main draw, the Japan-based Gallego is the top priority.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
The 30-year-old Mandaluyong native Manalo failed to advance in the championship's round of the Puerto Princesa Ten Ball bash after bowing to runner-up Jericho Bañares, the reigning RP junior champion, 8-9, in the final four. Double world champion (WPA 9 ball and 8 ball) Wu Chia-ching of Chinese-Taipei rules the said event after beating Bañares, 11-9, in the finals.
"Hindi talaga ukol 'yung Puerto Princesa Ten Ball Tour sa akin. Hope makabawi tayo dito sa Qatar World 9-Ball Open," said Manalo, who left the country yesterday, whose stint in Qatar are supported by Mandaluyong mayor Benhur Abalos and Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF).
Joining Manalo in the tournament proper of $150,000 event are Filipino pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, world No.1 Dennis Orcollo, reigning national champion Lee Vann Corteza, Warren Kiamco, 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open titlist Jeffrey De Luna and 2006 Doha Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica.
It shall be recalled that Gabica and Manalo, settled a strong 1-2 finish in the inaugural leg of Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup of Philippine Pool Tour.
Around 96 players will see action in this event. They will be divided into eight groups with 12 players each. They will play in a double elimination, alternate break, race-to-nine format.
A formidable cast of foreign participants from Europe and the United States will also compete. Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany and Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening of the US are also the favorites in the tournament. Not to be outdone Taiwanese youth sensation Wu and compatriot Pin-Yi Ko, the reigning world junior champion.
All these players are already seeded in the tournament proper sanctioned by the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA) and Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU).
Cebu leg champion Gandy Valle, Ramil Gallego and snooker specialist Benjie Guevarra will participate in the stage one elimination on June 27. However, if another slot opens in the main draw, the Japan-based Gallego is the top priority.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
WU, BANARES MAKES FINAL FOUR
Puerto Princesa - Double world champion Wu Chia-Ching and teenage Filipino sensation Jericho Banares were the first to enter the Final Four of the Puerto Princesa Mayor's Cup at the conclusion of Saturday's matches. And they did so in similar fashion - via hill-hill, pulse-pounding encounters.
Banares exacted revenge against Antonio Gabica, who had beaten him in the semifinals of the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup, the opening leg of the Philippine Pool Tour last May 6-11, on the way to topping the tournament.
The 18-year-old who is the 2008 Filipino junior champion raced to commanding leads in his much-awaited meeting with Gabica, one of the tournament favorites. But with the score standing in his favor at 8-4, Gabica mounted a spirited and impressive comeback.
Gabica took four games in a row by besting Banares twice through superb safety play and then recording a couple of break-runouts.
In the 17th rack, the difficult layout after the break led to a drawn-out duel. Twice Gabica forced Banares to use his jump cue, but each time the latter was favored with a good lie after the jumpshot. In the crucial exchange during the final minutes of the match, Gabica missed by a hairline a difficult rail-first shot of the one-ball to a corner pocket, leaving an opening for Banares. The latter quickly went to work.
Banares took the one-ball using the rail first for position play, and he played the shot perfectly. From there, he mopped up the table with ease to the delight of the crowd in the TV table.
The match between Wu and Manalo was a similarly drawn-out and exciting affair, with the lead seesawing between the two noted players. The Filipino took several early leads, but the Taiwanese came charging back each time.
With the score at 8-6 in Manalo's favor, Wu made his decisive comeback by taking the final three racks.
Wu is the first non-Filipino to make it to the Final Four of a PPT tournament. In the earlier Mandaluyong Cup, the foreign contingent failed to make it past the last six in the tournament.
In the matches at 10 a.m. Sunday, double world champion and tournament top seed Ralf Soquet will play Gabica for a seat in the Final Four. In the other featured match, reigning world junior champion Ko Pin-Yi battles Manalo for the other slot.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Banares exacted revenge against Antonio Gabica, who had beaten him in the semifinals of the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup, the opening leg of the Philippine Pool Tour last May 6-11, on the way to topping the tournament.
The 18-year-old who is the 2008 Filipino junior champion raced to commanding leads in his much-awaited meeting with Gabica, one of the tournament favorites. But with the score standing in his favor at 8-4, Gabica mounted a spirited and impressive comeback.
Gabica took four games in a row by besting Banares twice through superb safety play and then recording a couple of break-runouts.
In the 17th rack, the difficult layout after the break led to a drawn-out duel. Twice Gabica forced Banares to use his jump cue, but each time the latter was favored with a good lie after the jumpshot. In the crucial exchange during the final minutes of the match, Gabica missed by a hairline a difficult rail-first shot of the one-ball to a corner pocket, leaving an opening for Banares. The latter quickly went to work.
Banares took the one-ball using the rail first for position play, and he played the shot perfectly. From there, he mopped up the table with ease to the delight of the crowd in the TV table.
The match between Wu and Manalo was a similarly drawn-out and exciting affair, with the lead seesawing between the two noted players. The Filipino took several early leads, but the Taiwanese came charging back each time.
