Orcollo Wins Myanmar Southeast Asian Games 10-ball Event

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino ace Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo nabbed the gold medal at the Men's 10 Ball competition of the 27th Southeast Asian Games-Myanmar 2013  at the Wunna Theikdi Billiards Hall in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

Orcollo won the next three racks to beat fellow Bugsy International Promotions stablemate Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado to scored a come-from-behind 9-7 victory on Wednesday to pocketed the men’s 10-ball singles title, ending the drought in billiards.

The former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur Orcollo, earlier beat Brunei’s Ahmad Taufiq Murni, 9-5; Nitiwat Kanjanasri of Thailand, 9-3; and Vietnam’s Anh Tuan Nguyen, 9-4, to arrange an all-Filipino final.

Biado, on the other hand, subdued Riyan Setiawan of Indonesia, 9-5; Keng Kwang Chan of Singapore, 9-4; and Thanh Kien Dang of Vietnam, 9-3.Both players have been supported by Bugsy Promotions of Perry and Verna Mariano.

The gold was the first for the Philippine Billiards team after they stumbled in Mens and Women's 9 Ball and in One Cushion Billiards.

Meanwhile, Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit and Iris "Fighter" Ranola will attempt to go for gold again in the Women's 10 Ball competition on Thursday. Amit, the reigning world 10 Ball champ, won silver in 9 Ball while Ranola, who lost her father to cancer on the day she flew to Myanmar, is trying to put aside her personal grief in the hopes of bringing joy to the nation.

Double World Champion 'Bata' Reyes to grace Ynares 10-ball billiardsfest

by Marlon Bernardino

A wide open race looms when the much awaited first invitational of the Mayor Boyet Ynares 10-ball billiards championship on December 28, 2013 at the Binangonan Recreation and Conference Center in Binangonan, Rizal.

Top cue artists from Metro Manila and the provinces will converge at 10 a.m. for the one-day 10-ball invitational event hosted by Binangonan, Rizal Mayor Boyet Ynares in close cooperation with Puyat Sports and supported by Philippine Billiards God Father Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.

Filipino hall of famer and double world champion Efren "Bata" Reyes, top player of Puyat Sports will grace the simple opening ceremony prior to the start of the competition.

Reyes who bagged the World 9-ball tiara in 1999 in Cardiff, Wales and World 8-ball title in 2004 in Fujairah, UAE will also play former Southeast Asian Games gold medallist Victor Arpilleda in an exhibition match in one of the highlight of the said affair. 

Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica, who beat another Filipino pool legend Jose "Amang" Parica in the mid 80's is the tournament director in the said billiardsfest, which aims to promote billiards in the grassroots-level and to discover future world champion.

The field is limited to eight (8) players. Among those who signed up and invited pool wizards are Edgar "Malabon" Acaba, Romeo "Salamin" Del Rosario, Rodrigo "Edgie Marilao" Geronimo, Kenken Arpilleda, Danny Joy Trazona, Alex Lumpay, Tata "Puti" Bautista and former World Junior of pool 3rd placer Jonas Magpantay.

Congratulations Rubilen Amit, World 10-Ball Champion

Amit wins World 10-Ball Championship

ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina cue artist Rubilen Amit grabbed the Yalin Women’s World 10-Ball Championship title after defeating Britain’s Kelly Fisher, 10-7, at Resorts World Manila on Monday.

The game was tied 7-all when Amit took the last three racks to win the championship.

Fisher led at 3-1 and 6-4, but Amit rallied to lead 7-6 before the game was tied at 7-all.

Amit‘s first-place finish was her second 10-ball title after winning in 2009.

She took home $21,000, while Kelly took home $10,000.

Amit defeated Tsai Pei Chen of Taiwan, 9-7, in the semi-finals to advance, while Fisher dispatched China’s Han Yu, 9-2.

Orcollo, Corteza seize World Cup

PH pool aces best Dutch pair in London

Philippine Daily Inquirer

9:16 pm | Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Returning to the finals of the prestigious World Cup of Pool, Filipino ace Dennis Orcollo made sure there was no heartbreak for him and compatriot Lee Vann Corteza this time.

The Filipino duo gave the country its third World Cup crown in eight editions of the tournament after nipping the Dutch pair of Neils Feijen and Nick Van den Berg, 10-8, in a pulsating championship match on Sunday at York Hall in Bethnal Green, East London.

With the victory, Corteza and Orcollo, who are ranked third and fourth in the world rankings, respectively, duplicated the feat of Filipino legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Django Bustamante as World Cup champions. Reyes and Bustamante won the Cup twice in 2006 and 2009.

The Filipinos, who defeated, Croatia, Singapore, Hungary and Chinese Taipei on their way to the finals, pocketed $60,000 (about P2.6 million) for winning the title.

“There was a lot of pressure and things became very difficult but the Filipino community in London who supported us throughout really helped us through,” said Orcollo.

