Billiards Philippines

Bata, Amit Clinch 1st World Mixed Doubles Classic

2009-12-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

EFREN “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit of Philippines "A" bagged the 1st World Mixed Doubles Classic title after edging out Korea in an exciting final match late Thursday at the Nuvo City Lifestyle Center in Libis, Quezon City.

Reyes and Amit, the two world champions from Puyat Sports of Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, posted a 9-7 win in their race-to- nine match against Koreans Charlie Williams and Eun Ji Park. They took home the top prize of $6,000 in the event presented by Nuvo Land Philippines, Inc. and Dragon Promotions and supported by Puyat Sports, ABS-CBN Sports, ESPN-Star Sports and the Philippine Star.

The Koreans, on the other hand settled for the second place prize of $3,000.

" We would like to thank the organizer (Dragon Promotions) and the sponsors for staging this event," said Reyes, who became the First Filipino World 9-Ball Champion in 1999 in Cardiff, Wales.

The Philippine B Team of Lee Van Corteza and Shanelle Loraine defeated the pair of Mika Immonen and Borana Andoni of Team Europe, 7-3, in the battle for third place and received the $2,000 prize.

“At least we finish third,” said Corteza, who lost to Immonen in the finals of World Ten Ball Championships.

Earlier, Team Japan of Hayato Hijikata and Kaori Ebe defeated Team USA of Shane Van Boening and Amy Chen, 5-3, to finish fifth in the six teams competitions.

By Marlon Bernardino - 2009-12-03

Amit Women's World 10-Ball Champion

2009-07-01T01:13:00.000-07:00

Give me a break
By Frank Lacambra

The title won recently by Rubelyn Amit of the Philippines in the JBET poker.net Women’s World 10-Ball Championship was a thrilling and a most satisfying news, coming as it did in a year marked by trouble and dissension on the Philippine billiards front.

For Ms. Amit the victory came as some kinds of redemption after a sorry lose in the 2007 Amway Women’s World Championship. She was so close and yet so far away. That was a real heartbreaker for someone so young who had to carry on her shoulders the hopes and expectations of the whole nation.

In the 2007 event, if you remember, Amit started out hot in the early going, But somewhere in the middle of the game, her game suddenly sputtered. She missed too many easy shots that ultimately did her in.

This time around, Rubelyn came to fight. She was more focused. She was relaxed. And learning from her disastrous experience two years earlier, she not only practiced a lot but also prepared herself mentally. In the end her poise and skills—and knowing that the hometown crowd was behind her—made all the difference in her world-class performance.

What made her win all the more memorable and priced was the fact that she topped a star-studded field graced by reigning champion Lien Shin Mei of Chinese Taipei, World No. 1 Kelly Fisher of England, and European 9-ball, 8-ball and straight pool champion Jasmine Ouschan of Austria.

Rubelyn, indeed, deserved to win a tough, high-caliber championship. Something we cannot say of the recent major Philippine men’s tournament (without taking anything away from the eventual champion Ricky Yang who played masterfully) held just a week before the women’s world 10-ball event.

As billiards aficionados ruefully observed, the Philippine Open 10-Ball Championship attracted some of the biggest names in men’s pool (Souquet, Hohmann, van Boening, Deuel, Petroni, Appleton plus strong contingents from Chinese Taipei, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia) but what an embarrassment that the Philippines could not field its cream of the crop.

Internationally known players came all the way from all over looking forward to battling the cream of the crop of Philippine billiards, but they ended up playing against second- tier players, except for a few formidable players like Manalo, Gabica and de Luna.

How can we have a major billiards event without the likes of Bata Reyes, Django, Alcano, Pagulayan and Luat, just to mention a few? Unthinkable! But unfortunately, that’s what happened. And unless the people running the country’s billiards affairs wake up to this sorry situation, we see trouble ahead.

Perhaps it’s about time the POC—if not President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself—took a direct hand and look into what’s bugging our billiards community. The squabbling among our billiards leaders and top players, as we have said in an earlier piece, is not doing the country any good.

The whole world looks at the Philippines as the “new epicenter of international billiards” and we had better take this matter seriously.

This image is a tremendous asset that we should build on and not destroy just because of the narrow selfish interests and greedy motives of a few. The image is good for business, tourism especially. And it’s good for the game, too. Because of it the Philippines has become a powerful magnet, attracting the best and the finest billiards players to our shores.

But if we don’t fix the problem soon, we will fritter away our edge as a billiards mecca in no time.

Philippine Billiards: Commentary

2009-06-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Give Me A Break
By Frank Lacambra

The Philippine Open 10-Ball Championship came and went with Filipino pool fans wondering: What’s happening to Philippine billiards?

The question dogged the event even long before it got off the ground. Announcements of the tournament mentioned just about all the important details, except the names of the Filipinos who were participating. Big names add star power to an event and it’s good for the gate. But this time the superstars didn’t show up.

Rather unusual, considering that in times past a tournament like this would have seen a virtual parade of the biggest names in Philippine billiards. After all, the 10-ball is supposed to be a Filipino “invention”, or at least the Filipino variation on the game.

It’s supposed to be a game where Filipino players excel in, given their penchant for complications. And the event was something that shouldn’t be missed. But how come the biggies of the game were auspiciously absent?

Judging from the roster of participants, the Open looked more like a world tournament than a local thing, what with a formidable cast of famous and familiar faces that came from all over to play in the Philippines.

We saw and met, informally, on the sidelines, such pool stars as former 9-ball world champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, Corey Deuel and Shane van Boening of the US, Fabio Petroni of Italy and Ricky Yang of Indonesia. We also spotted World No.1 Ralf Souquet (Ger,), Darren Appleton, the reigning 10-ball world champion, women’s world No.1 Jasmin Ouschan, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Radoslav Babica of Poland, several players from Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Well-known women pool players like Kelly Fisher and Melissa Little also showed up to try their luck with the men.

Those folks came all the way to the Philippines, perhaps looking forward to tangling with Filipino big guns. But they never got to see the stars.

What they encountered instead were the would-be stars. Ok, Marlon Manalo, Tony Gabica and Jeffrey de Luna were there, as well as a few guys on the way up. But let’s face it, these new blood are not yet in the league of the Magician, Django, Alex the Lion, or the Alcano the Volcano.

It was Petroni, watching from the sidelines beside me, who asked the question that I’m sure was on every billiards fan’s mind: “How come Efren and the others are not playing?”

