'DJANGO' BUSTAMANTE WINS DERBY CITY CLASSIC 9-BALL BANKS

Philippine billiards icon Francisco "Django" Bustamante once again scaled the zenith of world billiards after he emerged tournament champion last Sunday in the 15th Annual Derby City Classic 9-ball banks held at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Elizabeth, Indiana, USA.

Bustamante, one of the top players of Puyat Sports, subdued American Justin Hall in the championship match, 5-3, to run away with the title.

Sportsman/businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat hailed the victory of Bustamante 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 (Francisco) Bustamante won the 15th Derby City Classic 9-ball banks in Indiana, USA," Puyat said.   -Marlon Bernardino-

RJ Bautista wins Tiger Cup 10-ball tour

RJ BAUTISTA cemented his status as one of the Philippines' elite young sportsmen by topping Ibrahim Moharram, 12-10, in the final to win the 2013 Tiger Cup 10-ball tournament at the Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City last January 13.

In the semi-final Bautista bested Resty Labastida, 13-6, while Moharram edged Albert Agustin, 13-12, in the tournament hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian 'Baste' Chua.

A former top player of St. Mary's and now playing for University of Sto. Tomas, Bautista is now playing under PCSO Bugsy Training Program Academy. He is a product of National Collegiate Billiards League or B-League tournament, a grass roots development billiards tournament in the country.

' It's all hardwork that made RJ Bautista one of the youngest cue masters in the country," said sportsman/businessman Ceferino 'Perry' Mariano, top honcho of Bugsy International Promotions, also the handler of World Champion Dennis Orcollo and Carlo Biado.   -Marlon Bernardino