“I reached the final of the World Cup in Manila in 2010 but we came up short, so it is fantastic to win here in London,” said Orcollo, who, along with his partner then, Roberto Gomez, dropped a 5-10 decision to China in the finals of the tournament three years ago.

“Representing my country is such a big honor for me and I’m very thankful and proud to have won the World Cup of Pool for the Philippines,” Corteza told the tournament’s official website.

Under the winner-breaks format, the Filipinos started strong, opening up a 2-0 advantage, before the Dutch caught up at 3-3. A three-rack string boosted Orcollo and Corteza to a 6-3 lead, before Feijen and Van den Berg rallied to take an 8-7 advantage.

But Feijen missed the black-8 in the 16th rack, giving the Filipinos an open table which they finished off.

On the hill, Corteza buried a long shot on the 8-ball to the corner pocket, after a Van den Berg miss on the pink-4. Orcollo, who broke dry in the 18th rack, sealed the victory by calmly sinking the 9-ball. Cedelf P. Tupas

Lifted without permission from Phil Daily Inquirer

Orcullo and Corteza crush Holland; tops World Cup of Pool in London, UK

by Marlon Bernardino

THE tandem of Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza made the country proud anew after winning the 888.com World Cup of Pool 2013 yesterday at the York Hall, in Bethnal Green in London, United Kingdom.

The Filipino duo edged the pair of Niels Feijen and Nick Van Den Berg of the Netherlands, 10-8, in the finals to enroute the coveted title plus the top prize of $60,000.

On the road to the finals, the two Pinoy tumbok king needed to beat Croatia, Singapore, Hungary and Chinese Taipei.

Thus, Orcullo and Corteza became the second Filipino pairing to win this prestigious title. Filipino legandary pool masters Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante won the inaugural event in 2006 when they crushed Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris of the United States in the final in Newport, Wales. Three years later, Reyes and Bustamante lifted the trophy again in SM North EDSA in Quezon City when they beat Thorsten Hohmann and Ralf Souquet of Germany in the final match.

“The fans here were why we won. There was a lot of pressure and things became very difficult but the Filipino community in London who supported us throughout really helped us through." said Orcullo to the organizing committee Matchroom Sport.

“I reached the final of the World Cup in Manila in 2010 but we came up short so it is fantastic to win here in London. I would love it for me and Lee Vann to defend the World Cup in the Philippines next year as it would be a dream come true to win it again in our home country,” he added.

 Corteza added “You have to thank those Philippines supporters who helped us through. Representing my country is such a big honour for me and I’m very thankful and proud to have won the World Cup of Pool for the Philippines.”

 The Filipino took a 2-0 commanding lead in the race to ten racks, winner' break format but was tied at 6th racks with 3-all count. The Philippines moved 7-3 until the Dutch level the count at 7-all.

The Dutch took the next and looked set to move to the hill but Van den Berg made it tougher than it needed to be, going from the 7 to 8 and Feijen missed a pressure pot that probably should have gone in.

 Instead of 9-7 it was 8-8 and the tension was palpable. A great break eased the nerves for the Filipinos and they ran out to reach the hill against the odds.

 Orcollo was breaking for the match but nothing went down. Feijen shot the 1 ball home and with an open layout, it looked as though it was going to a decider. Van den Berg though twitched on the pink 4 to seemingly gift the rack and the match but some poor positional play from both Filipinos made every shot a heart-stopper. The big one was the long 8 ball and somehow Corteza managed to make it and when his partner downed the final 9 it sealed a superb win.

 Van den Berg was willing to take the positives from the week; “We have never reached further than a quarter-final at the World Cup. There are some very difficult opponents in the tournament and we played really good pool all week. It is too bad we didn’t snap it up but if I can sign for second place every time we play I will do it”

 Feijen added, “We showed a lot of heart as we were down 7-3 and missed some difficult shots. At 8-7 I missed the 8 ball and unfortunately in the last game it was the 4 ball but you win together and lose together. It was pretty close but they’re great players and play great as a team.”

World Cup of Pool in London, UK: Philippines versus Hungary

by Marlon Bernardino

Quarter-finals match-up:

Finland vs England B

Holland vs Japan

 Hungary vs Philippines

Chinese Taipei vs England A

THE Philippines and Hungary face off in a quarter-final matchup to determine who takes one of four spot heading into the semi-final round of the 888.com World Cup of Pool 2013 being held at the York Hall, in Bethnal Green in London, United Kingdom.

Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza carried the fight for the Filipino pool wizards by posting a 7-3 win against Singapore led by Chan Keng Kwan and Aloysius Yapp in the Round of 16 to arranged a quarter-final showdown with Hungary made up by Balazs Mikos and Gabor Solymosi, who brought downed Russia, 7-4, led by Konstantin Stepanov and Ruslan Chinakhov, 7-4.

The Filipinos took a 3-1 to 6-2 commanding lead and never looked back for a 7-3 triumph.