The fact that a foreign player noticed something amiss about the tournament should give our billiards leaders food for thought. Again we ask: What gives?

Is Philippine billiards racked with so much disagreements and bad blood that our pool leaders and players cannot even declare a truce for the sake of the game and for the sake of upholding the reputation of the country as the “new epicenter of world billiards?”

This is a sad and unhealthy situation. Because of the squabbling within our billiards establishment, our image as a united, pool-savvy country could take a beating. And it could set back the country’s efforts in drumming up tourism, among other things.

The problem of Philippine billiards recalls an event that happened to chess a few decades back. Almost 40 years ago, the American chess genius Bobby Fischer almost abandoned his world chess championship match with Boris Spassky of the then USSR. Fischer was throwing tantrums in the run-up to the match and making “impossible” demands on organizers.

The US government saw red flags in Fischer’s conduct. In no time, Henry Kissinger, the US Secretary of State, was talking to Fischer. In so many words, Mr. Kissinger told Bobby to “cool it and just take care of business.” Fortunately for the sporting world-at-large, Bobby got the message and simmered down. He agreed to play. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Maybe the Philippine government should step in and get our warring billiards leaders to stop fighting and start playing—for flag and country. But I’m not sure if the chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee is the right person for the job. He’s got problems himself. But that’s another story.

The thing is, more and more, foreign players are noticing the cracks in our billiards establishment. This is not doing us any good. And certainly, it’s not good for the game.

Note: Readers’ comments are welcome.

AMANG PARICA REGAINS HIS OLD DEADLY FORM BY WINNING COMET BILLIARDS

2008-11-16T05:48:00.000-08:00

FILIPINO legendary Jose "Amang" Parica flashed his old deadly form by winning the 2008 Joss Northeast 9-ball tour stop at the Comet Billiards in Parsippany, New Jersey.

The West Covina-based Parica, acknowledged as the leader of the Filipino invasion in the US Pool circuit in the mid 80's defeated American Adam Kielar, 9-3, in their rematch in the finals enroute to the coveted plum plus $1,500 champion's purse in this 45 player field double elimination format.

Kielar, on the other hand settled runner-up place and cash worth $1,100. Parica, earlier brought down American Mike Zuglan, 9-6, for the hot-seat match and earned ticket to the race-to-9 finals while Kielar needed to beat Zuglan, 9-5, to arrange a titular showdown with Parica.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by Jovie Sison

TAIWAN SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND ITS GUINNESS GRAND FINALE CROWN

2008-11-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE Philippines suffered double black eye yesterday when Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo lost their respective semifinal matches finals in the Guinness 9 Ball Tour 2008 Grand Final being held at the the Mal Taman Anggrek in Bali, Indonesia.

Pagulayan bowed to former double world champion Wu Chia-ching, 6-9, in the first semifinals encounter while Orcollo yielded to Yang Ching-shun that led an all Taiwanese-finals.

Despite the setbacks, Pagulayan and Orcollo, both receive $5,400 for reaching the semi-finals of the six-city tour organized of ESPN STAR Sports.

In the 2007 edition, Taiwanese Chang Jung-lin took the crown and top prize $36,000 after beating Filipino Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza in the finals.

Other Filipino saw action were Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica and Joven "The Shark" Bustamante who failed to advance in the knock-out stage.

ORCOLLO, PAGULAYAN ENTERS FINAL FOUR IN GUINNESS GRAND FINALE

2008-11-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINOS Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo cruised in the semifinals after they finished in the top two of Group A in the preliminary round of the Guinness 9 Ball Tour 2008 Grand Final yesterday at the Mal Taman Anggrek in Bali, Indonesia.

Orcollo, the reigning WPA world number one was still playing defending Grand Final champion Chang Jung Lin of Chinese Taipei as of press time, but his three wins on Friday coupled with Pagulayan's wins over Wang Hung Hsiang of Chinese Taipei and Ryu Seung Woo of Korea yesterday, clinched spots in the last four for the two Filipino aces.

Orcollo, who hails from Bislig, Surigao del Sur who won the previous leg in Guangzhou, China, swept all three of his assignments on Friday. Orcollo native opened his bid with a 9 – 7 triumph of Pagulayan then followed it up with demolishing over Wang, 9 – 8, and Ryu, 9 – 5.

Pagulayan, who ruled the Singapore leg, bounced back from his setback against Orcollo with a relatively easy 9 – 5 victory over Chang late Friday evening. The 2004 World Pool champion barged into the semi-finals after edging Wang, 9 – 8, and routing Ryu, 9 - 2. Chang's two losses to Pagulayan and Orcollo eliminated the defending champion.

Eleven players were divided into two groups and players played in a single round robin format. The top two players from each group advanced to the semi-finals with the final two meeting in the final match tomorrow.

The champion will earn the top prize of US$36,000. Orcollo and Pagulayan are already assured of at least $5,400 for reaching the semi-finals of the six-city tour organized by ESPN STAR Sports.

The Top Ten of the Tour's Order of Merit following the first five legs automatically qualified for the Grand Final. An additional wild card spot was awarded to Ricky Yang as he was the host country's top ranked player.

Meanwhile, a third Filipino, Antonio Gabica, also remained in contention for a semi-final spot after staying unbeaten after three matches over in Group B. Gabica outclassed fellow Filipino Joven Bustamante, 9 – 5, on Friday then beat Malaysia's Ibrahim Bin Amir, 9 – 5, and survived Chinese Taipei's Wu Chia Ching, 9 - 7, yesterday.

The former Asian Games gold medalist needed just one more win in his last two assignments yesterday. He was still playing hometown bet Ricky Yang as of press time and was scheduled to meet Yang Ching Shun of Chinese Taipei yesterday evening.

Bustamante, the fourth Filipino in the group, is virtually eliminated from semi-final contention after dropping two of his three matches. The current WPA world number six fell to Gabica, 5 – 9, but nipped Indonesia's Yang, 9 – 8, Friday. Bustamante then bowed down to Yang Ching Shun, 4 – 9.

Up for grabs in the Grand Final is total prize money of US$72,000, with the winner taking home US$36,000. The Guinness 9 Ball Tour remains the only ranking tour in Asia for players to qualify for the WPA World Pool Championship. The six-city Tour previously had stops in Chinese-Taipei, Penang, Genting Highlands, Singapore, and Guangzhou.