With the score at 8-6 in Manalo's favor, Wu made his decisive comeback by taking the final three racks.
Wu is the first non-Filipino to make it to the Final Four of a PPT tournament. In the earlier Mandaluyong Cup, the foreign contingent failed to make it past the last six in the tournament.
In the matches at 10 a.m. Sunday, double world champion and tournament top seed Ralf Soquet will play Gabica for a seat in the Final Four. In the other featured match, reigning world junior champion Ko Pin-Yi battles Manalo for the other slot.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
LAST TAIWANESE STANDING IN THE FINALS; 2 PINOYS DISPUTE LAST FINALS BERTH IN PUERTO POOL
Puerto Princessa Pool
Semi-Final Results: (Sunday)
Wu Chia-Ching of Taiwan beat Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-8
Marlon Manalo and Jericho Banares still playing as of press time for the last final berths then finals afterwards
Loser's side: (Sunday)
Marlon Manalo nipped Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 9-7
Ralf Souquet of Germany trounced Antonio Gabica, 9-3
Quarter-Final Results: (Late Saturday)
Wu Chia-Ching beat Marlon Manalo, 9-8
Jericho Banares defeated Antonio Gabica, 9-8
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY---WU Chia-Ching of Taiwan overcame a bad start to come from behind and win over fellow double world champion (WPA 8ball and 9Ball Champion)Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-8, in the semifinals of the Puerto Princesa Mayor's Cup, the second leg of Philippine Pool Tour here at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum on Sunday.
The 19-year-old cue artist from Taipei was set to battle late Sunday the winner of the match between 1st leg Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup PPT runner-up Marlon Manalo and reigning Philippine Junior champion Jericho Banares for the top prize of US$10,000 or roughly P440,000 in the Finals yesterday of the event presented by San Miguel Beer organized by the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines in partnership with Star Billiards Center and Raya Sports, and hosted by Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn in close cooperation with city information officer Alroben Goh.
Barely making the semifinals after a grueling and tense 9-8 squeaker over Marlon Manalo, Wu, the 19-year-old sensation, found himself pushed to the wall in yet another down-to-the-wire encounter against one of the best in the business.
He was trailing 2-5, but worked his way to get back. He pocketed the blue 10 while breaking in the 12th rack to tie the count at 6-all. The Taiwanese big shot took care of the next two racks to move closer from wrapping the game up in this event organized by the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines in partnership with Star Billiards Center and Raya Sports, and supported by San Miguel Beer, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn and city information officer Alroben Goh.
But Souquet had other things in mind. Coming off an easy 9-3 demolition of first leg winner Gaga Gabica, Souquet had to fight back before forging an 8-8 deadlock. He appeared to have the match in his control, but had a bad break in the 17th and final rack as he scratched the cue ball, allowing Wu to clean up the table.
"Just like last night, I started slow, but I took it one rack at a time," said Hans Lu, owner of Pool Fusion Billiards Hall and interpreter of Wu.
Wu will be facing the winner of the other knockout semis match between Manalo and reigning national junior champion Jericho Bañares being played as of press time.
Studio 23 will air the semis and finals match of this event on Sunday, June 29 at 1 p.m. For latest photos of this event, visit www.rayasports.com
Both Wu and Banares, 18, from Antipolo City advance to the semi-finals after burning their respective opponents late Saturday night.
The two youthful players hurdled past the inaugural leg winner Antonio Gabica and Manalo – to become the early semifinalist. Souquet and Manalo, on the other hand booked their seat in the final four via back door.
Souquet trounced Gabica, 9-3, in the loser's side on Sunday while Manalo edged current world junior title-holder Ko Pin-Yi of Taiwan, 9-7.
How Banares beat Cebu Gabica for the final four late Saturday
Bañares repulsed a late charge by first leg champion Gabica to preserve a 9-8 win.
Banares led 8-5, but found himself threatened by a spirited assault by the former Asian Games gold medalist. In the crucial exchange during the final minutes of the match, Gabica missed by a hairline, a difficult rail-first shot of the one-ball to a corner pocket, leaving an opening for Banares. The latter quickly went to work to exact revenge against the man who has defeated him in the Mandaluyong tournament.
"Medyo minalas din siya nu'ng huli," said Bañares. "Ako naman, maganda ang placing ko sa bola and medyo sinuwerte rin. Pero ang totoo, talagang kinakabahan ako sa laban kay Gaga."
Wu also walked the tightrope before pulling off a come-from-behind victory.
Trailing 6-8, the Taiwanese sensation got a big break when the former Asian Snooker titlist couldn't get a better view of the blue 2. Manalo misplaced the No.2 then allowed Wu to set up a combination for the 2 and 10.
In the next two racks, Wu used his good breaking, setting up all balls for a good shot and cleaning up the table to complete the rally.
"I'm not pressured at the game, I'm more pressured on myself because I missed a lot of shot," said Hans Lu, owner of Pool Fusion Billiards Hall and interpreter of Wu.