Completing the Final Eight are Finland vs England B, Holland vs Japan, and Chinese Taipei vs England A.

The winning team will receive US$60,000 out of a purse of US$250,000.

London, UK: Orcullo-Corteza rips Croatian duo in World Cup of Pool Opener

by Marlon Bernardino

Manila, Philippines---FILIPINO cue masters Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza opened their bid in a high note in the 888.com World Cup of Pool 2013 being held at the York Hall, in Bethnal Green in London, United Kingdom.

The Filipino duo nipped the tandem of Ivica Putnik and Karlo Dalmatin of Croatia, 7-4, late Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila Time).

The Philippines now meets either Poland or Singapore.

Last year's finalists Poland made up by Karol Skowerski and Woijciech Szewcyk will face Aloysius Yapp and Chang Keng Kwang of Singapore. Poland this time has replace the service of Tomas Kaplan and Radoslaw Babica.

The no.6 seed Philippines took commanding 5-2 lead before Putnik and Dalmatin tallied one rack to close the match at 5-3 count. However, the Philippines reach the hill, 6-3. Croatia  won another rack before the Philippines won the 11th frame for the 7-4 final score.

It shall be recalled that Orcullo and Corteza teaming up for the first time in last year's World Cup of Pool, however was beaten by Switzerland's Dimitri Jungo and Fil-Swiss Ronnie Regli in the first round when the event was held in Robinson's Place Manila.

Last year's champion, Mika Immonen and Petri Makkonen of Finland, also made it to the next round by subduing the pair of Jasmin Ouschan and her brother Albin, 7-2, for Austria. They are the first team of siblings in the competition since Ko Pin Yi and Ko Ping Chung of Chinese Taipei reached the semifinals two years ago.

The winning team will receive US$60,000 out of a purse of US$250,000. 

In other results, Germany beat Malta,  South Korea nipped Estonia and the Netherlands blasted Scotland.

Gabica Settles for 2nd in Doha World 9-ball

By Marlon Bernardino

Filipino bet Antonio “Ga-Ga” Gabica missed a chance to make pool history Friday after losing to eventual champion German ace Thorsten Hohmann, 7-13, in the finals of 2013 World 9-Ball Championship at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.

The loss prevented the 41-year-old Gabica from becoming first Cebuano player to reign supreme in the World Pool Championship.

The 34-year-old Hohmann grabbed $36,000 for his effort, while Gabica who hails from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu didn’t go empty handed with a runner-up purse of $18,000.

With the victory Hohmann now becomes only the second man to win the WPA World 9-ball Championship two times, matching American Earl Strickland, who won pool’s most prestigious crown in 1991 and 2002 according to World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) officer Ted Lerner. Hohmann will now also take over as the World Number 1 ranked player.

Hohmann’s second World 9-ball Championship comes exactly ten years after he burst on to the international scene with a powerful run through a stacked  field in Cardiff, Wales in 2003. 

I’m very lucky to make it to the final because you don’t know what can happen in the future. It’s not easy to get to the final, because there are too many good players.  I’m very lucky.  Maybe next year I don’t know where I’m going to finish. This was my one chance,” a disappointed Gabica told WPA Lerner.

“Thorsten (Hohmann) played very well and he’s very fit.  As he got more of a lead on me, he got more confident. That’s the way it is in pool. But me, I started to feel the pressure,” said Gabica.

“I’m really proud of myself,” Hohmann said. “It means a lot to me. If I had to choose between my first World 9-ball and here, I couldn’t make that decision because winning the first world championship back in Cardiff was incredible and to do it again ten years later, I’m just speechless.”

Gabica, a 2006 Doha Asian Games gold medalist, barged into the finals after beating Karl Boyes of Great Britain, 11-6, while Hohmann walloped Carlo “The Black Tiger” Biado of the Philippines, 11-4, in another semi-final affair.

BIADO, GABICA ENTERS SEMIS IN QATAR WORLD 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP

by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO cue masters Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado and Antonio "Gaga" Gabica hurdle their respective rivals to advance in the semi-final round of the 2013 World 9-Ball Championship on Thursday at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.

The Rosario, La Union native Biado, playing under the banner of Bugsy International Promotions, defeated Chris Melling of Great Britain, 11-3, in the quarter-finals while the Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu ace Gabica, who has lived and worked in Qatar for the last four years, working as an assistant coach for the Qatari national pool team, edged Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands, 11-10.

"Malaking factor 'yung suporta na ipinakikita nina Sir Perry at Mam Verna Mariano ng Bugsy International Promotions saka mga mga kababayan ko, sila ang naging ispirasyon ko at s'yempre ang pamilya ko na laging sumusuporta sa akin," said the  29-year-old Biado, former caddie-turned-billiard player.

"Hope pumabor 'yung bola sa atin bukas (ngayon), said Biado, a former National Open champion and semi-finalists in the 2011 World Ten Ball Championship.

On the way to the final four Biado toppled Shane Van Boening of the United States, 11-10, in the Round of 32 and Fabio Petroni of Italy, 11-10, in the Round of 16.

"Gagawin ko ang best ko na manalo muli tayo," commented the 41-year-old Gabica, who is best to remember winning the Gold Medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games. 

Gabica, on the other hand needed to beat Oliver Ortmann of Germany, 11-8, and Ko Pin Yi of Chinese-Taipei, 11-9, respectively.

The semi-final on Friday will feature the Philippines versus Europe this after Thorsten Hohmann of Germany and Karl Boyes of Great Britain walloped their respective assignments.

Hohmann outclassed Darren Appleton of Great Britain, 11-5, in the Round of 32, Dennis Orcollo of the Philippines, 11-8, in the Round of 16 and Jeffrey de Luna of the Philippines, 11-7, in the Round of 8.

Boyes, meantime routed last year's World 9-Ball Champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain, 11-5, Lo Li Wen of Chinese-Taipei, 11-10 and Nick Ekonomopoulos of Greece, 11-8, in order.

In one semi-final, Gabica will face off against Boyes. In the other semi-final, Biado will do battle with Hohmann. Both semi-final matches will be played simultaneously at the Al Arabi Sports Indoor Stadium beginning at 1:30pm Doha time(GMT +3.) on Friday. The race to 13, alternate break final will begin at 5pm according to World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) officer Ted Lerner.

In other Filipino pool sharks results, Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo was yielded to Petroni, 7-11, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego bowed to Melling, 7-11, and Israel "Amay" Rota was lost to Lo Li Wen of Chinese-Taipei, 2-11, in the Round of 32, while Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza was beaten by Ekonomopoulos, 9-11, in the Round of 16.

The winner of the 2013 World 9-ball Championship receives $36,000. The runner up will pocket $18,000. The total prize fund is $250,000.

World 9-Ball: Bata Reyes is Out While Orcullo, Manalo, and 6 Other Pinoys Enter Final 32

by Marlon Bernardino

Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo and Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo stayed alive in the World 9-Ball Championship as they hurdled crack opponents, but Hall of Famer Efren “Bata” Reyes bowed to Nick van den berg of the Netherlands, 5-11, and got booted out on Wednesday at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.

“I had an answer on almost every safety he played,” Van den Berg  told World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) officer Ted Lerner regarding his game to Reyes . “For the rest i played solid and my break is getting better.”

Orcullo, playing under the banner of Bugsy International Promotions, used his vast experience to beat Cheng Yu Hsuan of Chinese-Taipei, 11-10, in the Final 64. His next opponent is John Morra of Canada, who brought downed Nick Malaj of Albania, 11-9.

“At the beginning he got lucky and I had a few dry breaks,” Orcullo said. “But I just stayed calm and I just wait for my chance. When he missed the seven ball, I knew right there that that was my chance. Instead of 8-3, it’s now 7-4. Then the balls turned against him."

Comebacking Manalo, Chairman of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City, on the other hand, toppled Omar Al Shaheen of Kuwait, 11-5, to arranged a Final 32 encounter against Fabio Petroni of Italy, winner over Dmitri Jungo of Switzerland, 11-6.

" I hope to continue my winning ways," said a former Asian Snooker Champion and National Open Ruler Manalo, a semi-finalists of World 9-Ball Championships in 2005 and runner-up of World 8-Ball Championships in 2004.

Six more Filipinos advanced to the round of 32 and kept alive their chances for the $36,000 top prize the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)-sanctioned event

Lee Vann Corteza routed Manuel Gama of Portugal, 11-7, Israel "Amay" Rota nipped countryman Mark Antony, 11-8, Antonio Gabica waylaid Nguyen Anh Tuan of Vietnam, 11-8, Jeffrey de Luna subdued Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 11-9, Carlo Biado crushed Ralf Souquet of Germany, 11-5, and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego outplayed Enrique Rojas of Chile, 11-8.

Raymond Faraon, meantime bowed to Lo Li Wen of Chinese-Taipei, 4-11, while Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, representing Canada was yielded to Mika Immonen of Finland, 6-11.

In other Filipino matches Final 32: Gabica will meet Oliver Ortmann of Germany, Corteza will face Daryl Peach of Great Britain, Rota opposite Lo Li Wen of Chinese-Taipei, de luna versus Mohammed Zulfikri of Indonesia, Biado against Shane Van Boening of the United States, and Gallego will slug it out Chris Melling of Great Britain.

2013 World 9-ball Championship in Doha, Qatar

Final 64, Single Elimination, Knock-Out Stage Schedule of coming Matches -

Antonio Gabica vs Nguyen Anh Tuan of Vietnam

Efren "Bata" Reyes vs Nick van den berg of the Netherland

Marlon Villamor vs Karl Boyes of Great Britain

Israel "Amay" Rota vs Mark Antony

Raymund Faraon vs Manuel Gama of Portugal

Lee Vann Corteza vs Daryl Peach of Great Britain

Jeffrey de Luna vs Ruslan Chinakhov of Russia

Dennis Orcollo vs John Morra of Canada

Ramil Gallego vs Enrique Rojas of Chile

Carlo Biado vs Ralf Souquet of Germany

Marlon Manalo vs Omar Al Shaheen of Kuwait

Bata, Manalo et al eye slots Final 32 of World 9-ball Championships in Doha, Qatar

by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO cue masters led by Efren "Bata" Reyes and Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo are ready to face their respective opponents at the start of knock-out stage or Final 64 of the World 9-Ball Championship at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday. 

Last Tuesday, Reyes defeated Korea’s Jeong Young Hwa, 9-4, to advance Final 64 while the comebacking Manalo nipped Poland’s Mateusz Sniegocki, 9-4.

“They always think I will win and if I don’t win it’s no good to them,” Reyes told World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) officer Ted Lerner. “Too much pressure out there. Maybe if I can win a few matches I’m gonna play good without pressure but now, too much.”

Reyes will slug it out Nick van den berg of the Netherlands in the single elimination or knock-out format.

Manalo, Chairman of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong added: “This is my first tournament in three years and I’m not 100% confident. Being an elected official is a very busy job and I only had a chance to practice a few times coming back. My confidence is not yet back to 100%. But I do have a big heart. As long as you have the heart you can win here.”

Manalo's next assignment is Omar Al Shaheen of Kuwait.

In other Final 64 matches pit between Antonio Gabica vs Nguyen Anh Tuan of Vietnam, Marlon Villamor vs Karl Boyes of Great Britain, Raymund Faraon vs Manuel Gama of Portugal, Lee Vann Corteza vs Daryl Peach of Great Britain, Jeffrey de Luna vs Ruslan Chinakhov of Russia, Dennis Orcollo vs John Morra of Canada, Ramil Gallego vs Enrique Rojas of Chile, Carlo Biado vs Ralf Souquet of Germany and Israel "Amay" Rota versus countryman Mark Antony.

Francisco "Django' Bustamante failed to reach Final 64 after losing to Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, 6-9. Eralier, the two cue masters tallied 5 racks apiece.

The 2013 World 9-Ball Championship sponsored by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and co-sponsors by Simonis (cloth), organized by Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation (QBSF) and sanctioned by World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU). The 250,000 USD week-long event offers 36,000 USD to the champion with the runner-up place will bring home 18,000 USD.

"Marvelous Captain" Marlon Manalo is first Filipino World Pool qualifier

by Marlon Bernardino

Veteran campaigner Marlon Manalo became the first Filipino to qualify in one of 12 qualifying event of the World Pool 9-Ball Championship at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday.

Manalo, the affable cue artist and chairman of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City defeated Jasen Al Hasawi of Kuwait, 7-6, in the finals.

“I hope to perform well in the World Pool main draw.” said Manalo, who kept himself in shape by practicing daily in his own pool hall in Talumpung, Mandaluyong and famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City, hosted by long-time sports patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua.

Earlier, Manalo blasted Sultan Alfalih of Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, 7-0, in the pre quarters, compatriot Demosthenes Pulpul, 7-5, in the quarters and Mohammad Ali Hassan of Kingdom of Saudia Arabi, 7-0, in the semis.

Manalo advanced in the 128 player field main draw of the World Pool 9-Ball Championship. He will joined Filipino seeded players Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo, Lee Vann Corteza, Carlo Biado, Jeffrey de Luna, Israel Rota and Antonio Gabica, the national coach of Qatar.

Fondly called " Marvelous Captain" Manalo captivated the billiard circuit by clustering victories against noted pool sharks Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan and countrymen Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante in the knockout stage of the World Pool Championship in 2004. The following year, the 2000 Asian Snooker Champion and 2008 National Champion Manalo went all the way to the semifinals of the same event before bowing to eventual champion Wu Chia-ching (Wu Jia-qing).

Manalo local and international campaign are supported by his long-time benefactors Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr., Rep. Neptali "Boyet" Gonzales II and Solar Sports head Ronald Tieng.

Pinoy Manalo et al eye slots in Qatar World Pool

by Marlon Bernardino

Manila---FILIPINO cue masters are ready to face their respective opponents in the qualifying event (Stage 1) of the World 9-Ball Championship which will start on Monday, September 2 at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.

Marlon Manalo, Roberto Gomez, Ramil Gallego, Johann Chua and Demosthenes Pulpul will try to knock their opponents and enter the first of 12 qualifying rounds wherein only one player is allowed to get in per event.

After a long hiatus, the affable cue artist and chairman of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City Manalo will go up against Mohannad Al Qomaiz  of Kingdom of Saudia Arabia.

“I still believe I can become a world champion,” said Manalo, a many-time winner in the US Pool Circuit and runner-up to Reyes in 2004 World 8-Ball Championship.

"If we're lucky enough in the World Pool Championship in United Arab Emirates and Kaoshiung, Taiwan, I'd win at least one title for us," added the Jose Rizal University (JRU) AB Economics graduate.

"I will pour all that I know in Qatar," said Manalo, who settled for a silver medal in the snooker event by placing second to Bjorn Haneveer of Belgium in the 2001 Akita, Japan World Games.

Fondly called " Marvelous Captain" Manalo captivated the billiard circuit by clustering victories against noted pool sharks Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan and countrymen Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante in the knockout stage of the World Pool Championship in 2004. The following year, the 2000 Asian Snooker Champion and 2008 National Champion Manalo went all the way to the semifinals of the same event before bowing to eventual champion Wu Chia-ching (Wu Jia-qing).

In other match ups Gomez opposite Daren Taylor of Great Britain; Gallego will face Moein Khedr of Iran; Chua versus Mosa Morad  of Kuwait and Pulpul against Fahad Jwaied also from Kuwait.

The other noted local cue artists casting their lots in the qualifying are Joven Alba, Joseph Reyes, Joyme Vicente, Mark Cloyd San Pedro, Oliver Medenilla , Raymund Faraon , Benjamin Butterrez , Arman , Mark Antoni , Marlon Villamor , Ricky Puro, Fransisco diselva and Michael Ybanez.    

Pool wizards already seeded in the main draw (stage 2) are Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo, Lee Vann Corteza, Carlo Biado, Jeffrey de Luna, Israel Rota and Antonio Gabica, the national coach of Qatar.

Darren Appleton of Great Britain will make a return to defend his title from stage two onwards and so will the 2012 runner-up Li He-wen of China.

The 2013 World 9-Ball Championship sponsored by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and co-sponsored by Simonis (cloth), organized by Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation (QBSF) and sanctioned by World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU). The 250,000 USD week-long event offers 36,000 USD to the champion while the runner-up will brings home 18,000 USD.

Marlon Manalo "The Marvelous Captain" Set to Make Comeback, Eyes Qatar World 9-ball crown

 

by Marlon Bernardino

Veteran campaigner Marlon Manalo has all the opportunities to be the world’s best. 

But for now, he is determined to follow the foot-step of Filipino World Champions in the likes of Efren "Bata" Reyes (WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion), Ronato "Volcano" Alcano (WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion), Francisco "Django" Bustamante (WPA World 9-ball champion), Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (WPA World 9-ball champion), Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo (WPA World 8-ball champion) and Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit (WPA Women's World 10-ball champion).

He will make his return to the pool world after a long hiatus when he competes in this year’s World 9-Ball Championship beginning September 2 in Doha, Qatar.

"The World 9-ball tournament in Qatar will be a good test for me that's why I prepared well for it," said Manalo, who is also known in pool circuit as "The Marvelous Captain."

“I still believe I can become a world champion,” added Manalo, a many-time winner in the US Pool Circuit and runner-up to Reyes in 2004 World 8-Ball Championship.

"If we're lucky enough in the World Pool Championship in United Arab Emirates and Kaoshiung, Taiwan, I'd win at least one title for us," added the Jose Rizal University (JRU) AB Economics graduate.

"I will pour all that I know in Qatar," said Manalo, who settled for a silver medal in the snooker event by placing second to Bjorn Haneveer of Belgium in the 2001 Akita, Japan World Games.

The affable cue artist and chairman of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City captivated the billiard circuit by clustering victories against noted pool sharks Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan and countrymen Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante in the knockout stage of the World Pool Championship in 2004.

The following year, the 2000 Asian Snooker Champion and 2008 National Champion Manalo went all the way to the semifinals of the same event before bowing to eventual champion Wu Chia-ching (Wu Jia-qing).

Although he’s been away from big competition the past few years, Manalo kept himself in shape by practicing daily in his own pool hall in Talumpung, Mandaluyong and famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City, hosted by long-time sports patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua.

He is set to fly to Doha, Qatar on Saturday. 

At this point,  the  Brgy.  Malamig chairman from Mandaluyong City's quest for honor and glory received a needed shot in the arm from his long-time benefactors Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr.,  Rep.  Neptali "Boyet" Gonzales II and Solar Sports head Ronald Tieng.

The 2013 World 9-Ball Championship sponsored by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and co-sponsors by Simonis (cloth), organized by Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation (QBSF) and sanctioned by World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU).

Bustamante & Kiamco to Represent Philippines at the World 14.1 Tournament in New York City

New York, New York -  It's heating up! America's #1 ranked player Shane Van Boening will chase his first straight pool title next week at the Olhausen 73rd World Tournament of 14.1. Filipino World Champion and legend Francisco Bustamante returns for his second visit to the world's oldest tournament. Dragon Promotions and Dr. Michael Fedak will bring another globally star studded field at this year's 73rd Olhausen World Tournamenthosted by Steinway Billiards in New York on August 19th-24th,2013.  

Though the World Tournament has been revived since 2006, Van Boening has not accepted his invite previously until now.

Van Boening has won a myriad of titles including the US Open 9-Ball, the International 10-Ball Championship, as well as many 8-Ball and Derby City One Pocket titles. But he is missing Straight Pool, the father of all other games. I asked him about his favorite games in order. "If I had to choose my favorite game, it would be barbox 8-Ball. There's no luck. 10-Ball, 9-Ball...you have to be lucky after the break to get a good shot on the 1-Ball. One Pocket is a good game." How about straight pool ? Shane shrugs his shoulders , "I'll try it."

One time he met Willie Mosconi with his grandfather. "Mosconi tells Shane, you can be the best in the world. And even implied better than him if he practiced", said Gary. "But I don't think Shane could beat Willie in his prime. Not yet. It was different games they both play, but Mosconi was pretty amazing. But I'd love to see Shane play 14.1. I think he could win that, too."

Bustamante came close to the Gold in 2008 when he got to the finals undefeated only to fall to Netherlands Niels Feijen. Though not a student of the game, Francisco's pool skills make him dangerous in any game on the felt. Joining him from his homeland, world class Warren Kiamco will be joining him in his first attempt at the World Tournament of 14.1. Kiamco is a great all around player with high finishes in 8-Ball and one pocket events as well as being the reigning ABP sanctioned Johnny Archer Classic Champion, in which he toppled Van Boening in the finals. Other Asian notables will be Can Wang of China and Eddie Kwok of Korea.

FILIPINO POOL SHARKS VIE FOR ALL JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIP

by Marlon Bernardino

POOL sharks coming from around the world will be vying for prestige and the coveted crown when the 46th All Japan Championship gets underway on November 12-18 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan.

As expected Filipino Billiards masters Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza will spearhead the Philippine campaign. 

Other notable cue masters will seeing in action are Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Antonio "Nickoy" Lining, Jonas James Reyes, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, Jundel "Jano" Mazon, Rodrigo "Edgie Marilao" Geronimo, Johann "Bubwit" Chua, Val Pajuay, Roel Esquillo and Jerome Andrino. 

"Mabigat po y'ung All Japan Championship pero tinitiyak namin (Filipino cue artists) na lalaban kami ng husto," said the 28-year-old Jonas James Reyes, who is fresh from winning the monthly Tiger Cup 10-ball tournament at the famous Star  Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City last June.

"Gagawin po namin y'ung aming makakaya para sa bayan, "added the pride of San Mateo/Montalban, Rizal Jonas James Reyes, long-distant relative of Efren "Bata" Reyes, who also got a strong fourth place finish in the 2013 POC-PSC Philippine National Games last May at the Gameball, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The tournament will feature defending champion  Jung-Lin Chang of Taiwan, Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan, Mika Immonen of Finland, Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohman of Germany and Johnny Archer of the United States, among others.

Chang, a player from Bugsy International Promotions, cemented his status as world no. 1 after beating countryman Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei in the finals of the last year's edition. Chang went home with the top prize of $28,600, while Yang settled for $14,300.

RAMON 'MAESTRO MONCHING' MISTICA TOPS CALIFORNIA 9-BALL

by Marlon Bernardino-

US-based Filipino Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica continues his winning ways in the California Billiards Tournament. 

Banking on his experience and international exposure, Mistica added the Pallacade 9-Ball Tilt to his growing list of billiards honors by edging American Terry White, 7-6, Saturday night (Sunday, Manila time) in the finals of the Pallacade 9-Ball Championships in San Francisco, California.

The win enabled Mistica, a pool instructor and habitue of Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City to captured his fifth straight California title this year including his victories in the Hardtime Billiards in Sacramento and Familly Billiards in San Francisco.

"I was cautious all-throughout because I know Terry is a very tough opponent especially in the final matches, but of course besides experience I had a better luck in the end game after his magnificent performance at the start of the game," the Murphy, Quezon City native Mistica, referring his fifth California title.

Mistica was known to frequently play at the famous AMF Puyat Billiards Hall in Farmers Plaza in Quezon City, and played against many of the most widely-known names of his generation including Efren “Bata” Reyes, Santos Sambajon, and “The Leader of the Filipino Invasion Jose "Amang" Parica., whom he beat in tournament in the mid 90's.

 “The best pool teacher in the Philippines” said Bata Reyes.

His next tournament is the longest running 9-ball tournament in the United States dubbed as US Open 9-ball on October 14 to 19 at the Norfolk Marriott Chesapeake (formerly Holiday Inn) in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Biado Settles for 2nd place in US Open 8-Ball Championship

by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado yielded to eventual champion American Shane Van Boening, 13-11, in the finals of this year’s US Open 8-Ball Championship held at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday.

The Bugsy International Promotions ace Biado, who was also the winner in the Hard Times 10-Ball open last week at the Crooks and Castle in Bellflower, Los Angeles, California, received the second place prize of $8,500 for his effort. Van Boening, meanwhile, took the crown and the $15,000 top prize after trouncing Biado in the tough tournament.

Biado needed to beat Sean Cheng of Taiwan, 7-5, in the one-loss side to arranged a titular showdown with undefeated Van Boening. He earlier beat compatriots Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 8-7, and Warren "Warrior"Kiamco, 8-6.

It what an intense finals between Van Boening and Biado saw the two players trade break and runs an incredible 14 times in a row until the score lay at 10-10. 

According to AZbilliards.com report, Biado was on a roll when he drew the cue ball into the side pocket in 21st racks. However,the scratch left Van Boening with an out and he cashed it. This left Van Boening only needing a break and run to earn his first major 8-Ball title. After making a ball on the break, Van Boening shocked the crowd by missing his first shot of the run and Biado ran out to tie things again at 11-11.

Rack 23 saw the pressure get to Biado again, as he ran to a tough shot in the side pocket, which he missed. Van Boening quickly ran out to take a 12-11 lead.

Rack 24 would be the final rack, as Van Boening crushed the rack and every ball had a pocket. He gave the crown one last bit of excitement when he overran shape on the 8-ball and was left with a shot similar to the one that Biado had missed a rack earlier. After sizing up the shot, Van Boening drained in like a hanger and Van Boening dropped to his knees with relief.

The Filipinos’ campaign in the US pool circuit is supported by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, Bugsy International Promotions, Puyat Sports, Boss Tapa, Hermes Sports Bar, King of Sports Resto Bar and Malungai Life Oil.

Orcollo Wins US Open One Pocket Title

by Marlon Bernardino

Philippines Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo  is once again at the top of his game after winning the US Open One Pocket Championship 2013 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Monday Manila Time (Sunday in US Time). 

The top player of Bugsy International Promotions Orcollo defeated Derby City One Pocket Champion Corey Deuel of the United States, 5-3, in the finals to run away with the title.

Orcollo jumped to a 2-0 lead in the race-to-five final before Deuel fought back to level at 2-2. Orcollo got his nose in front again 3-2 but the American and former U.S. Open 9 Ball champ battled back to level again at 3-3 count. Deuel made a mistake on his break return in rack seven and allowed Orcollo a quick run to get to the hill at 4-3. 

Rack eight saw Deuel put togeher multiple small runs to take a 7-2 lead in ball count and most fans on the rail were certain we were in store for a hill-hill match. Deuel passed on multiple semi-risky shots that Orcollo baited him with, but it was finally a fairly straight forward safety that spelled the end for Deuel. He left Orcollo a shot with a very tough table and Orcollo ran the final six balls on the table for the 5-3 win and first place.

Sportsman/businessman Ceferino "Perry" Mariano hailed the victory of Orcollo saying it is proof that Filipino players are at par if not the best in the world. “Once again our flag has been raised in the foreign land after our kababayan (Dennis) Orcollo won the US Open One Pocket Championship 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA," Mariano said.

The Filipinos’ campaign in the US pool circuit is supported by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, Bugsy International Promotions, Puyat Sports, Hermes Sports Bar, Boss Tapa Food and Restaurant, King of Sports Resto Bar and Malungai Life Oil.

Orcollo marched to the finals after blanking Deuel, 4-0, in the Hot Seat Final.

Deuel's trip to the One-Loss side was short as he dealt Carlo " The Black Tiger" Biado his second loss of the tournament, knocking him out via a 3-2 scoreline. That result propelled the Ohioan to the final to force a finals rematch showdown with Orcollo. 

Earlier, Orcollo beat Michael Reddick, 4-1,  Danny Smith, 4-2, L. C. Carter 4-0, Larry Nevel, 4-2, and Chris Bartram, 4-2, of the USA before facing Deuel in the Hot Seat Final  between the only two unbeatens in the field.

The former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur Orcollo earned the top prize of US$7,500, Deuel settled for US$4,800 in second place prize money, Biado takes home US$3,300 while another Pinoy, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, banked US$1,500. Two other Pinoys, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and Jose "Amang" Parica, also finished in the money, as did Filipino-born and US based Santos "The Saint" Sambajon.

According to billiards/pool commentator Bob Guerrero, one Pocket is a game using all fifteen balls that, as the name suggests, only allows players one pocket, (either of the corner pockets near the foot spot) to pot balls. The first player to pot eight balls wins the rack. It can be a highly tactical game with lots of safety exchanges but oftentimes the best players in the world, once given an opening, can make the eight balls vanish in mere minutes. The discipline is considered to be a fine test of strategic thinking, safety, and pocketing as well. Efren "Bata" Reyes is generally considered to be one of the top One Pocket players in the world; although he was not in Vegas for this event. One-pocket is one of the most stringent tests of excellence in all of pool, as it requires great shot-making skills, bank shot excellence, planning, and patience.