ALCANO SETTLES FOR SECOND PLACE IN US OPEN 9-BALL

2008-11-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FORMER double world champion (WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball) Ronato "Volcano" Alcano yielded to eventual champion Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, 13-7, in the finals, but still wound up as the best Filipino finisher in the just concluded 33rd Annual US Open 9-Ball Championship being held at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA, over the weekend.

Alcano, who also settled runner-up place in the last year's edition receive 2nd place prize of $20,000 for his effort.

Immonen, meanwhile took the crown and the $40,000 that goes with it after trouncing Alcano in this $250,000 total pot prize tournament which lured by 238 players from around the world.

The 36-year-old Calamba native Alcano, who failed to duplicates Efren "Bata" Reyes (1994) and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (2005) title feat, earlier brought downed Immonen, 11-6, during their hot-seat match in the winner's brackets to advance in the championships' round.

With the loss, Immonen relegated to the one-loss side and beat another Filipino entry Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, 11-9, to forge a rematch with Alcano. Before losing to Immonen, the 36-year-old Pasil, Cebu native Kiamco, playing under the banner of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable ousted lone American survivor Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer, 11-4.

Kiamco pocketed third place worth of $10,000 while Archer didn't go empty-handed with fourth prize of $8,000.

Other Filipinos who saw action were former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Japan based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Jose "Amang" Parica, Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, Leonardo "The Rattle Snake" Andam, Joven Alba, Edwin Montal and Danny Petralba.
The Filipinos' performance was a big letdown as they dominated the 2005 edition, with Pagulayan emerging as champion, Parica and Bustamante settled 2nd to 3rd placers, respectively. The weeklong-event is the longest running 9-ball event in the United States.

KIAMCO, ALCANO GAIN US OPEN SEMIFINALS

2008-11-02T17:20:00.001-08:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

VETERAN Internationalists Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and Ronato "Volcano" Alcano came up with yet another scintillating performance to kept Philippine Flag high in the on-going 33rd US Open 9-ball championships yesterday being held at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA.

The pride of Bugsy Promotion Alcano, who is aiming to surpass his last year's runner-up place finish beat American Rodney "Rocket" Morris, 11-7, to post his seventh straight wins and move into the final four against former World 9-ball champion Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, who brought downed another host bet Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer, 11-7.

Alcano and Immonen, both undefeated in this double-elimination format which offers $40,000 to the champion in this $250,000 total pot prize event.

The Cebuano native Kiamco, playing under the banner of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable, on the other hand ousted Morris, 11-10, to extend his winning run in the loser's side with eight straight wins to face Archer in another semifinals pair.

After losing to Immonen in the winner's brackets, Archer eliminated compatriot Corey "The Prince" Deuel, 11-8, to meet Kiamco, the 2008 Villar-Alabang leg champion.

Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) head coach Christopher "Toper" Palses lauded the impressive performance of Alcano and Kiamco."Sana manalo sila sa kani-kanilang final four matches para all Filipino-finals." He added.

On the road's to the final four, Kiamco bested Josh Lewis ,11 – 9, reigning World 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, 11 – 3, fellow NBS stablemate Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, 11 – 10, Morris ,11 – 10, Robb Saez ,11 – 8, Scott Rabon ,11 – 7, Nick Varner ,11 – 10, Imran Majid ,11 – 8, Adam Smith ,11 – 5, Tony Chohan 11 – 3, and Morris, 11-10.

Alcano, meanwhile nipped Mike Brown 11 – 7, Matt Clatterbuck 11 – 4, Mitch Ellerman 11 – 10, Tyler Edey 11 – 8, Corteza 11 – 9, Francisco "Django" Bustamante 11 – 6, and Morris 11 – 7.
The much anticipated final four showdown between Alcano and Immonen and Kiamco opposite with Archer with the top two survival will slug it out for this year's over-all championships' trophy.

Alcano and Kiamco, both member of the star-studded Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) are looking to duplicate's Efren "Bata" Reyes (1994) and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (2005) title-feat.

PARICA BEATS DEFENDING CHAMP VAN BOENING; BUSTAMANTE, ALCANO CONTINUE WINNING RUN IN US OPEN 9-BALL

2008-11-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

A day after beating reigning World Ten-Ball Champion Darren "Dynamite" Appleton of Great Britain,11-6, Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante continued his winning run after crushing Oscar Dominguez of Mexico, 11-1, to score his fifth straight wins in the on-going 33rd US Open 9-Ball at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, yesterday.

However, the sad news is that Bustamante will face last year's runner-up Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, an 11-9 win over compatriot and ex-national champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza.

Sharing the limelight is Jose "Amang" Parica, who edged defending champion Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening of the United States, 11-10.

The West Covina-based Parica, acknowledge leader of the Filipino invasion in the US pool circuit in mid 80's, will square off with former World Pool Champion Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, who brought downed American Shawn Putnam, 11-1.

Also in the winning column were reigning World 9-ball Champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, former world 9-ball champions Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer of the United States and Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany.

Peach waylaid UK's Raj Hundal, 11-8, Archer stuns Brandon Shuff, 11-5, and Hohmann nipped Finnish Petri Makkonen, 11-2.

American Rodney "Rocket" Morris, who teaming up to Van Boening to win the over-all championships' trophy in the recent World Cup of Pool also remain unbeaten in this $250,000 total pot prize event with the champion getting the lion share of $40,000. He beat Adam Smith, 11-4. In the sixth round, Archer goes up against Peach, Morris opposite Hohmann.

In the loser's side, Cebuano ace Warren "Warrior" Kiamco ousted Indian Imran Majid, 11-8, to remain in contention.

However other Filipino suffered their second loses to kiss goodbye in the longest running 9-ball tournament in the United States.

Japan based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego bowed to American Larry Nevel, 11-8, Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat yielded to American Dan Louie, 11-10, Danny Petralba lost to American Dustin Morris, 11-8, OFW Joven Alba was booted out by American Tim Hall, 11-6 and Fil-Canadian Edwin Montal lost to American Mike Davis, 11-7.

DJANGO, THREE OTHER REMAINS UNBEATEN IN US OPEN 9-BALL

2008-11-02T17:16:00.001-08:00

Francisco "Django" Bustamante turned back reigning world ten-ball champion Darren "Dynamite" Appleton of Great Britain, 11-6, to joined three other Filipino in the winning column in the fourth round of 33rd US Open 9-ball yesterday at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA.