On the road's to the final four
On the road's to the final four, Banares toppled Gerry Watson of Canada, 9-2, Leonardo Andam, 9-2, and Symons Courtney of Thailand, 9-5, while Wu subdued Arturo Palma, 9-3, Augusto Boots, 9-2, compatriot Ko, 9-7, on Saturday.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Semi-Final Results: (Sunday)
Wu Chia-Ching of Taiwan beat Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-8
Marlon Manalo and Jericho Banares still playing as of press time for the last final berths then finals afterwards
Loser's side: (Sunday)
Marlon Manalo nipped Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 9-7
Ralf Souquet of Germany trounced Antonio Gabica, 9-3
Quarter-Final Results: (Late Saturday)
Wu Chia-Ching beat Marlon Manalo, 9-8
Jericho Banares defeated Antonio Gabica, 9-8
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY---WU Chia-Ching of Taiwan overcame a bad start to come from behind and win over fellow double world champion (WPA 8ball and 9Ball Champion)Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-8, in the semifinals of the Puerto Princesa Mayor's Cup, the second leg of Philippine Pool Tour here at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum on Sunday.
The 19-year-old cue artist from Taipei was set to battle late Sunday the winner of the match between 1st leg Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup PPT runner-up Marlon Manalo and reigning Philippine Junior champion Jericho Banares for the top prize of US$10,000 or roughly P440,000 in the Finals yesterday of the event presented by San Miguel Beer organized by the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines in partnership with Star Billiards Center and Raya Sports, and hosted by Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn in close cooperation with city information officer Alroben Goh.
Barely making the semifinals after a grueling and tense 9-8 squeaker over Marlon Manalo, Wu, the 19-year-old sensation, found himself pushed to the wall in yet another down-to-the-wire encounter against one of the best in the business.
He was trailing 2-5, but worked his way to get back. He pocketed the blue 10 while breaking in the 12th rack to tie the count at 6-all. The Taiwanese big shot took care of the next two racks to move closer from wrapping the game up in this event organized by the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines in partnership with Star Billiards Center and Raya Sports, and supported by San Miguel Beer, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn and city information officer Alroben Goh.
But Souquet had other things in mind. Coming off an easy 9-3 demolition of first leg winner Gaga Gabica, Souquet had to fight back before forging an 8-8 deadlock. He appeared to have the match in his control, but had a bad break in the 17th and final rack as he scratched the cue ball, allowing Wu to clean up the table.
"Just like last night, I started slow, but I took it one rack at a time," said Hans Lu, owner of Pool Fusion Billiards Hall and interpreter of Wu.
Wu will be facing the winner of the other knockout semis match between Manalo and reigning national junior champion Jericho Bañares being played as of press time.
Studio 23 will air the semis and finals match of this event on Sunday, June 29 at 1 p.m. For latest photos of this event, visit www.rayasports.com
Both Wu and Banares, 18, from Antipolo City advance to the semi-finals after burning their respective opponents late Saturday night.
The two youthful players hurdled past the inaugural leg winner Antonio Gabica and Manalo – to become the early semifinalist. Souquet and Manalo, on the other hand booked their seat in the final four via back door.
Souquet trounced Gabica, 9-3, in the loser's side on Sunday while Manalo edged current world junior title-holder Ko Pin-Yi of Taiwan, 9-7.
How Banares beat Cebu Gabica for the final four late Saturday
Bañares repulsed a late charge by first leg champion Gabica to preserve a 9-8 win.
Banares led 8-5, but found himself threatened by a spirited assault by the former Asian Games gold medalist. In the crucial exchange during the final minutes of the match, Gabica missed by a hairline, a difficult rail-first shot of the one-ball to a corner pocket, leaving an opening for Banares. The latter quickly went to work to exact revenge against the man who has defeated him in the Mandaluyong tournament.
"Medyo minalas din siya nu'ng huli," said Bañares. "Ako naman, maganda ang placing ko sa bola and medyo sinuwerte rin. Pero ang totoo, talagang kinakabahan ako sa laban kay Gaga."
Wu also walked the tightrope before pulling off a come-from-behind victory.
Trailing 6-8, the Taiwanese sensation got a big break when the former Asian Snooker titlist couldn't get a better view of the blue 2. Manalo misplaced the No.2 then allowed Wu to set up a combination for the 2 and 10.
In the next two racks, Wu used his good breaking, setting up all balls for a good shot and cleaning up the table to complete the rally.
"I'm not pressured at the game, I'm more pressured on myself because I missed a lot of shot," said Hans Lu, owner of Pool Fusion Billiards Hall and interpreter of Wu.
On the road's to the final four
On the road's to the final four, Banares toppled Gerry Watson of Canada, 9-2, Leonardo Andam, 9-2, and Symons Courtney of Thailand, 9-5, while Wu subdued Arturo Palma, 9-3, Augusto Boots, 9-2, compatriot Ko, 9-7, on Saturday.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
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