Bustamante, the former world no.1 will face Mexican Oscar Dominguez in the next round. Dominguez beat Josh Lewis, 11-10.

Last year's runner-up Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, ex-national champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and Jose "Amang" Parica also kept the Philippine flag high after trouncing their respective rivals.

Alcano beat Canadian Tyley Edey, 11-8, while Corteza crushed American Shannon Daulton, 11-9, and Parica nipped Swedish Marcus Chamat, 11-9. However, Alcano and Corteza will clash each other in the fifth round while Parica will go up against defending champion and American Shane "The South Dakota Kid" van boening, winner over compatriot Charlie "The Korean Dragon" Williams, 11-6.

The $250,000 total pot prize event is applying a double elimination format with the champion getting the lion share of $40,000.

MARLON BERNARDINO

LIMEN TO PLAY IN ASIA 10-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2008-11-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

TWO MONTHS after taking Davao billiards scene by storm, Jech Limen is now lined up for his second international tournament dubbed as 5th Annual Asia 10-Ball Championships to be held on November 10 to 14 at the Hamilton Hotel in Seoul, Korea.

The Pasig City based Limen, who hails from Davao City topped the 2008 Mati 9-Ball Open Tournament in Mati, Davao. Limen made his name big in international competitions after beating former double world champion (WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball) Wu Chia-ching of Chinese-Taipei during the 2007 Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships was held in Dumaguete City enable him to finish in the top 12.

"Hindi ko po sasayangin ang binigay na pagkakataon ni Sir Jo (Jonathan Sy), kaya gagawin ko ang aking best sa Asian 10-Ball Championships na maging maganda ang performance natin," said Limen, also the 2004 Davao 9-Ball Open Champion and 2007 Winner Take-All third placer in Bowling Inn, Taft Avenue, Manila.

Sportsman/ Businessman Jonathan Sy, president of the rising Negros Billiard Stable and co-founder of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) yesterday said that Limen received an invitation from Dragon Promotions, promoter of 5th Annual Asia 10-Ball Championships and obtain his visa last Thursday.
""While fate and destiny seems to be on our side the Korean Consul approved the visas of Jech (Limen)"said Sy, also the manager of former national champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Villar Cup Alabang leg champion Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, Japan based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego and 2008 Dubai Champion Ricky "Bai" Zerna.

"We (NBS) hope Jech (Limen) will perform well in the Asia 10-Ball Championships," added Sy, also the organizer in the forthcoming Villiards: International Invitational 9-Ball Open on November 12 in Bacolod City.

NBS head coach Christopher "Toper" Palses commented: "Hinog na si Jech (Limen) sa malakihang torneo at naniniwala ako na ipakikita niya ang kanyang husay sa Asian 10-Ball Championships."

According to Cindy Lee, president of Dragon Promotions, the 5th Annual Asia 10-Ball Championships offers $10,000 to the champion. The runner-up pockets $5,000 while 3rd and 4th received $2,500.Fifth to 8th placers received $1,250 each while 9th to 16th placers will bring home $600 each.

Top names in the field so far include Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, who is fresh from winning the 2008 US Open 9-Ball Championships, Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany, Raj Hundal of India, Lee Chenman of Hongkong and Young Hwa Jeong of the host country. The event will be broadcasted on XTM and XPORTS, two of the top channels in South Korea.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.

DJANGO TRIPS APPLETON IN US OPEN 9-BALL

2008-10-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

3 other Filpinos strike

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:19:00 10/24/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Francisco “Django” Bustamante humbled England’s newly crowned World 10-Ball champion Darren Appleton, 11-6, Thursday to lead three other Filipinos in the winners’ bracket of the 33rd Annual US Open 9-Ball Championship at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.

With four straight victories in as many rounds like Bustamante, the 2007 US Pro Tour champion, are two-time world titlist Ronnie Alcano, Lee Vann Corteza and United States-based Jose “Amang” Parica.

The victory shoved the 44-year-old Bustamante into a fifth-round encounter with unheralded Oscar Dominguez, boosting the Filipino’s title chances in the $250,000 event topped by fellow Puyat Sports stalwarts Efren “Bata” Reyes in 1994 and Alex Pagulayan in 2005.

Also boosting their bid for the $40,000 top purse were Alcano, who bested Canadian Tyler Edey, 11-8, and Corteza, who pipped American Shannon Daulton, 11-9.

Either Alcano of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions or Corteza, star of the Negros Billiards Stable, however, is certain to slide to the one-loss side as they are paired in the fifth round.

Parica, still a force to reckon with at 62, downed Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 11-9. The leader of the Filipino players’ invasion of the US Tour in the 1980s forged a showdown with defending champion Shane Van Boening, who beat compatriot Charlie Williams, 11-6.

Other Filipinos still in contention from the losers’ bracket at presstime were Warren Kiamco, Rodolfo Luat and Ramil Gallego. They, however, need to hurdle every rival to stay alive.

Also unscathed entering the fifth round are former world champions Mika Immonen, Thorsten Hohmann and Johnny Archer, Rodney Morris, Adam Smith, Shawn Putnam, Brandon Shuff, Raj Hundal and Petri Makkonen.

Lifted without permission from Phil. Daily Inquirer (www.inquirer.net)

ALCANO, BUSTAMANTE LEAD R.P. SURGE IN U.S. 9-BALL

2008-10-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:34:00 10/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Former double world champion Ronnie Alcano and Former world No. 1Francisco “Django” Bustamante hurdled separate rivals Monday and towed five other Filipinos into the third round of the 33rd US Open 9-Ball Championship at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Also keeping the Philippine bid rolling in the prestigious $250,000 event are veteran internationalist Rodolfo Luat, four-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Warren Kiamco, Lee Vann Corteza, Ramil Gallego and United States-based Jose “Amang” Parica.

Determined to better his runner-up finish in last year’s edition, Alcano, stalwart of Bugsy Promotions, routed American Matt Clatterbuck, 11-4, while Bustamante of Puyat Sports subdued Keith Brinton, 11-8.

Kiamco trounced Jason Klatt, 11-5, while Luat dumped Don Polo, 11-2, for their second straight victories in the tournament that attracted 238 players from around the world.

Corteza, who drew a first-round bye, opened his campaign with an 11-5 blasting of Abdullah El-Yousef, while fellow Negros Billiards Stable standout Gallego followed up his 11-3 conquest of Sam Monday in the opening round by nipping former champion Gabe Owen, 11-9.

Save for Parica, who also drew a first-round bye before thwarting Aki Heiskanen, 11-9, all Filipino winners are members of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines.

The tournament, which dangles $40,000 for the champion, was won in 1999 by Efren “Bata” Reyes and in 2005 by Alex Pagulayan.

Not as fortunate were Leonardo Andam and Joven Alba. Andam bowed to Finn Markus Juva, 11-8, while Alba yielded to Englishman Chris Melling, in the first round.

Andam and Alba dropped to the losers’ bracket, where they need to sweep their remaining games to stay in contention.

Other big guns who barged into the third stage of the winners’ side are reigning world 9-ball titlist Darryl Peach of England, former world champion Mika Immonen of Finland, four-time US Open champion Earl Strickland, world No. 2 Niels Feijen of the Netherlands and Charlie Williams of the United States.

Peach downed Nasser Al-Musaible, 11-7; Immonen blanked Greg McAndrew 11-0; Strickland, beat Tariq Al-mulla, 11-5; Feijen drubbed Josh Ulrich, 11-4; and Williams thumped Elias Patrikas of Greece, 11-1.

Lifted without permission from the Philippines Daily Inquirer

ANNOUNCEMENT BY: STAR BILLIARDS CENTER

2008-10-19T03:54:00.000-07:00

STAR BILLIARDS CENTER, located at No.46 Joy Street, Grace Village in Quezon City, Philippines, wishes to promote billiards in our country. As such, Star Billiards Center, equipped with 22 Brunswick tables, with world class facility is now offering to top 1,000 corporations and associations FREE use of their Billiards Center for company tournaments and offers the following services:

1) FREE shuttle service of two 26-seater coaster

2) FREE play of 22 Brunswick tables

3) FREE drinks (water, softdrinks, coffee and tea)

4) FREE "NILI" 10-layer China quality cuetip, same quality Moori Japan and FREE installation of tip

5) FREE use of BROADBAND with top of the line WI-FI connection (equipped with booster for full signal). You can chat, talk and see your friend to any point in the world thru "YAHOO!MESSENGER" and "SKYPE".

6) FREE use of our 4 units HP Laptop

7) FREE ball polishing service for Aramith ball only, using 4 USA highspeed ball polishing machines (cleans 16 balls at a time in 10 minutes)

8) FREE cue stick name engraving for Predator Cues to identify your own cue stick

9) FREE Johnson's baby powder

10) FREE waterproof sandpaper (rough or smooth)

11) FREE MOORI chalk

12) FREE parking lot with guard

13) FREE charging of cellphones. All brands like Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericson and Motorola

14) FREE use of "karaoke" with top of the line system.

15) FREE long distance call to U.S.A. and Canada through "Magic Jack" System

STAR BILLIARDS CENTER (02) 364-6041/ (0917) 888-8888

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

WEEKLY 9-BALL TOURNAMENT SET ON OCTOBER 25

2008-10-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

THE first-ever weekly 9-ball tournament gets first rack on October 25 at the E-Lanes Bowling and Billiards Center in E-Square Building, Ortigas Avenue in Greenhills, San Juan.

According to tournament director Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica, the Every Saturday 9-ball tournament is open to all country' cue artists with the champion getting the lion share of P1,000 plus trophy. Second place pockets P500 plus trophy while 3rd and 4th will bring home P250 each.

For inquiries, call or text Mr. Monching Mistica at mobile no. (0919) 558-7634 for complete details.

Meanwhile, all is set the staging of second leg of Billiards Stars Search gets underway on November 5 to 9 at the famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.

Defending champion Elvis Calasang lead the cast along with reigning national champion Marlon Manalo, Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey de Luna, Mario Tolentino, Victor Arpilleda, Edgar Acaba, Leonardo Didal and reigning RP Junior champion Jerico Banares in Division A.

The four (A, B, C and D) divisional event organized by Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines in close cooperation with Raya Sports, Philippines Billiards Foundation and Star Billiards Center.

The game is a Ten Ball WPA rules using the winner's break format. Entry fee is P400. Prizes cash, trophies and in kind are up for grabs.. Register now at Star Billiards Center, tel.no. 364-6041, 0917-888-8888, Rizal Memorial Center, tel.0928-744-1740, or Raya Sports, tel.895-2021.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

NICE BRACKETS FOR THE FILIPINOS IN US OPEN 9-BALL OPEN

2008-10-19T03:46:00.001-07:00

The eleven (11) Filipino campaigners in the US Open 9-Ball don't have to eliminate each other at the start last night of 33rd Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.

With this, Filipinos have a better chance to bring home the over-all championship trophy.

Jose "Amang" Parica, acknowledged the leader of the Filipino invasion in the US in mid 80's landed in Winner's Side 1 and took a bye to advance in the next round. Compatriot Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, who is aiming to surpass his runner-up finish two years ago will go up against Louis Ulrich.

Japan based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Leonardo "The Rattle Snake" Andam, Joven Alba and Danny Petralba were Grouped in Winner's Side 2.

Gallego will face Sam Monday, Andam takes on Marcus Juva, Petralba opposite Raj Hundal and Alba will meet Chris Melling.

Edwin Montal is lone Filipino in Winner's Side 3 and will square off with Petri Makkonen.

Former World No.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza took a bye in their opening matches in Winner's Side 4.

Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, who was a runner-up to American Shane "The South Dakota Kid" van Boening last year, is hoping to become the third Filipino to win the prestigious event after Pool Maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes (1994) and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (2005), will face versus Mike Brown in the opener.

236 players from all over the world for the guaranteed total prize of $250,000, including the champion purse of $40,000 seeing in action in this longest running 9-ball tournament in the United States.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

BUSTAMANTE, ALCANO, CORTEZA HEADS RP CUE ARTISTS IN US OPEN 9-BALL

2008-10-19T03:42:00.001-07:00

FILIPINOS Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza spearheads the Philippine campaign at the start today of the 33rd Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Joining them in the longest running 9-ball event in the United States are countrymen Jose "Amang" Parica, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, Santos "The Saint" Sambajon and Joven Alba in mixing up with the field of close to 300 players from all over the world for the guaranteed total prize of $250,000, including the champion purse of $40,000.

Alcano, who was a runner-up to American Shane "The South Dakota Kid" van Boening last year, is hoping to become the third Filipino to win the prestigious event after Pool Maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes (1994) and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (2005).

Luat, on the other hand settled for second place to American John Schmidt in the 2006 edition.

Aside from defending champion van Boening, four current world champions from Europe are also competing in the US Open 9-ball. They are Daryl Peach (2007 WPA World Nine-Ball Champion) and Darren "Dynamite" Appleton (2008 WPA World Ten-Ball Champion) of Great Britain, Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet (2008 WPA World Eight-Ball Champion) of Germany and Niels "The Terminator" Feijen (2008 WPA World Straight Pool-14.1 Champion) of the Netherlands.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

APPLETON BEATS WU, TOPS WORLD TEN BALL

2008-10-06T02:09:00.000-07:00

DARREN Appleton of Great Britain beat former two-time world champion (WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball) Wu Chia-ching of Chinese-Taipei, 13-11, in convincing fashion to win the inauguraL WPA World Ten Ball Championship at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, last October 5, 2008.

Appleton led the match most of the way surprising many as Wu was a big favorite in this $400,000 total pot prize event.

Appleton raced from a 3-0 to 6-1 to 10-5 commanding lead. Appleton pocketed the $100,000 top purse, while Wu earned $40,000.

Actually by winning the World Ten Ball event, Appleton established the European domination of major pool events where compatriot Daryl Peach of Great Britain won the 2007 WPA World 9-Ball Championship, Ralf Souquet of Germany ruled the 2008 WPA World 8-Ball, and Niels Feijen of the Netherlands took the WPA World Straight Pool/ 14.1 Championship

"PLONG-PLONG" PULPUL COULDN'T BELIEVE IT

AT the conclusion of the inaugural World Ten Ball Championship, a new billiard sensation has risen. Demosthenes "Plong-Plong" Pulpul couldn't believe what happened in a span of two weeks.

"Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala sa s'werte ko," he said following his fourth place finish in the World Ten Ball Championship. He certainly wished for a better ending, but Pulpul is one contented soul right now.

The 23-year-old from Cagayan De Oro City turned from zero to hero in a span of two weeks.

After topping one of the qualifying rounds, Pulpul proceeded to become the best Filipino finisher in the biggest pool tournament in the world this year. He earned $15,000 (roughly P700,000) for his effort.

Part of his prize would be used for the baptism of his newly-born daughter Kishalyn. "Excited na akong makita ang pamilya ko, lalo na ang bagong baby namin," Pulpul said.

Kishalyn was born on September 24. Two days later, Pulpul earned his place in the main draw of WTBC. "Lucky charm ko 'yung baby namin. Mas naging inspirado ako na maglaro ng mabuti dahil lumalaki na ang pamilya ko."

Pulpul had a chance to get a bigger paycheck, but folded down the stretch against Niels Feijen of the Netherlands. Unlike his semifinal loss to Wu Chia-ching, Pulpul got his game going early against Feijen.

He raced to a 5-3 lead and was at the table going for a three-rack cushion. But an unforced error on the rack let Feijen back on the table and start a four-rack run.
Feijen himself believes Pulpul has a great future ahead of him.
The reigning straight pool champion noted that Pulpul's shotmaking ability "is at-par with the best of them."

"He just needs more exposure in big tournaments," Feijen said. Pulpul won his first six matches in the tournament. He beat Mohd Ali Al Bin of Qatar, 9-2, and Taiwanese ace Yang Ching-shun, 9-8, in group play.

On his way to the semifinals, Pulpul edged top ranked lady player Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, 9-8, toppled Kazuo Furuta of Japan, 9-4, repeated over Yang, 9-8, and rallied past Liu Haitao of China, 11-8.

FEIJEN BEATS PULPUL SETTLES FOR THIRD

NEILS "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands settled for a third place-finish in the just concluded World Ten Ball Championship at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, on Sunday.

Despite playing for a consolation prize, Feijen, the 2008 World Straight Pool winner broke the hearts of local fans by trouncing the last Filipino Demosthenes "Plong-Plong" Pulpul, in the battle for third place to bag the $25,000 third prize money in this $400,000 total pot prize event organize by Raya Sports.

Pulpul, fondly called "Plong-Plong" in the local pool circuit didn't go home empty-handed as he received $15,000 as his prize for fourth place.

"Magaling talaga si Niels (Feijen)," said Pulpul in a post-game interview yesterday. It shall be recalled that Pulpul also bowed to two-time world champions (WPA World 9-ball and WPA World 8-ball) Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 8-11, in the first semifinal match. Darren Appleton of Great Britain beat Feijen, 11-9, in the second semifinal match on Saturday. Wu and Appleton will shot it out for the World Ten Ball Championship - which offers a top prize of $100,000. The runner-up will pocket $40,000.

On the road to the final four, Pulpul needed to go through a tough qualification tournament at the famous Star Billiards Center to make it to the main draw of this 128 player's field. In the group play, Pulpul crushed Mohd Ali Al Bin of Qatar (9-2) and Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan (9-8) then bested world no.1 female player Jasmin Ouschan of Austria (9-8) in the round-of-64, then subdued Kazuo Furuta of Japan (9-4) in the round-of-32, and Yang (9-8) in the round-of-16, and Liu Haitao of China,11-8, in the Round-of-8.

Other noted Filipino pool sharks who also saw action were Marlon Manalo, Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey de Luna, Elvis Calasang, Mario Tolentino, Victor Arpilleda, Jericho Banares, Leonardo Didal, Edgar Acaba, Arnel Bautista, Florencio Banar and Elmer Kalaquian. Top PNP player Alex Nobleza, meanwhile is a referee in this world championship event.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

MARLON MANALO WINS OPENER IN WTBC

2008-09-29T02:25:00.000-07:00

FILIPINO MARLON MANALO got off to a bright start by beating Tee Chee-soon of Brunei, 9-6, at the start of the World Ten Ball Championship Monday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The reigning national champion bucked a slow start to beat Tee Chee-soon of Brunei, 9-6, and move within a win of clinching a spot in the knockout round. He will next face Fabio Petroni of Italy, a fomer world trickshot champion, who defeated Huidji See of the Netherlands, 9-7.

After winning the lag, Manalo proceeded to run out the opening frame. But a miss on the blue two allowed Tee to level the count. There were three deadlocks after eight racks, but there was no stopping Manalo when he started to pull away midway in the match. "Nahirapan lang ako mag-adjust sa lamesa. Masyado kasing mabilis ang tapete," said Manalo. Manalo clustered three racks to post a 7-4 lead and never looked back.
The fast surface kept him from running out consecutive racks, but the three-rack cushion proved enough for Manalo to pull through. "Alam ko naman na nahihirapan din sa bilis ng lamesa ang kalaban ko kaya hindi ako nag-worry masyado."

Elmer Kalaquian and Victor Arpilleda joined Manalo in the winner's bracket after posting convincing victories against separate rivals. Kalaquian toppled Matjaz Erculj of Slovenia, 9-3, while Arpilleda downed Wang Ko-pin of Chinese Taipei, 9-6.
Reigning national junior champion Jericho Banares failed to keep the momentum going for the Filipinos, losing to Steve Moore of the United States, 4-9.

Falling by the wayside were Elvis Calasang and Florencio Banar. Calasang fell to Naoyuki Oi of Japan, 8-9, while Banar bowed to Bruno Muratore of Italy, 5-9.

Meanwhile, last year's World Pool Championship winner Darryl Peach of England downed Hong Kong's Sit Shun-ching, 9-4.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

WORLD TEN BALL BEGINS

2008-09-29T02:18:00.000-07:00

A TOTAL of 128 players from 43 countries will vie for the prestigious honor of becoming the first-ever world champion in Ten Ball discipline.

The biggest sports event in the country - the inauguraL World Pool Association (WPA) World Ten Ball Championships (WTBC) fires off today, Monday September 29, 9:30 am where no less than Vice President Noli de Castro will do the ceremonial break at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Up for grab are a total pot prize of $400,000 where the champion gets the lion's share of $100,000.

Leading the participants are 47 players from Europe. With all three WPA world champions seeing in action in the WTBC, the Europeans loom as the heavy favorite in the Raya Sports organized tournament in close cooperation with the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, Philippine Billiards Foundation and Star Billards Center.

The three reigning world champions spearheading the European invasion are World 8-ball champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, World 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain and World straight pool champion Neils Feijen of the Netherlands.

Souquet won the World 8-Ball Championship in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates last
April after beating Filipino Ronato Alcano in the finals. Regarded as one of the most experienced among the 128 competing players in the main draw, the German ace considers the race as a free-for-all battle.

"Ten Ball is a lot different from nine ball and the luck factor has lessened," said
Souquet. "This makes the game more exciting."

Other notable European players include former World 9-ball titlist Thorsten Hohmann and Oliver Ortmann of Germany and Mika Immonen of Finland.

Not to be outdone the Americans headed by Shane Van Boening and Johnny Archer while Chinese-Taipei led by Wu Chia-ching, Yang Ching-shun, Ko Pin-yi and Chang Jung-lin.

Marlon Manalo, the reigning national open champion will carry the good fight for the Filipino pool sharks along with countryman Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey de Luna, Elvis Calasang, Elmer Kalaquian, Jericho Banares, Edgar Acaba, Arnel Bautista, Demosthenes Pulpul, Victor Arpilleda and Leonardo Didal.

"It's anybodies ball game," said the 31-year-old Barangay Talumpong, Mandaluyong City ace Manalo during the luncheon meeting yesterday at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Pasay City. "I will do my very best for flag and country," added Manalo, who beat 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, 11-5, in the finals to rule the 3rd BSCP National Pool Championships this year.

According to Yen Makabenta, head of the organizing Raya Sports group, the 128 players entered in the main draw will be divided into 16 groups of eight. They will compete under a double elimination format. Four players will advance from each group going to the Last 64. From the last 64 to the Finals the competition turns to a single elimination format. The player who wins a match advances to the next round, and the loser is knocked out of the tournament.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

FIVE CHAMPIONS TO VIE IN WORLD TEN BALL

2008-08-03T23:04:00.000-07:00

TWO reigning world champions, two winners in qualifying events, and the European number one women's player are the first to secure guaranteed spots in the inaugural WPA World Ten Ball Championship scheduled on September 29 to October 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

The five are Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, Ralf Soquet of Germany, Daryl Peach of England, Wu Chai-Ching of Chinese Taipei, and Antonio Gabica of the Philippines.

Ouschan secured her spot by virtue of her ranking as the top women's player in Europe and a direct invitation from the WPA. She is widely regarded as the top women's straight pool player in the world. She placed fifth in the 2006 World Straight Pool Championship featuring both men and women players.

Playing in the inaugural WTBC fulfills a major personal goal. She says: "My goal is to be one of the best players in the world and also to try to challenge the best male players in the world."

She will have much to challenge in the male players who have already secured spots in the WTBC.

Soquet earned his spot as the reigning WPA World 8-Ball Champion, which he won in Fujairah, UAE, last April. He has been a consistent top-five player in the world for the past five years.

Peach got his spot as the reigning WPA World 9-Ball Champion. He won the 2007 title in Manila last November.

Wu and Gabica are the first two winners of the WTBC qualifying events held under the Philippine Pool Tour.

Wu, a double world champion for 8-ball and 9-ball in 2005, won the Puerto Princesa Mayor's Cup of the PPT last June 17-22 in Puerto Princesa City.

Gabica, the reigning Philippine Open champion and Asian Games gold medalist, won the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup of the PPT last May 6-11 in Mandaluyong City.

Meanwhile, the qualifying of players for the WTBC under the WPA allocation system is currently ongoing. The majority of spots go to the continental associations. The rest are allocated for qualifying events and wild cards. Players interested in joining the WTBC are enjoined to contact their continental and national associations for information about how they can secure spots in the championship.

The Distribution of spots are as follows:
APBU - Asia 30
BCA - North America 14
EPBF - Europe 40
OPBA - Oceania 4
South America 4
AAPA - Africa 2
Spots for Women Players 7
WPA World Champions 3
Spots for Qualifying Events 14
Spots for Tour Events 4
Wild Cards 6

Total 128

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

"BEBENG" GALLEGO EYES REPEAT IN VILLAR CUP BUT WILL FIRST PLAY IN JAPAN CUP

2008-08-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

JAPAN based Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego tries to make two in a row when the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup goes to Davao City on August 21 to 23 at the Gaisano Mall.

The 41-year-old stalwart of rising Negros Billiards Stable of businessman Jonathan Sy defeated former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante in the semis, 10-9, then subdued La Union bet Carlo "Cool" Biado, 11-7, in the finals to rule the third leg of the Villar Cup over the weekend at the Event Center of SM City Marilao.

"Sana maidepensa ko ang aking titulo sa Davao leg bg Villar Cup, alam kong mahirap pero gagawin ko ang aking best," said the five-times Japan Champion, who also the 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour titlist.

"Bilang paghahanda ay pupunta ako sa Miyerkoles (today) sa Japan para sa isang exhibition match bago babalik ako sa August 18 para sa Villar Cup sa Davao City," said Gallego in an exclusive interview with this writer during the birthday celebration of the daughter of his NBS stablemate Warren "Warrior" Kiamco last Monday at the Kiamco's residential home in Commonwealth, Quezon City, interestingly coincide the State of the Nation (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The first two leg of Villar Cup are dominated by Kiamco (Alabang leg) and Gandy "Yang-Yang" Valle (Cebu leg).

NBS head coach Christopher "Toper" Palses said "Malaki ang paniniwala ko na malaki ang chance na mag world champion si Bebeng (Ramil Gallego) dahil nakita ko sa kanya ang dedikasyon sa larong bilyar,"

Gallego, who is fresh from winning the 14-1 Championships in Japan before the Marialo Leg of Villar Cup also schedule to compete in the longest-running and prestigious US Open 9-Ball Championship along with Kiamco, national champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and newest hottest sensation Ricky "Bai" Zerna, top player of the NBS squad to be held on October 19 to 25 at the Chesapeake, Virginia in the United States.

" Target ko talaga ang US Open, gusto kong mapaganda ang performance ko sa taong ito kaya malaking tulong ang paglalaro natin sa Japan Circuit at sa Villar Cup," last word of Gallego, who needed an 11 in a row from the loser's brackets enable him to finish at 5th place in the last year's edition of US 9-ball Open.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

JOSE PARICA REGAINS HIS OLD DEADLY FORM, TOPS STRAIGHT POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2008-08-03T22:59:00.001-07:00

JOSE "AMANG" PARICA regained his old deadly form beating Mexican Oscar Dominguez, 125-117, in the finals to rule the just concluded 14.1 Straight Pool Championships at the famous Hard Times Billiards in California, United States recently.

The West Covina based Parica, acknowledge the leader of the Filipino invasion in the US Pool circuit in the mid 80's pocketed the top prize of $1,200 for dominating the 45 players field. Dominguez, on the other hand settled runner-up purse of $525 for his effort. Another Filipino entry Danny Petralba landed at 12th place finish.
According to AZ billiards.com, the match went back and forth with safety battles and come from behind runs. At one point Parica had the lead in the 14 rack with a score of 111-67 when, all of a sudden, Parica with a 37 ball run to bring the score to 111-104. In the 17th rack Dominguez was not able to spread the rack and was forced to play safe. Safety battles were exchanged as well as fouls (intentional and unintentional). Eventually, Parica was able to squeak by with the win 125-117.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.

PAGULAYAN BEATS ORCOLLO, THE LION ROAR'S IN GUINNESS 9-BALL

2008-08-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

ALEX PAGULAYAN sealed last night his status as Number 1 in Philippine pool with a masterful 11-6 victory over compatriot World No.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo in the finals of Guinness 9 Ball Tour 2008 at the Velocity@Novena Square in Singapore.

With the victory, became the first to be officially proclaimed as Filipino Guinness 9-ball pool champion under the title sponsor of Guinness, an Irish stout beer, who replace former title sponsor San Miguel Beer. He adds the title to a long list that now includes the 2004 World Pool Championship, the 2005 US Open Championship, three gold medals in the December 2005 SEA Games, 2006 BSCP National Pool Championship and the 2008 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters. He also took home a cool $15,000 (P675,000) in prize.

"At last" commented the 30-year-old Pagulayan, one of the top players of Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, acknowledged Philippine Billiards God Father.

Orcollo, who is fresh from winning the first Qatar World 9-Ball this month settle runner-up prize of $6,000 (270,000).

The Bislig, Surigao del Sur ace nipped Yang Ching Shun of Chinese Taipei, 9 – 8, in a scintillating semi-final match yesterday to set up an all-Filipino clash in the finals with Pagulayan, who won earlier over Wu Chia Ching of Chinese Taipei, 9 – 6.

The last time a Filipino won a title on the Tour, formerly SMB Asian 9-ball tour organized by ESPN STAR Sports was in 2006 when Efren "Bata" Reyes beat Ricky Yang in Jakarta, Indonesia. This also marks the first time since Lee Van Corteza defeated Francisco "Django" Bustamante in Manila in 2004 that two Filipinos will battle for the crown.

The Chinese Taipei players previously dominated the Tour as the swept all six legs last year and the first three legs this year.

Up for grabs in the Singapore leg is a total prize purse of US$50,000 as well as points to qualify for the Tour's Grand Final in Jakarta, which will feature the Top Ten players in the overall Order of Merit. The winners of each leg will get to earn US$15,000 while the Grand Final Champion will pocket US$36,000. In addition, the Tour's Top 10 players will also automatically qualify for pool's most prestigious event, the 2008 WPA World Pool Championships later his year. The Guinness 9-Ball Tour remains the only ranking tour in Asia for players to qualify for the WPA World Pool Championship.

Following stops in Chinese-Taipei, Penang, Genting Highlands and Singapore, the six-city Tour will have its penultimate leg in Guangzhou in September before heading to Jakarta for the Grand Finals in October.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

CORTEZA SHOOT MONEY RICH $1M 9-BALL SHOOT-OUT

2008-08-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

REIGNING National Pool Champion Lee Vann Corteza will lead the assault of a strong Philippine contingent as the money rich Milliondollar9ballshootout gets underway on August 6-10 at Valley Forge Convention Center in Pennsylvania, United States.

Fondly called "The Slayer" in the pool arena, the 29-year-old pride of Davao City is eyeing his biggest win in his entire billiard career when he mix it up against world's best in this $1 M total purse where the champion getting the lion share of $150,000.

"I hope to perform well in this event," said Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) top player Corteza, also the 2006 All Japan Champion titlist enroute $20,000, his biggest pay check so far.

Other notable Filipino bets competing here are former world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Mandaluyong bet Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo and Macalelon, Quezon province native Santos "The Saint" Sambajon.

Host country will parade the likes of another world 9-ball titlist Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer and US Open 9-ball winner Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening, among others.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO