Friends,
Thanks for supporting this blog.
As 2007 comes to its end, and a new year unfolds, let us write our hurts on sand where winds of forgiveness can blow them away. And let us carve our blessings on stone so no storm can ever wash them away.
Let us thank God for all that has been.... And all that will be!
Here's wishing you and your loved ones continued blessings of good health, security, serenity, much love, laughter, and prosperity throughout 2008!
All the best,
Jovie Sison
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
BILLIARDS YEARENDER 2007
BILLIARDS FAILS TO TAKE THE CUE
MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine billiards should have taken its cue from a fruitful 2006. Instead, the year 2007 became the calendar equivalent of scratches and dry breaks.
Ironically, the year got off on the right foot for the country's pool sharks with Efren "Bata" Reyes leading a 1-2-3 finish for the Philippines in the Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus last January in Louisville, Kentucky.
Compatriots Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Francisco "Django" Bustamante completed the Filipino trinity.
But everything seemed to spiral downward from thereon.
From the nation-hopping Asian Tour series to the prestigious World Pool Championship, Philippine bets struggled mightily against a foreign field that used to be cowed by their presence alone.
Ronnie Alcano gave the Philippines its brightest spot, winning the World 8-ball title in March, allowing him to hold at the same time world titles in both 8- and 9-ball events.
It was actually the second 8-ball crown for the 34-year-old lanky cue artist from Laguna.
Reyes, considered by many as the greatest pool player of all time, was the first Filipino to hold the world 8-ball title and the world 9-ball crown at the same time.
Alcano, who battled charges of child abuse in the middle of the year, also won the 8-ball event in the 24th Southeast Asian Games.
Rubilen Amit also made her mark in the international scene, finishing second in the Women's World 9-Ball Championship in Tao Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan. She lost to Xiao-Ting Pan of China in the finals to settle for the $10,000 runner-up prize.
Still, Amit created the biggest stir in the tournament when she claimed the scalp of five-time champion Allison Fisher and two-time winner Ga-Young Kim of South Korea in the early rounds.
Despite the success of Alcano and Amit, billiards fans had their eyes on the Asian Tour and the World Pool Championship that the country was going to host.
Wiped out
As it turned out, there was little to look forward to.
After sweeping the tour last year, the Filipinos failed to win a single leg this time.
The country sent its best players in the nation-hopping tour although Reyes, a multiple leg and three-time overall tour champion, didn't join along with Bustamante because of sponsorship clashes.
The two are endorsers of the San Miguel Corp., a rival company of Guinness -- the tour's title sponsor this year.
Lee Vann Corteza bowed to Chang Jung-ling, 5-11, in the opening leg at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia.
They met again in the tour's grand final at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia with Jung reasserting his supremacy over Corteza, 11-8.
In between the Indonesia stops, the Filipinos failed to even reach the finals of the tour they dominated in the first four years.
"I don't know what hit us in the tour," said BSCP president Ernesto "Ernie" Fajardo. "I guess the law of averages caught up with us."
In the WPC, the talented Filipino pool players had no problem reaching the hill in major tournaments all season.
But they somehow found it hard to go over it.
Superman
A new name rose in the WPC when Roberto Gomez, nicknamed Superman, eliminated one favored foreign foe after another to reach the finals of the tournament and hoist the Filipino hopes of a victory on home soil.
In his path stood Englishman Daryl Peach.
If ever there was any omen pointing to a disastrous finish, it was one seemingly trivial fact: Peach is a dead ringer for Superman arch nemesis Lex Luthor.
Gomez lost a nervy final, 17-15, one where it became apparent that the winner would be the competitor with the least mistakes.
"The nerves got the better of me," admitted Gomez. "I felt bad because I know that I let my countrymen down. But I'll make sure to make up for it in future events."
Perhaps the person who mirrored RP billiards' failures the most was the legendary Reyes.
The long-time icon of the sport everywhere in the world failed to make a dent after a strong run last year.
He was on fire last year, winning two legs and the overall championship in the Asian Tour, and claiming the title and the $500,000 top prize in the International Pool Tour.
He also combined with Bustamante to top the inaugural World Cup of Pool.
But nagging pains on his fingers and occasional shaking of hands proved too much to handle for the game's living legend.
He crashed out in the first round of the knockout phase in the WPC. He and Bustamante also bowed to eventual winners Li He-wen and Fu Jian-bo of China in the quarterfinals of the World Cup of Pool.
Billiards officials can only hope that next year will be a rosier one for the sport.
Marlon Bernardino, contributor
MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine billiards should have taken its cue from a fruitful 2006. Instead, the year 2007 became the calendar equivalent of scratches and dry breaks.
Ironically, the year got off on the right foot for the country's pool sharks with Efren "Bata" Reyes leading a 1-2-3 finish for the Philippines in the Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus last January in Louisville, Kentucky.
Compatriots Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Francisco "Django" Bustamante completed the Filipino trinity.
But everything seemed to spiral downward from thereon.
From the nation-hopping Asian Tour series to the prestigious World Pool Championship, Philippine bets struggled mightily against a foreign field that used to be cowed by their presence alone.
Ronnie Alcano gave the Philippines its brightest spot, winning the World 8-ball title in March, allowing him to hold at the same time world titles in both 8- and 9-ball events.
It was actually the second 8-ball crown for the 34-year-old lanky cue artist from Laguna.
Reyes, considered by many as the greatest pool player of all time, was the first Filipino to hold the world 8-ball title and the world 9-ball crown at the same time.
Alcano, who battled charges of child abuse in the middle of the year, also won the 8-ball event in the 24th Southeast Asian Games.
Rubilen Amit also made her mark in the international scene, finishing second in the Women's World 9-Ball Championship in Tao Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan. She lost to Xiao-Ting Pan of China in the finals to settle for the $10,000 runner-up prize.
Still, Amit created the biggest stir in the tournament when she claimed the scalp of five-time champion Allison Fisher and two-time winner Ga-Young Kim of South Korea in the early rounds.
Despite the success of Alcano and Amit, billiards fans had their eyes on the Asian Tour and the World Pool Championship that the country was going to host.
Wiped out
As it turned out, there was little to look forward to.
After sweeping the tour last year, the Filipinos failed to win a single leg this time.
The country sent its best players in the nation-hopping tour although Reyes, a multiple leg and three-time overall tour champion, didn't join along with Bustamante because of sponsorship clashes.
The two are endorsers of the San Miguel Corp., a rival company of Guinness -- the tour's title sponsor this year.
Lee Vann Corteza bowed to Chang Jung-ling, 5-11, in the opening leg at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia.
They met again in the tour's grand final at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia with Jung reasserting his supremacy over Corteza, 11-8.
In between the Indonesia stops, the Filipinos failed to even reach the finals of the tour they dominated in the first four years.
"I don't know what hit us in the tour," said BSCP president Ernesto "Ernie" Fajardo. "I guess the law of averages caught up with us."
In the WPC, the talented Filipino pool players had no problem reaching the hill in major tournaments all season.
But they somehow found it hard to go over it.
Superman
A new name rose in the WPC when Roberto Gomez, nicknamed Superman, eliminated one favored foreign foe after another to reach the finals of the tournament and hoist the Filipino hopes of a victory on home soil.
In his path stood Englishman Daryl Peach.
If ever there was any omen pointing to a disastrous finish, it was one seemingly trivial fact: Peach is a dead ringer for Superman arch nemesis Lex Luthor.
Gomez lost a nervy final, 17-15, one where it became apparent that the winner would be the competitor with the least mistakes.
"The nerves got the better of me," admitted Gomez. "I felt bad because I know that I let my countrymen down. But I'll make sure to make up for it in future events."
Perhaps the person who mirrored RP billiards' failures the most was the legendary Reyes.
The long-time icon of the sport everywhere in the world failed to make a dent after a strong run last year.
He was on fire last year, winning two legs and the overall championship in the Asian Tour, and claiming the title and the $500,000 top prize in the International Pool Tour.
He also combined with Bustamante to top the inaugural World Cup of Pool.
But nagging pains on his fingers and occasional shaking of hands proved too much to handle for the game's living legend.
He crashed out in the first round of the knockout phase in the WPC. He and Bustamante also bowed to eventual winners Li He-wen and Fu Jian-bo of China in the quarterfinals of the World Cup of Pool.
Billiards officials can only hope that next year will be a rosier one for the sport.
Marlon Bernardino, contributor
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
PHILIPPINE BILLIARDS YEARENDER 2007
PHILIPPINES BILLIARDS FELL SHORT IN BIG TOURNAMENTS
PHILIPPINE Billiards enjoyed its finest year in 2006, unfortunately, not this year, after Filipino pool sharks failed to win in major events including the most prestigious 9-ball tournament, the World Pool Championships, the US Open 9-Ball, the longest running 9-Ball competition in the United States, and Guinness Asian 9-Ball Tour, formerly SMB Asian 9-Ball Tour despite a magnificent performance of Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes.
Nice start in January 2007
The 53-year-old Reyes, of Puyat Sports, was $20,000 richer by winning the Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus last January 3 to 7 at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the hometowns of former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali. Compatriots Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Francisco "Django" Bustamante completed the Filipinos 1-2-3 finish.
The charismatic cue artist from Angeles City, Pampanga bagged also his fourth straight Derby City Classic one-pocket billiards title at the expense of American Cliff Joyner.
In February 2007, neophyte Roberto Gomez and Jharome Peña failed to advance in the money round of 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 8-Ball Championships in Oslo, Norway but bounced back by occupying the top two spots in the 9-ball competition.
In March 2007, Ronato Alcano followed the foot steps of Reyes and Taiwanese Wu Chia-chiang, to become a title-holder in both the WPA 9-Ball and WPA 8-Ball competitions.
The 34-year-old lanky cue artists Alcano from Calamba City, Laguna grabbed his second straight world title in the World 8-Ball Championship in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates at the expense of compatriot Dennis Orcollo.
It was the second straight all-Filipino finale in the biggest 8-ball competition in the world. Reyes toppled Marlon Manalo in the 2004 edition.
Joven Bustamante, a former teaching pro in the Middle East, introduced himself on the big stage with an impressive third place finish in the event that ran from March 1-8.
Alcano's victory made him only the third player in history to win a world title in 8-ball and 9-ball.
Efren "Bata" Reyes, considered by many as the greatest pool player of all time, was the first, winning the world 8-ball title four times and the world 9-ball title once.
Wu pulled off the trick by topping the 2005 WPC and the World 8-Ball the following year.
Before the World 8-Ball, Alcano settled for second place with eventual winner Mika Immonen of Finland in the Korea Pro Pool Tour Championships last February 10-13 at the Lotte Department Store in Incheon, Korea to pocket the runner-up prize of $4,000.
Alcano failed to sustain his winning form due to child abuse controversy?
Alcano failed to sustain his winning form in the local scene after a magnificent performance in the World 8-Ball did find himself on the papers, on the front page no less, during the opening round of the 2nd BSCP National Open. But the story was about the rape and child abuse charges filed against him by his 14-year-old daughter. The news rocked Alcano and Philippine Billiards.
Lee Vann Corteza, the top player of the rising Negros Billiards Stable honcho Jonathan Sy, topped the 2nd BSCP National Open after edging Marlon Manalo in the finals.
Irish Rañola and Mary Ann Basas stole the limelight from top player Rubilen Amit on the distaff side. Rañola, the more seasoned of the two, raced to a big lead early and held on to win the crown.
Amit rebounded strongly in the Women's World 9-Ball Championship in Tao Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan.
The 25-year-old dead-ringer of actress/singer Aiza Seguerra finished second in the toughest tournament for lady cue artists while beating two former world champions along the way.
She lost to Xiao-Ting Pan of China in the finals to settle for the $10,000 runner-up prize.
But Amit created the biggest wave in the event as she claimed the heads of five-time champion Allison Fisher and two-time winner Ga-Young Kim of South Korea in the early rounds.
The country's top female player eliminated Fisher in the group play with a 5-3 win and ousted Kim, 7-2, in the quarterfinals.
Former World No.1 Bustamante earned an ourtight WPC ticket
Another Puyat Sports top player Francisco "Django" Bustamante bested American Johnny Archer in the finals of UPA US Pro Tour Championships last March 27 to April 1at the Normandie Casino in Los Angeles, California to earned him an outright ticket to the World Pool Championships (WPC) plus the top prize of $10,000.
Bustamante claimed another championship trophy in the one pocket competition of Hard Times Summer Jamboree in Sacramento , California. Bustamante completed an undefeated week in the middle of June by ruling the Hard Times 9-Ball Summer Jamboree.
Big Letdown
After sweeping the Asian 9-Ball Tour last year, the Filipinos failed to win a single leg this time.
The shutout was inexplicable.
The country sent its best players in the nation-hopping tour although Reyes, a multiple leg and three-time overall tour champion, didn't join along with Bustamante.
The two were commercial models of the San Miguel Corporation, a rival company of Guinness – the tour's title sponsor this year.
Corteza, the national champ, bowed to Chang Jung-ling, 5-11, in the opening leg at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia .
They met again in the tour's grand final at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia with Jung reasserting his supremacy over Corteza, 11-8.
In between the Indonesia stops, the Filipinos failed to even reach the finals of the tour they dominated in the first four years.
"I don't know what hit us in the tour," said BSCP president Ernesto "Ernie" Fajardo. "I guess the law of averages caught up with us."
The Filipinos' inability to finish strong was amplified in the succeeding major tournaments namely the US Open and the mother of all tournaments – the World Pool Championship.
The single biggest disappointment among the local players this season was Reyes himself. The most popular cue artist in the world went on a year-long dry spell in major tournaments.
He was on fire last year, winning two legs and the overall championship in the Asian Tour, and claiming the title and the $500,000 top prize in the International Pool Tour.
He also combined with Bustamante to top the inaugural World Cup of Pool Scotch Doubles Championship.
But nagging pains on his fingers, stiffening neck and occasional shaking of hands proved too much to handle for the game's living legend.
He's winless in 9-ball and 8-ball events and crashed out in the first round of the knockout phase in the WPC. He and Bustamante also bowed to eventual winners Li He-wen and Fu Jian-bo of China in the quarterfinals of the World Cup of Pool.
Reyes capped his uneventful season with a loss to Wu in the quarterfinals of the 2007 All Japan Championship. Wu proceeded to win the title.
So Close yet so far
The talented Filipino pool players had no problem reaching the hill in major tournaments all season. But they somehow found it hard to go over it.
Aside from the near misses in the Asian 9-Ball Tour and the WPC, a Filipino also flirted with the championship and a historic feat in the US Open.
Alcano got a rare chance of completing a hat-trick in pool – winning three major titles in a row – when he reached the finals of the US Open against American Shane Van Boening.
But steady play from the deaf cue artist and – reports said – suspicious racking by the hometown referee cost the Filipino an exclusive place in pool history.
SUPERMAN ON THE RISE
After a dominant showing in the group play, the Filipinos struggled in the first round of the knockout phase.
The Philippines sent 13 players in the main draw, the most by any country in the competition.
But eight, mostly the superstars, crashed out early in the Round of 64.
In the end, unheralded Roberto Gomez was left to carry the fight for the Filipinos. He fell short, just like his compatriots in big tournaments late in the season.
On the flipside, the rise of young guns like Gomez gives the country something to look forward to in the sport where we are expected to dominate.
Gomez, 29, became the first ever player out of the qualifying stage to reach the finals of the biggest pool event in the world.
The former ABS-CBN provincial correspondent, nicknamed Filipino Superman by the local media because of his looks and built, was flawless in the preliminary and the first five rounds of the knockout stage.
He opened his campaign in the knockout with a 10-1 win over veteran internationalist Alex Lely of the Netherlands.
"After beating Lely I felt lighter and more confident," said Gomez. "No matter what happens I know that I'll have a better finish than last year."
Seeded first heading into the knockout stage, Gomez bowed to Alcano in the Round of 64 last year.
With the proverbial monkey off his back, Gomez cruised through the succeeding rounds.
He manhandled two-time world champion Chao Fong-pang of Taiwan, 10-2, and Europe's top rated player Niels Feijen, 11-0, in the next two rounds.
In the quarterfinals, Gomez raced to a 6-0 lead and held off the late charge of former WPC finalist Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan, 11-4.
He got off on a wrong foot in the semifinals, falling 0-4 against England's No. 1 player Karl Boyes, but the end result was the same, an 11-4 triumph.
The finals followed an entirely different storyline.
The pitiful sight of Gomez, teary eyed after squandering a 15-12 lead, had been played and replayed all over the world.
The Filipino Superman fell to a spitting image of Lex Luthor, a skinhead from England named Daryl Peach.
"The nerves got the better of me," admitted Gomez. "I felt bad because I know that I let my countrymen down. But I'll make sure to make up for it in future events."
Still, his achievement didn't go unnoticed. "For me Gomez is the best player in the WPC," said Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) chairman Yen Makabenta. "He just picked the wrong time to lose."
RP CUE BOUNCED BACK AFTER WPC TILT
The Filipino pool cue bounced back after failing to retain the WPC crown, The Philippine team represented by Marlon Manalo, Gandy Valle, Ronato Alcano, Antonio Gabica and Jeffrey de Luna defetead Rest of the World which are composed of Rodney Morris, Marcus Chamat, Karl Boyles, Darren Appleton and John Higgins in the SMC Kabayan World Tour in Calapan City, Mindoro last Nov.12-13. Then Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan took the Negros Oriental International Open crown beating compatriot Ramil Gallego in the all- Filipino finals last Nov.14-17 in Dumaguete City.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES
The Filipino pool players finished with three (3) golds, two (2) silvers and four (4) bronzes in the just concluded 24th Southeast Asian Games at the Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The gold medals in billiards came from Gabica and Marlon Manalo in the Men's 9-Ball Pool Doubles, Ronato Alcano in the Men's 8-Ball Pool Singles and Rubilen Amit in the Women's 9-Ball Pool Singles.
Lee Vann Corteza and Mary-Ann Basas, both from Davao City failed to deliver more golds in billiards after losing their respective assigments in the championships round.The 28-year-old Corteza, prize fighter of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) bowed to Indonesian Ricky Yang, 11-8, in the 9-ball pool finals while Basas yielded to Santhinee Jaisuekul of Thailand, 4-3, in the finals of Women's 6 Snooker Singles. The other bronzes came in the Men's Snooker Doubles and in the Women's 8-Ball Pool Singles.
Gold: Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica (Men's 9-Ball Pool Doubles)
Gold: Ronato Alcano (Men's 8-Ball Pool Singles)
Gold: Rubilen Amit (Women's 9-Ball Pool Singles)
Silver: Lee Vann Corteza (Men's 9-Ball Pool Singles)
Silver: Mary-Ann Basas (Women's 6 Snooker Singles)
Bronze: Antonio Gabica (Men's 9-ball Pool Singles)
Bronze: Iris Ranola (Women's 6 Snooker Singles)
Bronze: Benjie Guevarra and James Al Ortega (Men's Snooker Doubles)
Bronze: Rubilen Amit (Women's 8-Ball Pool Singles)
The Philippines, indeed, is a force to reckon with in the world of pool this year. And, by the looks of it, things are not about to change in 2008.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
PHILIPPINE Billiards enjoyed its finest year in 2006, unfortunately, not this year, after Filipino pool sharks failed to win in major events including the most prestigious 9-ball tournament, the World Pool Championships, the US Open 9-Ball, the longest running 9-Ball competition in the United States, and Guinness Asian 9-Ball Tour, formerly SMB Asian 9-Ball Tour despite a magnificent performance of Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes.
Nice start in January 2007
The 53-year-old Reyes, of Puyat Sports, was $20,000 richer by winning the Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus last January 3 to 7 at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the hometowns of former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali. Compatriots Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Francisco "Django" Bustamante completed the Filipinos 1-2-3 finish.
The charismatic cue artist from Angeles City, Pampanga bagged also his fourth straight Derby City Classic one-pocket billiards title at the expense of American Cliff Joyner.
In February 2007, neophyte Roberto Gomez and Jharome Peña failed to advance in the money round of 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 8-Ball Championships in Oslo, Norway but bounced back by occupying the top two spots in the 9-ball competition.
In March 2007, Ronato Alcano followed the foot steps of Reyes and Taiwanese Wu Chia-chiang, to become a title-holder in both the WPA 9-Ball and WPA 8-Ball competitions.
The 34-year-old lanky cue artists Alcano from Calamba City, Laguna grabbed his second straight world title in the World 8-Ball Championship in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates at the expense of compatriot Dennis Orcollo.
It was the second straight all-Filipino finale in the biggest 8-ball competition in the world. Reyes toppled Marlon Manalo in the 2004 edition.
Joven Bustamante, a former teaching pro in the Middle East, introduced himself on the big stage with an impressive third place finish in the event that ran from March 1-8.
Alcano's victory made him only the third player in history to win a world title in 8-ball and 9-ball.
Efren "Bata" Reyes, considered by many as the greatest pool player of all time, was the first, winning the world 8-ball title four times and the world 9-ball title once.
Wu pulled off the trick by topping the 2005 WPC and the World 8-Ball the following year.
Before the World 8-Ball, Alcano settled for second place with eventual winner Mika Immonen of Finland in the Korea Pro Pool Tour Championships last February 10-13 at the Lotte Department Store in Incheon, Korea to pocket the runner-up prize of $4,000.
Alcano failed to sustain his winning form due to child abuse controversy?
Alcano failed to sustain his winning form in the local scene after a magnificent performance in the World 8-Ball did find himself on the papers, on the front page no less, during the opening round of the 2nd BSCP National Open. But the story was about the rape and child abuse charges filed against him by his 14-year-old daughter. The news rocked Alcano and Philippine Billiards.
Lee Vann Corteza, the top player of the rising Negros Billiards Stable honcho Jonathan Sy, topped the 2nd BSCP National Open after edging Marlon Manalo in the finals.
Irish Rañola and Mary Ann Basas stole the limelight from top player Rubilen Amit on the distaff side. Rañola, the more seasoned of the two, raced to a big lead early and held on to win the crown.
Amit rebounded strongly in the Women's World 9-Ball Championship in Tao Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan.
The 25-year-old dead-ringer of actress/singer Aiza Seguerra finished second in the toughest tournament for lady cue artists while beating two former world champions along the way.
She lost to Xiao-Ting Pan of China in the finals to settle for the $10,000 runner-up prize.
But Amit created the biggest wave in the event as she claimed the heads of five-time champion Allison Fisher and two-time winner Ga-Young Kim of South Korea in the early rounds.
The country's top female player eliminated Fisher in the group play with a 5-3 win and ousted Kim, 7-2, in the quarterfinals.
Former World No.1 Bustamante earned an ourtight WPC ticket
Another Puyat Sports top player Francisco "Django" Bustamante bested American Johnny Archer in the finals of UPA US Pro Tour Championships last March 27 to April 1at the Normandie Casino in Los Angeles, California to earned him an outright ticket to the World Pool Championships (WPC) plus the top prize of $10,000.
Bustamante claimed another championship trophy in the one pocket competition of Hard Times Summer Jamboree in Sacramento , California. Bustamante completed an undefeated week in the middle of June by ruling the Hard Times 9-Ball Summer Jamboree.
Big Letdown
After sweeping the Asian 9-Ball Tour last year, the Filipinos failed to win a single leg this time.
The shutout was inexplicable.
The country sent its best players in the nation-hopping tour although Reyes, a multiple leg and three-time overall tour champion, didn't join along with Bustamante.
The two were commercial models of the San Miguel Corporation, a rival company of Guinness – the tour's title sponsor this year.
Corteza, the national champ, bowed to Chang Jung-ling, 5-11, in the opening leg at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia .
They met again in the tour's grand final at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia with Jung reasserting his supremacy over Corteza, 11-8.
In between the Indonesia stops, the Filipinos failed to even reach the finals of the tour they dominated in the first four years.
"I don't know what hit us in the tour," said BSCP president Ernesto "Ernie" Fajardo. "I guess the law of averages caught up with us."
The Filipinos' inability to finish strong was amplified in the succeeding major tournaments namely the US Open and the mother of all tournaments – the World Pool Championship.
The single biggest disappointment among the local players this season was Reyes himself. The most popular cue artist in the world went on a year-long dry spell in major tournaments.
He was on fire last year, winning two legs and the overall championship in the Asian Tour, and claiming the title and the $500,000 top prize in the International Pool Tour.
He also combined with Bustamante to top the inaugural World Cup of Pool Scotch Doubles Championship.
But nagging pains on his fingers, stiffening neck and occasional shaking of hands proved too much to handle for the game's living legend.
He's winless in 9-ball and 8-ball events and crashed out in the first round of the knockout phase in the WPC. He and Bustamante also bowed to eventual winners Li He-wen and Fu Jian-bo of China in the quarterfinals of the World Cup of Pool.
Reyes capped his uneventful season with a loss to Wu in the quarterfinals of the 2007 All Japan Championship. Wu proceeded to win the title.
So Close yet so far
The talented Filipino pool players had no problem reaching the hill in major tournaments all season. But they somehow found it hard to go over it.
Aside from the near misses in the Asian 9-Ball Tour and the WPC, a Filipino also flirted with the championship and a historic feat in the US Open.
Alcano got a rare chance of completing a hat-trick in pool – winning three major titles in a row – when he reached the finals of the US Open against American Shane Van Boening.
But steady play from the deaf cue artist and – reports said – suspicious racking by the hometown referee cost the Filipino an exclusive place in pool history.
SUPERMAN ON THE RISE
After a dominant showing in the group play, the Filipinos struggled in the first round of the knockout phase.
The Philippines sent 13 players in the main draw, the most by any country in the competition.
But eight, mostly the superstars, crashed out early in the Round of 64.
In the end, unheralded Roberto Gomez was left to carry the fight for the Filipinos. He fell short, just like his compatriots in big tournaments late in the season.
On the flipside, the rise of young guns like Gomez gives the country something to look forward to in the sport where we are expected to dominate.
Gomez, 29, became the first ever player out of the qualifying stage to reach the finals of the biggest pool event in the world.
The former ABS-CBN provincial correspondent, nicknamed Filipino Superman by the local media because of his looks and built, was flawless in the preliminary and the first five rounds of the knockout stage.
He opened his campaign in the knockout with a 10-1 win over veteran internationalist Alex Lely of the Netherlands.
"After beating Lely I felt lighter and more confident," said Gomez. "No matter what happens I know that I'll have a better finish than last year."
Seeded first heading into the knockout stage, Gomez bowed to Alcano in the Round of 64 last year.
With the proverbial monkey off his back, Gomez cruised through the succeeding rounds.
He manhandled two-time world champion Chao Fong-pang of Taiwan, 10-2, and Europe's top rated player Niels Feijen, 11-0, in the next two rounds.
In the quarterfinals, Gomez raced to a 6-0 lead and held off the late charge of former WPC finalist Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan, 11-4.
He got off on a wrong foot in the semifinals, falling 0-4 against England's No. 1 player Karl Boyes, but the end result was the same, an 11-4 triumph.
The finals followed an entirely different storyline.
The pitiful sight of Gomez, teary eyed after squandering a 15-12 lead, had been played and replayed all over the world.
The Filipino Superman fell to a spitting image of Lex Luthor, a skinhead from England named Daryl Peach.
"The nerves got the better of me," admitted Gomez. "I felt bad because I know that I let my countrymen down. But I'll make sure to make up for it in future events."
Still, his achievement didn't go unnoticed. "For me Gomez is the best player in the WPC," said Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) chairman Yen Makabenta. "He just picked the wrong time to lose."
RP CUE BOUNCED BACK AFTER WPC TILT
The Filipino pool cue bounced back after failing to retain the WPC crown, The Philippine team represented by Marlon Manalo, Gandy Valle, Ronato Alcano, Antonio Gabica and Jeffrey de Luna defetead Rest of the World which are composed of Rodney Morris, Marcus Chamat, Karl Boyles, Darren Appleton and John Higgins in the SMC Kabayan World Tour in Calapan City, Mindoro last Nov.12-13. Then Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan took the Negros Oriental International Open crown beating compatriot Ramil Gallego in the all- Filipino finals last Nov.14-17 in Dumaguete City.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES
The Filipino pool players finished with three (3) golds, two (2) silvers and four (4) bronzes in the just concluded 24th Southeast Asian Games at the Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The gold medals in billiards came from Gabica and Marlon Manalo in the Men's 9-Ball Pool Doubles, Ronato Alcano in the Men's 8-Ball Pool Singles and Rubilen Amit in the Women's 9-Ball Pool Singles.
Lee Vann Corteza and Mary-Ann Basas, both from Davao City failed to deliver more golds in billiards after losing their respective assigments in the championships round.The 28-year-old Corteza, prize fighter of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) bowed to Indonesian Ricky Yang, 11-8, in the 9-ball pool finals while Basas yielded to Santhinee Jaisuekul of Thailand, 4-3, in the finals of Women's 6 Snooker Singles. The other bronzes came in the Men's Snooker Doubles and in the Women's 8-Ball Pool Singles.
Gold: Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica (Men's 9-Ball Pool Doubles)
Gold: Ronato Alcano (Men's 8-Ball Pool Singles)
Gold: Rubilen Amit (Women's 9-Ball Pool Singles)
Silver: Lee Vann Corteza (Men's 9-Ball Pool Singles)
Silver: Mary-Ann Basas (Women's 6 Snooker Singles)
Bronze: Antonio Gabica (Men's 9-ball Pool Singles)
Bronze: Iris Ranola (Women's 6 Snooker Singles)
Bronze: Benjie Guevarra and James Al Ortega (Men's Snooker Doubles)
Bronze: Rubilen Amit (Women's 8-Ball Pool Singles)
The Philippines, indeed, is a force to reckon with in the world of pool this year. And, by the looks of it, things are not about to change in 2008.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Saturday, December 15, 2007
FILIPINO WINS VIKING 9-BALL TOUR
SANTOS SAMBAJON WINS VIKING CUE 9-BALL TOUR
FILIPINO SANTOS "THE SAINT" SAMBAJON added feather in his cap by winning the just concluded 2007 Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour stop at the Chris's Cue Phoria Billiards in River Grove, Illinois.
The native of Macalelon, Quezon province demolished Noy Vichiensaen, 9-3, in the finals to bag the Open division title plus the top purse of $1,375. Vichiensaen settled for runner-up place to receive $750.
The undefeated Sambajon earlier beat Nicole Hernandez 9-2; Joe Kendrigan 9-5; Sergio Perez 9-5; Tom Spencer 9-5; and Vichiensaen to win the hot seat.Vichiensaen toppled Perez, 7-3, in the one-loss side to arrange a rematch win Sambajon.
Meanwhile, Ponc Cruz trounced Tommy Hernandez, 7-6, in the finals to emerge champion in the Amateur section. He pocketed $640 for his effort.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
FILIPINO SANTOS "THE SAINT" SAMBAJON added feather in his cap by winning the just concluded 2007 Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour stop at the Chris's Cue Phoria Billiards in River Grove, Illinois.
The native of Macalelon, Quezon province demolished Noy Vichiensaen, 9-3, in the finals to bag the Open division title plus the top purse of $1,375. Vichiensaen settled for runner-up place to receive $750.
The undefeated Sambajon earlier beat Nicole Hernandez 9-2; Joe Kendrigan 9-5; Sergio Perez 9-5; Tom Spencer 9-5; and Vichiensaen to win the hot seat.Vichiensaen toppled Perez, 7-3, in the one-loss side to arrange a rematch win Sambajon.
Meanwhile, Ponc Cruz trounced Tommy Hernandez, 7-6, in the finals to emerge champion in the Amateur section. He pocketed $640 for his effort.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Friday, December 14, 2007
SEA GAMES POOL RESULTS
CORTEZA, BASAS SETTLES FOR SILVER IN THEIR EVENTS
Gold: Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica (Men's 9-Ball Pool Doubles)
Gold: Ronato Alcano (Men's 8-Ball Pool Singles)
Gold: Rubilen Amit (Women's 9-Ball Pool Singles)
Silver: Lee Vann Corteza (Men's 9-Ball Pool Singles)
Silver: Mary-Ann Basas (Women's 6 Snooker Singles)
Bronze: Antonio Gabica (Men's 9-ball Pool Singles)
Bronze: Iris Ranola (Women's 6 Snooker Singles)
Bronze: Benjie Guevarra and James Al Ortega (Men's Snooker Doubles)
Bronze: Rubilen Amit (Women's 8-Ball Pool Singles)
THIS time two Filipinos---Lee Vann Corteza and Mary-Ann Basas failed to delivered another gold for the country in the ongoing 24th Southeast Asian Games in Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on Friday.
Corteza, bowed to Indonesian Ricky Yang, 11-8, in the 9-ball pool finals and failed to duplicates Alex Pagulayan's feat in the 2005 Manila SEAG edition.
Compatriot Antonio Gabica, who lost to Yang, 11-7, in the semi-final round took the bronze medal after beating Chan Kwen Kang of Singapore, 11-7, in the battle for third.
Basas, on the other hand yielded to Santhinee Jaisuekul of Thailand, 4-3, in the finals of Women's 6 Snooker Singles. Another Filipino entry Iris Ranola settled for third place for the bronze medal by beating Ekmongkhon Nicha Pathom of Thailand, 4-3.
Jaisuekul earlier beat Ranola, 4-0, to arrange a titular showdown with Basas, who also post a similar 4-0 victory over Pathom.
The Filipinos finished with a total of 3 golds, 2 silvers and 4 bronze medals.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Gold: Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica (Men's 9-Ball Pool Doubles)
Gold: Ronato Alcano (Men's 8-Ball Pool Singles)
Gold: Rubilen Amit (Women's 9-Ball Pool Singles)
Silver: Lee Vann Corteza (Men's 9-Ball Pool Singles)
Silver: Mary-Ann Basas (Women's 6 Snooker Singles)
Bronze: Antonio Gabica (Men's 9-ball Pool Singles)
Bronze: Iris Ranola (Women's 6 Snooker Singles)
Bronze: Benjie Guevarra and James Al Ortega (Men's Snooker Doubles)
Bronze: Rubilen Amit (Women's 8-Ball Pool Singles)
THIS time two Filipinos---Lee Vann Corteza and Mary-Ann Basas failed to delivered another gold for the country in the ongoing 24th Southeast Asian Games in Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on Friday.
Corteza, bowed to Indonesian Ricky Yang, 11-8, in the 9-ball pool finals and failed to duplicates Alex Pagulayan's feat in the 2005 Manila SEAG edition.
Compatriot Antonio Gabica, who lost to Yang, 11-7, in the semi-final round took the bronze medal after beating Chan Kwen Kang of Singapore, 11-7, in the battle for third.
Basas, on the other hand yielded to Santhinee Jaisuekul of Thailand, 4-3, in the finals of Women's 6 Snooker Singles. Another Filipino entry Iris Ranola settled for third place for the bronze medal by beating Ekmongkhon Nicha Pathom of Thailand, 4-3.
Jaisuekul earlier beat Ranola, 4-0, to arrange a titular showdown with Basas, who also post a similar 4-0 victory over Pathom.
The Filipinos finished with a total of 3 golds, 2 silvers and 4 bronze medals.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
ALCANO WINS 8-BALL GOLD IN SEAG
WORLD CHAMP ALCANO WINS 8-BALL POOL GOLD IN THAI SEAG
DESPITE intestinal problems caused by suspected food poisoning, former world pool champion Ronato Alcano recovered from Wednesday to win the Men's 8-ball gold medal by beating Singapore's Tey Choon Kiat, 9-6, in the finals of 24th Southeast Asian Games at the Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
"May nakain na hindi daw maganda si Ronnie (Alcano) kasi sa tingin nila na food poisoning," said journalist Noli Cruz of Mansalay, Mindoro, who is the publicist of Bugsy Promotion.
Alcano complained early Tuesday of loose bowel movement after taking a late dinner and was lucky to get through the final. "Akala ko di na ako makakapaglaro dahil suka ako ng suka," he added earlier.
Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo lauded Alcano's for his determination to bring honor to the country.
"Y'ung pag-uugali ni Ronnie (Alcano) na magbigay ng karangalan sa bansa bagama't may dinaramdam na sakit ay nagpapatunay na likas na pag-uugali ng isang Filipino atleta. Anuman pagsubok o balakid sa buhay ang mahalaga ay magbigay ng karangalan sa bayan. Walang makakapigil," said Fajardo.
Although Alcano suspected a possible foul play, Dr. Marion Rivera, who treated the
pool virtuoso, dismissed such thought.
"It's unlikely that food poisoning downed Alcano because no one else got it," Dr.
Rivera said. "It's just a simple case of acute LBM."
Alcano's win brought to three the number of gold medals won by the country following the triumphs of Rubilen Amit in the women's 9-ball and Antonio Gabica and Marlon Manalo in the men's 9-ball doubles.
Alcano, earlier beat Tepwin Arrunath of Thailand (Pre Quarter-Final), 9-2, Toh Liah Han of Singapore, 9-8, (Quarter-Final) before trouncing Ibrahim Bin Amir, 9-7, (Semi Finals) and Kiat, 9-6, in the finals.
Gabica and Lee Van Corteza returned to the pool table Wednesday evening for the start of the 9-ball singles.
Iris Ranola, on the other hand, was locked in a quarterfinal match with Wong Poi Sei of Singapore in the women's 6-red snooker singles.
The Filipinos dominated the billiards competition two years ago in Manila, taking eight gold medals. Five of those events, however, were scrapped this year, including the 15-ball rotation and the 8-ball doubles.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
DESPITE intestinal problems caused by suspected food poisoning, former world pool champion Ronato Alcano recovered from Wednesday to win the Men's 8-ball gold medal by beating Singapore's Tey Choon Kiat, 9-6, in the finals of 24th Southeast Asian Games at the Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
"May nakain na hindi daw maganda si Ronnie (Alcano) kasi sa tingin nila na food poisoning," said journalist Noli Cruz of Mansalay, Mindoro, who is the publicist of Bugsy Promotion.
Alcano complained early Tuesday of loose bowel movement after taking a late dinner and was lucky to get through the final. "Akala ko di na ako makakapaglaro dahil suka ako ng suka," he added earlier.
Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo lauded Alcano's for his determination to bring honor to the country.
"Y'ung pag-uugali ni Ronnie (Alcano) na magbigay ng karangalan sa bansa bagama't may dinaramdam na sakit ay nagpapatunay na likas na pag-uugali ng isang Filipino atleta. Anuman pagsubok o balakid sa buhay ang mahalaga ay magbigay ng karangalan sa bayan. Walang makakapigil," said Fajardo.
Although Alcano suspected a possible foul play, Dr. Marion Rivera, who treated the
pool virtuoso, dismissed such thought.
"It's unlikely that food poisoning downed Alcano because no one else got it," Dr.
Rivera said. "It's just a simple case of acute LBM."
Alcano's win brought to three the number of gold medals won by the country following the triumphs of Rubilen Amit in the women's 9-ball and Antonio Gabica and Marlon Manalo in the men's 9-ball doubles.
Alcano, earlier beat Tepwin Arrunath of Thailand (Pre Quarter-Final), 9-2, Toh Liah Han of Singapore, 9-8, (Quarter-Final) before trouncing Ibrahim Bin Amir, 9-7, (Semi Finals) and Kiat, 9-6, in the finals.
Gabica and Lee Van Corteza returned to the pool table Wednesday evening for the start of the 9-ball singles.
Iris Ranola, on the other hand, was locked in a quarterfinal match with Wong Poi Sei of Singapore in the women's 6-red snooker singles.
The Filipinos dominated the billiards competition two years ago in Manila, taking eight gold medals. Five of those events, however, were scrapped this year, including the 15-ball rotation and the 8-ball doubles.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
BILLIARDS AT SEAG
WORLD CHAMP ALCANO ENTERS FINALS OF 8-BALL IN THAI SEAG
DESPITE intestinal problems caused by suspected food poisoning, former world pool champion Ronato Alcano advanced to the final round in the ongoing 24th Southeast Asian Games Men's 8-Ball Pool competition by crushing Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia, 9-7, in the semi-final round late Tuesday at the Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The 34-year-old lanky cue artists from Calamba, Laguna schedule to arrange a titular showdown with Tey Choon Kiat of Singapore on Wednesday, who blasted Dachawat Poomjang of Thailand, 9-6, in another final-four matches late Tuesday.
"May nakain na hindi daw maganda si Ronnie (Alcano) kasi sa tingin nila na food poisoning," said journalist Noli Cruz of Mansalay, Mindoro.
Alcano, who beat Ralf Souquet of Germany in the finals of 2006 Philippine World Pool Champion earlier beat Tepwin Arrunath of Thailand (Pre Quarter-Final), 9-2, Toh Liah Han of Singapore, 9-8, (Quarter-Final) before trouncing Ibrahim Bin Amir, 9-7, (Semi Finals).
Ibrahim Bin Amir, a native of Mindanao but representing Malaysia will face host bet Dachawat Poomjang in the battle for third for the bronze medal.
In the Men's English Billiards Double, Philippines will face Vietnam in the Quarter-Final round.
In the distaff side, Iris Rañola and Mary-Ann Basas will be seeing in action in the Women's 6 Red Snooker Singles. Rañola will test the mettle of Sei Poi Wong of Malaysia while Basas opposite Huey Chai Zeet of Singapore.
Rubilen Amit, the 2007 Amway Women's World Pool runner-up settled for the bronze medal in the Women's 8-Ball Pool Singles competition.
It shall be recalled that the tandem of Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica won the country's first gold medal for the RP billiards and snooker team in the Men's 9-Ball Pool Doubles. Amit, on the other hand nailed the country's second gold in the Women's 9-Ball Pool Singles competition.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
DESPITE intestinal problems caused by suspected food poisoning, former world pool champion Ronato Alcano advanced to the final round in the ongoing 24th Southeast Asian Games Men's 8-Ball Pool competition by crushing Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia, 9-7, in the semi-final round late Tuesday at the Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The 34-year-old lanky cue artists from Calamba, Laguna schedule to arrange a titular showdown with Tey Choon Kiat of Singapore on Wednesday, who blasted Dachawat Poomjang of Thailand, 9-6, in another final-four matches late Tuesday.
"May nakain na hindi daw maganda si Ronnie (Alcano) kasi sa tingin nila na food poisoning," said journalist Noli Cruz of Mansalay, Mindoro.
Alcano, who beat Ralf Souquet of Germany in the finals of 2006 Philippine World Pool Champion earlier beat Tepwin Arrunath of Thailand (Pre Quarter-Final), 9-2, Toh Liah Han of Singapore, 9-8, (Quarter-Final) before trouncing Ibrahim Bin Amir, 9-7, (Semi Finals).
Ibrahim Bin Amir, a native of Mindanao but representing Malaysia will face host bet Dachawat Poomjang in the battle for third for the bronze medal.
In the Men's English Billiards Double, Philippines will face Vietnam in the Quarter-Final round.
In the distaff side, Iris Rañola and Mary-Ann Basas will be seeing in action in the Women's 6 Red Snooker Singles. Rañola will test the mettle of Sei Poi Wong of Malaysia while Basas opposite Huey Chai Zeet of Singapore.
Rubilen Amit, the 2007 Amway Women's World Pool runner-up settled for the bronze medal in the Women's 8-Ball Pool Singles competition.
It shall be recalled that the tandem of Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica won the country's first gold medal for the RP billiards and snooker team in the Men's 9-Ball Pool Doubles. Amit, on the other hand nailed the country's second gold in the Women's 9-Ball Pool Singles competition.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Sunday, December 9, 2007
SEAG POOL UPDATE
MARLON MANALO EYES 2ND GOLD IN THAI SEAG TODAY
FRESH from winning the country's first gold for the RP Billiards and Snooker team, Marlon Manalo, looking to continue his impressive performance when the Men's 6 Singles Snooker event gets going today, Monday at the Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The 31-year-old Mandaluyong ace will face Yong Kein Foot of Malaysia in the Pre Quarter-final Men's 6 snooker single events. Another Filipino entry Rodolfo Lordan Jr. will test the mettle of Un Nooh Thepchaiya of Thailand.
Late Saturday, Manalo teamed up with 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica to beat the Singaporean pair Khen Kwang Chan and Lian Han Toh, 11-6, in the finals of 9-ball pool doubles event.
"We (Gabica) are glad and thankful that we able to contribute a gold and give glory to our country," said Manalo dubbed as Marvelous in the pool world in a text message yesterday morning to this writer. He also acknowledged the support of Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos.
Malaysia led by Fil-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir took the bronze medal by crushing Vietnam, 11-6.
In the Semi-final round Philippines routed Malaysia, 11-6, to arrange a titular showdown with Singapore who upset Vietnam, 11-7. Philippines earlier beat Laos, 11-7, in the quarter-final round.
In the Finals, the Singaporean had a rousing start after winning two of the first three racks but committed a foul in the fifth frame allowing the Filipinos to brake away from a 2-2 tie.
In the Men's 8-ball pool competition, 2006 World Pool Champion Ronato Alcano opened his campaign against Tepwin Arrunath of Thailand in the pre-quarters while Dennis Orcollo failed to make the trip because of a viral infection contacted a couple of weeks before the Games back. Orcollo was the original tandem of Gabica in the 9-ball pool doubles.
In the Men's English Single Billiards, Benjie Guevarra played with Nay Thwaoo Nay of Myanmar while Reynaldo Grandea takes on Suriya Minalavong of Laos, both pre-quarters match today.
In the distaff side, Rubilen Amit and Mary Ann Basas will also see action in the women's 8-ball pool competition. The 24-year-old Amit won the 8-ball pool in the 2005 Manila SEAG edition.
Amit, the reigning Amway World Women' runner-up will face the winner of the match between Poppy Puspita Neviyanti of Thailand and Thi Ngoc Huyen Huyhn of Vietnam in the quarter-final round after getting a bye. Basas, who hails from Davao City takes on Molrudee Vujanic of Thailand.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
FRESH from winning the country's first gold for the RP Billiards and Snooker team, Marlon Manalo, looking to continue his impressive performance when the Men's 6 Singles Snooker event gets going today, Monday at the Sima Thani Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The 31-year-old Mandaluyong ace will face Yong Kein Foot of Malaysia in the Pre Quarter-final Men's 6 snooker single events. Another Filipino entry Rodolfo Lordan Jr. will test the mettle of Un Nooh Thepchaiya of Thailand.
Late Saturday, Manalo teamed up with 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica to beat the Singaporean pair Khen Kwang Chan and Lian Han Toh, 11-6, in the finals of 9-ball pool doubles event.
"We (Gabica) are glad and thankful that we able to contribute a gold and give glory to our country," said Manalo dubbed as Marvelous in the pool world in a text message yesterday morning to this writer. He also acknowledged the support of Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos.
Malaysia led by Fil-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir took the bronze medal by crushing Vietnam, 11-6.
In the Semi-final round Philippines routed Malaysia, 11-6, to arrange a titular showdown with Singapore who upset Vietnam, 11-7. Philippines earlier beat Laos, 11-7, in the quarter-final round.
In the Finals, the Singaporean had a rousing start after winning two of the first three racks but committed a foul in the fifth frame allowing the Filipinos to brake away from a 2-2 tie.
In the Men's 8-ball pool competition, 2006 World Pool Champion Ronato Alcano opened his campaign against Tepwin Arrunath of Thailand in the pre-quarters while Dennis Orcollo failed to make the trip because of a viral infection contacted a couple of weeks before the Games back. Orcollo was the original tandem of Gabica in the 9-ball pool doubles.
In the Men's English Single Billiards, Benjie Guevarra played with Nay Thwaoo Nay of Myanmar while Reynaldo Grandea takes on Suriya Minalavong of Laos, both pre-quarters match today.
In the distaff side, Rubilen Amit and Mary Ann Basas will also see action in the women's 8-ball pool competition. The 24-year-old Amit won the 8-ball pool in the 2005 Manila SEAG edition.
Amit, the reigning Amway World Women' runner-up will face the winner of the match between Poppy Puspita Neviyanti of Thailand and Thi Ngoc Huyen Huyhn of Vietnam in the quarter-final round after getting a bye. Basas, who hails from Davao City takes on Molrudee Vujanic of Thailand.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Thursday, December 6, 2007
SOUTH EAST ASIAN GAMES POOL
SANS PAGULAYAN, RP POOL READY TO DEFEND SEAG TITLE TODAY
DESPITE the absence of Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, the RP billiards billiards and snooker teams are ready to defend their over-all title when the 24th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gets underway today at the Sima Thani Hotel Grand Ballroom in Nakhonratchasima, Thailand.
"We are very confident that our Filipino pool and snooker athletes will perform well in the biennial meet," said Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo in an interview yesterday.
Pagulayan, the 2005 Manila SEAG billiard and snooker most bemedalled athlete will miss this edition due to various reasons.
The Philippines won a total of eight gold medals, two silvers and one bronze in the 23rd SEA Games it hosted in 2005.
"Y'un nga lang nagbawas ng event ang Thailand ngayon lalong-lalu na sa pool event." Added Fajardo, where the men's one-cushion carom singles, men's 9-Ball pool doubles, men's snooker team and women's 9-ball pool singles starts today.
Former world champion Ronato Alcano, Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica, national champion Lee Vann Corteza, Marlon Manalo, Dennis Orcollo, Reynaldo Grandea, Benjamin Guevarra Jr., James Al Ortega, and Emilio Villariza will carry the country in the men's side.
While reigning Amway Women's World Champion Rubilen Amit, Iris Ranola and Mary Ann Basas will also seeing in action in the women's events.
The RP billiards and snooker teams are under the watchful eye of coached Ricardo Ancaja and Edgard Asonto.
Other events include men's snooker doubles, men's English Billiards singles and doubles, men's 8-Ball Pool singles, women's 8-Ball pool single and men's 6-Red snooker singles, among others.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
DESPITE the absence of Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, the RP billiards billiards and snooker teams are ready to defend their over-all title when the 24th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gets underway today at the Sima Thani Hotel Grand Ballroom in Nakhonratchasima, Thailand.
"We are very confident that our Filipino pool and snooker athletes will perform well in the biennial meet," said Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo in an interview yesterday.
Pagulayan, the 2005 Manila SEAG billiard and snooker most bemedalled athlete will miss this edition due to various reasons.
The Philippines won a total of eight gold medals, two silvers and one bronze in the 23rd SEA Games it hosted in 2005.
"Y'un nga lang nagbawas ng event ang Thailand ngayon lalong-lalu na sa pool event." Added Fajardo, where the men's one-cushion carom singles, men's 9-Ball pool doubles, men's snooker team and women's 9-ball pool singles starts today.
Former world champion Ronato Alcano, Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica, national champion Lee Vann Corteza, Marlon Manalo, Dennis Orcollo, Reynaldo Grandea, Benjamin Guevarra Jr., James Al Ortega, and Emilio Villariza will carry the country in the men's side.
While reigning Amway Women's World Champion Rubilen Amit, Iris Ranola and Mary Ann Basas will also seeing in action in the women's events.
The RP billiards and snooker teams are under the watchful eye of coached Ricardo Ancaja and Edgard Asonto.
Other events include men's snooker doubles, men's English Billiards singles and doubles, men's 8-Ball Pool singles, women's 8-Ball pool single and men's 6-Red snooker singles, among others.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Monday, December 3, 2007
TOP MONEY MAKERS OF 2007
BECAUSE OF ARTHRITIS: REYES FAILED TO REGAIN HIS STATUS
AS THE TOP MONEY MAKER IN THE WORLD OF POOL THIS YEAR
FILIPINO pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes failed to regain his status as the top money-maker in the world of pool this year because of a bout with arthritis and joining only a few tournaments abroad.
The 53-year-old Reyes, occupied top spot for three consecutive years (2004-2006).
"Umatake na naman 'yung sakit ko na arthritis 'yun ang malaking dahilan kaya bihira tayo na nanalo sa taong ito," said the prize fighter of Puyat Sports cited this is only the third time in his professional billiard career that he only won a few tournaments.
"Noong 1997 at 1998 hindi din ako nagpapanalo dahil nga sa arthritis," added Reyes, who pocket the biggest paycheck in pool world netted $500,000 winning the 2006 International Pool Tour (IPT) World 8-Ball in Nevada.
"Isa pang dahilan bihira ako makasali sa ibang bansa sa taong ito lalu na sa Amerika kasi mataas ang tax," said Reyes, fresh from a quarter-final finish recently in 2007 All Japan Championships was held at Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan.
The list showed Reyes, known as the "Magician" for his variety of trick shots landed in No.13th place of www.AZbilliards.com's money list this year after accumulating $54,355.
He won three titles namely, Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus ($20,000), Derby City Classic One Pocket Event ($12,000) and Q Masters US Open Warm Up One Pocket Event ($1,500).
Five more Filipino cue masters also made it to the top 20---No.4 Ronato Alcano ($76,787), No.5 Dennis Orcollo ($76,121), No. 14 Francisco "Django" Bustamante (54,344), No.16 Alex Pagulayan ($50,850) and No.18 Roberto Gomez ($45,700).
Daryl Peach of England, the 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships ruler took the No.1 spot with $103,000 total earning in three tournaments. Peach, 9th place of 2007 World Cup of Pool ($2,500) and 65th place of 2007 US Open 9-Ball ($500) climb at No.1 spot after beating Gomez in the finals of 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships to bag the top prize of $100,000.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
AS THE TOP MONEY MAKER IN THE WORLD OF POOL THIS YEAR
FILIPINO pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes failed to regain his status as the top money-maker in the world of pool this year because of a bout with arthritis and joining only a few tournaments abroad.
The 53-year-old Reyes, occupied top spot for three consecutive years (2004-2006).
"Umatake na naman 'yung sakit ko na arthritis 'yun ang malaking dahilan kaya bihira tayo na nanalo sa taong ito," said the prize fighter of Puyat Sports cited this is only the third time in his professional billiard career that he only won a few tournaments.
"Noong 1997 at 1998 hindi din ako nagpapanalo dahil nga sa arthritis," added Reyes, who pocket the biggest paycheck in pool world netted $500,000 winning the 2006 International Pool Tour (IPT) World 8-Ball in Nevada.
"Isa pang dahilan bihira ako makasali sa ibang bansa sa taong ito lalu na sa Amerika kasi mataas ang tax," said Reyes, fresh from a quarter-final finish recently in 2007 All Japan Championships was held at Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan.
The list showed Reyes, known as the "Magician" for his variety of trick shots landed in No.13th place of www.AZbilliards.com's money list this year after accumulating $54,355.
He won three titles namely, Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus ($20,000), Derby City Classic One Pocket Event ($12,000) and Q Masters US Open Warm Up One Pocket Event ($1,500).
Five more Filipino cue masters also made it to the top 20---No.4 Ronato Alcano ($76,787), No.5 Dennis Orcollo ($76,121), No. 14 Francisco "Django" Bustamante (54,344), No.16 Alex Pagulayan ($50,850) and No.18 Roberto Gomez ($45,700).
Daryl Peach of England, the 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships ruler took the No.1 spot with $103,000 total earning in three tournaments. Peach, 9th place of 2007 World Cup of Pool ($2,500) and 65th place of 2007 US Open 9-Ball ($500) climb at No.1 spot after beating Gomez in the finals of 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships to bag the top prize of $100,000.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
WORLD JUNIOR POOL 9-BALL, FINAL RESULTS
FIL-AMERICAN MARY RAKIN RETAINS HER WORLD JR OF POOL TITLE
FILIPINO-AMERICAN Mary Rakin of the United States dominated Tina Buhnen of Germany, 9-2, in the finals to retain her World Junior girls title at the conclusion of the 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls on Friday at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen, Germany. With this feat, Rakin becomes first U.S. Back to back winner at World Junior of Pool.
The Daly City, California based Rakin who lost her opening match with Denise Wilkinson of New Zealand, 7-4, bravely bounced back in contention by winning all her matches because another loss would mean her elimination from the title race.
On the road to the finals, Rakin whose roots from Cavite province trounced Anja Wagner of Germany, 7-6, Hui Ching Yap of Singapore, 7-2, Brina Miller of the United States, 7-2, and Kristina Schagan of Germany, 9-8, Kim Witzel of Germany, 9-4, and then beating Buhnen, 9-2, snag victory for this prestigious event.
In the boys side, Ko Pin Yi dethroned three-time champion Wu Yu Lun, 11-7, in an all-Taiwanese Finals.
It was a sweet revenge for Ko, who lost to Wu in last year's finals in Sydney, Australia.
In the semi-final round, Ko beat compatriot Kui Ming Lin, 11-8, to arrange a titular showdown with Wu, who beat Yusuke Shibata of Japan, 11-7.
Earlier, the two Filipino representatives Rene Mar David and Mark Aristotle Mendoza failed to advance in the cross-over semi-final round.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
FILIPINO-AMERICAN Mary Rakin of the United States dominated Tina Buhnen of Germany, 9-2, in the finals to retain her World Junior girls title at the conclusion of the 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls on Friday at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen, Germany. With this feat, Rakin becomes first U.S. Back to back winner at World Junior of Pool.
The Daly City, California based Rakin who lost her opening match with Denise Wilkinson of New Zealand, 7-4, bravely bounced back in contention by winning all her matches because another loss would mean her elimination from the title race.
On the road to the finals, Rakin whose roots from Cavite province trounced Anja Wagner of Germany, 7-6, Hui Ching Yap of Singapore, 7-2, Brina Miller of the United States, 7-2, and Kristina Schagan of Germany, 9-8, Kim Witzel of Germany, 9-4, and then beating Buhnen, 9-2, snag victory for this prestigious event.
In the boys side, Ko Pin Yi dethroned three-time champion Wu Yu Lun, 11-7, in an all-Taiwanese Finals.
It was a sweet revenge for Ko, who lost to Wu in last year's finals in Sydney, Australia.
In the semi-final round, Ko beat compatriot Kui Ming Lin, 11-8, to arrange a titular showdown with Wu, who beat Yusuke Shibata of Japan, 11-7.
Earlier, the two Filipino representatives Rene Mar David and Mark Aristotle Mendoza failed to advance in the cross-over semi-final round.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
WORLD JUNIOR POOL DAY 1
MENDOZA NOW IN MUST-WIN BRACKET AS DAVID STAYS UNBEATEN IN WORLD JR. POOL
RENE Mar David and Mark Aristotle Mendoza had a different route at the start of Philippine campaign of 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls late Tuesday at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen, Germany.
After getting a bye in stage 1 (round 1), the 17-year-old David, from Barangay Botocan, 4th district Quezon City beat Michal Czarnecki of Poland, 9-5, in stage 1 (winners round 1) to advance to the next round.
While the 18-year-old Mendoza, from Hulo, Mandaluyong City blasted Paul Everette of Canada, 9-5, in stage 1 (round 1) but succumbed to three-time defending champion Wu Yu-lun of Taiwan, 9-6, (stage 1/ winners round 1).
In the distaff side, defending World Junior girls champion Filipino-American Mary Rakin of the United States bowed to Denise Wilkinson of New Zealand, 7-4, a major upset in this round.
QC Majority Floor Leader and 4th district councilor Ariel Inton lauded David's victory saying, "Lalo nating pag-ibayuhin ang panalangin kay Revo (Rene Mar David) na magpatuloy ang kanyang panalo habang dalangin din natin si Makmak (Mark Aristotle Mendoza) na makabalik sa kontensiyon," said sports advocate Inton, the main sponsor of Yang-Orcollo one-on-one match held this year at the Gateway Mall.
Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) coach/manager Christoper Palses is optimistic that his ward Mendoza can bounce back in contention.
"In fairness first time ni Makmak na makapaglaro sa ibang bansa at nanalo agad siya sa Canada, bagama't natalo siya sa Taiwanese pero binigyan niya ng magandang laban. Hope makabawi si Makmak tutal double elimination ang format. Good luck naman kay Revo," said Palses.
Mendoza, playing under the Negros Billiard Stable was relegated in the loser's bracket and a must win situation over Stephen Lammens of Belgium. David, on the other hand takes on Tomoya Iima of Japan in the winner's brackets.
Lammens is coming from a loss to Christopher Futrell of the United States, 9-4, while Iima posted a back to back upset wins over Landon Shuffett of the United States, 9-5, and Kang Lee of Korea, 9-4, respectively.
If David beat Iima, he will face the winner of the match between Diego Gomez of Venezuela and Atilla Bezdan of Hungrary. David who already earned a ticket in the main draw after make it to the quarter-final round in the last year's World Junior in Sydney, Australia.
Mendoza earned a ticket in the World Junior of pool by winning the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship last September beating Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
RENE Mar David and Mark Aristotle Mendoza had a different route at the start of Philippine campaign of 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls late Tuesday at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen, Germany.
After getting a bye in stage 1 (round 1), the 17-year-old David, from Barangay Botocan, 4th district Quezon City beat Michal Czarnecki of Poland, 9-5, in stage 1 (winners round 1) to advance to the next round.
While the 18-year-old Mendoza, from Hulo, Mandaluyong City blasted Paul Everette of Canada, 9-5, in stage 1 (round 1) but succumbed to three-time defending champion Wu Yu-lun of Taiwan, 9-6, (stage 1/ winners round 1).
In the distaff side, defending World Junior girls champion Filipino-American Mary Rakin of the United States bowed to Denise Wilkinson of New Zealand, 7-4, a major upset in this round.
QC Majority Floor Leader and 4th district councilor Ariel Inton lauded David's victory saying, "Lalo nating pag-ibayuhin ang panalangin kay Revo (Rene Mar David) na magpatuloy ang kanyang panalo habang dalangin din natin si Makmak (Mark Aristotle Mendoza) na makabalik sa kontensiyon," said sports advocate Inton, the main sponsor of Yang-Orcollo one-on-one match held this year at the Gateway Mall.
Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) coach/manager Christoper Palses is optimistic that his ward Mendoza can bounce back in contention.
"In fairness first time ni Makmak na makapaglaro sa ibang bansa at nanalo agad siya sa Canada, bagama't natalo siya sa Taiwanese pero binigyan niya ng magandang laban. Hope makabawi si Makmak tutal double elimination ang format. Good luck naman kay Revo," said Palses.
Mendoza, playing under the Negros Billiard Stable was relegated in the loser's bracket and a must win situation over Stephen Lammens of Belgium. David, on the other hand takes on Tomoya Iima of Japan in the winner's brackets.
Lammens is coming from a loss to Christopher Futrell of the United States, 9-4, while Iima posted a back to back upset wins over Landon Shuffett of the United States, 9-5, and Kang Lee of Korea, 9-4, respectively.
If David beat Iima, he will face the winner of the match between Diego Gomez of Venezuela and Atilla Bezdan of Hungrary. David who already earned a ticket in the main draw after make it to the quarter-final round in the last year's World Junior in Sydney, Australia.
Mendoza earned a ticket in the World Junior of pool by winning the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship last September beating Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
WORLD JUNIOR POOL TOURNAMENT
TOUGH TASK FOR RP'S MARK MENDOZA
TOUGH TASK awaits reigning Philippine Junior Pool Champion Mark Aristotle Mendoza after he landed in the upper half bracket in the company of three-time defending World Junior Champion Wu Yu-lun of Taiwan, Albin Ouschan of Austria and Thomas Luttich of the host country.
The 18-year-old Mendoza, member of the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) will be playing against Paul Everette of Canada at the start of the 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls late Tuesday at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen, Germany.
However, if he wins his opening match, he will be facing Wu in the next round after getting a "bye" in the first round in this 22 nation boys meet, race-to-9 double elimination format.
"Nakahanda ako. Sana palarin tayo [I'm ready. I hope luck is on my side]," said Mendoza, the pride of Hulo, Mandaluyong City before his departure flight last Saturday whose stint here is being supported by billiard patron Jonathan Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable and Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos.
Mendoza had previously won exhibition games against top player of Bugsy Promotion last March. He beat WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 15-8, for the top prize of P11,000 and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome "Pendong" Peña, 13-12, for P5,000 purse in their 10-ball matches, both played in his billiard hall in Hulo, Mandaluyong City. He also beat Carlo "Cool" Biado and fellow teen-ager Mike Takayama also from Bugsy Promotion for P5,000 purse.
Accompanied by his father/coach Ferdinand Mendoza, Mark fondly called "Big Mac" or "Makmak" in local pool earned a ticket in the World Youth 9-ball junior when he dominated the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship last September by beating Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals to capture the P50,000 top prize in the event sponsored by San Miguel Corporation at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.
The other Philippine delegate to this tournament is Rene Mar David who is in the bottom half of the bracket and likewise drew a "bye" in the first round. The 17-year-old David, from Barangay Botocan, Quezon City will meet Michal Charnecki of Poland in the next round. Revo, his nickname in pool arena, advanced in the main draw after making it to the quarter-final round in the last year's World Junior in Sydney, Australia.
Other young cue artists joining the 22 nation boys meet are 2006 Sydney World Junior runner-up Ko Pin-yi and Kui Ming Lin of Taiwan, Ruslan Chinahov and Roman Pruchai of Russia, Yevgen Novosad of Ukraine, Stephen Lammens of Belgium, Marc Bucais of Canada, Edward Sandjaja Ikhwan of Indonesia, Diego Gomez of Venezuela, Landon Shuffett, Joshua Newman, Christopher Futrell and Richard Barney of the United States, Xianh Yao of China, Petri Makkonen of Finland, Mathew Lawrenson of Great Britain, Attila, Bezdan of Hungrary, Hao Xiang Han of Hongkong, Nico Wehner, Dominic Jentsch, Ramazan Dincer and Fabian Breuer.
The winner of the WPA sanctioned event brings home the gold medal, with the runner-up getting the silver medal and the third placer receive bronze medal. Meanwhile, Filipino-American Mary Rakin will see in action in the distaff side. The Daly City, California based Rakin is the defending World Junior girl crown.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
TOUGH TASK awaits reigning Philippine Junior Pool Champion Mark Aristotle Mendoza after he landed in the upper half bracket in the company of three-time defending World Junior Champion Wu Yu-lun of Taiwan, Albin Ouschan of Austria and Thomas Luttich of the host country.
The 18-year-old Mendoza, member of the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) will be playing against Paul Everette of Canada at the start of the 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls late Tuesday at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen, Germany.
However, if he wins his opening match, he will be facing Wu in the next round after getting a "bye" in the first round in this 22 nation boys meet, race-to-9 double elimination format.
"Nakahanda ako. Sana palarin tayo [I'm ready. I hope luck is on my side]," said Mendoza, the pride of Hulo, Mandaluyong City before his departure flight last Saturday whose stint here is being supported by billiard patron Jonathan Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable and Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos.
Mendoza had previously won exhibition games against top player of Bugsy Promotion last March. He beat WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 15-8, for the top prize of P11,000 and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome "Pendong" Peña, 13-12, for P5,000 purse in their 10-ball matches, both played in his billiard hall in Hulo, Mandaluyong City. He also beat Carlo "Cool" Biado and fellow teen-ager Mike Takayama also from Bugsy Promotion for P5,000 purse.
Accompanied by his father/coach Ferdinand Mendoza, Mark fondly called "Big Mac" or "Makmak" in local pool earned a ticket in the World Youth 9-ball junior when he dominated the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship last September by beating Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals to capture the P50,000 top prize in the event sponsored by San Miguel Corporation at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.
The other Philippine delegate to this tournament is Rene Mar David who is in the bottom half of the bracket and likewise drew a "bye" in the first round. The 17-year-old David, from Barangay Botocan, Quezon City will meet Michal Charnecki of Poland in the next round. Revo, his nickname in pool arena, advanced in the main draw after making it to the quarter-final round in the last year's World Junior in Sydney, Australia.
Other young cue artists joining the 22 nation boys meet are 2006 Sydney World Junior runner-up Ko Pin-yi and Kui Ming Lin of Taiwan, Ruslan Chinahov and Roman Pruchai of Russia, Yevgen Novosad of Ukraine, Stephen Lammens of Belgium, Marc Bucais of Canada, Edward Sandjaja Ikhwan of Indonesia, Diego Gomez of Venezuela, Landon Shuffett, Joshua Newman, Christopher Futrell and Richard Barney of the United States, Xianh Yao of China, Petri Makkonen of Finland, Mathew Lawrenson of Great Britain, Attila, Bezdan of Hungrary, Hao Xiang Han of Hongkong, Nico Wehner, Dominic Jentsch, Ramazan Dincer and Fabian Breuer.
The winner of the WPA sanctioned event brings home the gold medal, with the runner-up getting the silver medal and the third placer receive bronze medal. Meanwhile, Filipino-American Mary Rakin will see in action in the distaff side. The Daly City, California based Rakin is the defending World Junior girl crown.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Monday, November 26, 2007
ALL JAPAN 9-BALL GOES TO TAIWANESE
BATA REYES STILL WOUND UP AS THE BEST FILIPINO FINISHER; TAIWANESE WU CHIA-CHING AND CHANG SHU-HAN WINS ALL JAPAN
EFREN "BATA" REYES, bowed to eventual winner and fellow World Pool Champion Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 11-6, in the quarter-final round but still wound up as the best Filipino finisher in the just concluded 40th All Japan Championships 2007 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan on Sunday.
The 53-year-old Reyes, didn't go home empty handed as he received JPY250,000 after making it to the last eight along with 2001 WPC winner Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, 2004 WPC runner-up Pei Wei-chang of Taiwan and M. Tanaka of Japan who also lost their quarter-final matches.
The 18-year-old Wu, who took the WPC crown in 2005 Taiwan edition stopped the giant killing ways of T. Kuribayashi of Japan, 11-3, in the finals to pocket the top prize of JPY2,000,000.
On the way to the finals, Wu trounced last year's All Japan Champion Filipino Lee Vann Corteza, 11-6 (last 16), Reyes, 11-6 (last 8), H. Hijikata of Japan, 11-1, (last 4), then toppled Kuribayashi, 11-3, (finals).
Kuribayashi, on the other hand who receive runner-up prize of JPY1,000,000 defeated two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Yang Ching Shun of Taiwan, 11-9 (last 16), compatriot Tanaka, 11-10 (last 8), 1996 WPC winner Ralf Souquet of Germany, 11-10 (last 4) before yielding to Wu, 11-3 (finals).
Corteza and Warren Kiamco from Negros Billiard Stable of Jonathan Sy, both receive JPY125,000 for make it to the last 16. However, two other Filipino pool sharks Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego failed to advance in the money round.
Meanwhile, Chang Shu-Han completed the Taiwanese domination after she bagged the women's crown by beating A. Otani of Japan, 9-5, in the championships round.
Chang also bested reigning Amway World Women's Champion Xiao Ting-pan of China, 9-7 in the quarter-final round then subdued Han Yu also from China, 9-6, in the semi-final round before crushing Otani, 9-5, in the finals.
Final Results:
Men:
The finals-
Wu, Chia-Ching (TPE) 11:3 T, Kuribayashi (JPN)
Semi-finals-
T, Kuribayashi (JPN) 11:10 Ralf Souquet (GER)
Wu, Chia-Ching (TPE) 11:1 H, Hijikata (JPN)
Last 8:
T, Kuribayashi 11:10 M, Tanaka
Ralf Souquet 11:10 Mika Immonen
Wu, Chia-Ching 11:6 Efren Reyes
H, Hijikata 11:5 Chang Pei-Wei
Last 16:
T, Kuribayashi 11:9 Yang Ching Shun
Wang, Hung-Hsiang 9:11 M, Tanaka
Toh Lian Han 7:11 Ralf Souquet
Mika Immonen 11:10 Lu, Hui-Chan
Wu, Chia-Ching 11:6 Lee Van Corteza
Paul Potier 1:11 Efren Reyes
T,Mukai 6:11 H, Hijikata
Warren Kiamco 10:11 Chang Pei-Wei
---------------------------------------------------
Women:
The final-
Chang Shu-Han (TPE) 9:5 A, Otani (JPN)
Semi-finals-
A, Otani (JPN) 9:6 Fu Xiao-Fang (CHN)
Chang Shu-Han (TPE) 9:6 Han Yu (CHN)
last 8:
A, Otani 9:5 Lai Hui-Shan
Fu Xiao-Fang 9:4 Lin Yuan-Chun
Pan Xiao-Ting 7:9 Chang Shu-Han
C, Kawahara 4:9 Han Yu
---------------------------------------------------
Here's the tournament pay outs in the men's division:
Top prize JPY2,000,000, the runner-up here gets JPY1,000,000 while 3rd-4th takes on JPY500,000, 5th-8th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 and 17th-32nd : JPY60,000.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
EFREN "BATA" REYES, bowed to eventual winner and fellow World Pool Champion Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 11-6, in the quarter-final round but still wound up as the best Filipino finisher in the just concluded 40th All Japan Championships 2007 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan on Sunday.
The 53-year-old Reyes, didn't go home empty handed as he received JPY250,000 after making it to the last eight along with 2001 WPC winner Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, 2004 WPC runner-up Pei Wei-chang of Taiwan and M. Tanaka of Japan who also lost their quarter-final matches.
The 18-year-old Wu, who took the WPC crown in 2005 Taiwan edition stopped the giant killing ways of T. Kuribayashi of Japan, 11-3, in the finals to pocket the top prize of JPY2,000,000.
On the way to the finals, Wu trounced last year's All Japan Champion Filipino Lee Vann Corteza, 11-6 (last 16), Reyes, 11-6 (last 8), H. Hijikata of Japan, 11-1, (last 4), then toppled Kuribayashi, 11-3, (finals).
Kuribayashi, on the other hand who receive runner-up prize of JPY1,000,000 defeated two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Yang Ching Shun of Taiwan, 11-9 (last 16), compatriot Tanaka, 11-10 (last 8), 1996 WPC winner Ralf Souquet of Germany, 11-10 (last 4) before yielding to Wu, 11-3 (finals).
Corteza and Warren Kiamco from Negros Billiard Stable of Jonathan Sy, both receive JPY125,000 for make it to the last 16. However, two other Filipino pool sharks Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego failed to advance in the money round.
Meanwhile, Chang Shu-Han completed the Taiwanese domination after she bagged the women's crown by beating A. Otani of Japan, 9-5, in the championships round.
Chang also bested reigning Amway World Women's Champion Xiao Ting-pan of China, 9-7 in the quarter-final round then subdued Han Yu also from China, 9-6, in the semi-final round before crushing Otani, 9-5, in the finals.
Final Results:
Men:
The finals-
Wu, Chia-Ching (TPE) 11:3 T, Kuribayashi (JPN)
Semi-finals-
T, Kuribayashi (JPN) 11:10 Ralf Souquet (GER)
Wu, Chia-Ching (TPE) 11:1 H, Hijikata (JPN)
Last 8:
T, Kuribayashi 11:10 M, Tanaka
Ralf Souquet 11:10 Mika Immonen
Wu, Chia-Ching 11:6 Efren Reyes
H, Hijikata 11:5 Chang Pei-Wei
Last 16:
T, Kuribayashi 11:9 Yang Ching Shun
Wang, Hung-Hsiang 9:11 M, Tanaka
Toh Lian Han 7:11 Ralf Souquet
Mika Immonen 11:10 Lu, Hui-Chan
Wu, Chia-Ching 11:6 Lee Van Corteza
Paul Potier 1:11 Efren Reyes
T,Mukai 6:11 H, Hijikata
Warren Kiamco 10:11 Chang Pei-Wei
---------------------------------------------------
Women:
The final-
Chang Shu-Han (TPE) 9:5 A, Otani (JPN)
Semi-finals-
A, Otani (JPN) 9:6 Fu Xiao-Fang (CHN)
Chang Shu-Han (TPE) 9:6 Han Yu (CHN)
last 8:
A, Otani 9:5 Lai Hui-Shan
Fu Xiao-Fang 9:4 Lin Yuan-Chun
Pan Xiao-Ting 7:9 Chang Shu-Han
C, Kawahara 4:9 Han Yu
---------------------------------------------------
Here's the tournament pay outs in the men's division:
Top prize JPY2,000,000, the runner-up here gets JPY1,000,000 while 3rd-4th takes on JPY500,000, 5th-8th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 and 17th-32nd : JPY60,000.
Report from MARLON BERNARDINO
Saturday, November 24, 2007
LATEST ON THE ALL JAPAN 9-BALL + WORLD JUNIOR TITLES
DJANGO, BEBENG STILL KICKING IN ALL JAPAN
FILIPINOS Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego hurdled their respective rivals to stay in contention in the loser's bracket in the ongoing 40th All Japan Championships 2007 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan late Friday.
The 43-year-old Bustamante from Puyat Sports trounced Y. Akagariyama of Japan while Gallego from Negros Billiard Stable crushed Ceri Worts of New Zealand to strengthening their bid in the top prize JPY2,000,000 in the double elimination format. The runner-up here gets JPY1,000,000 while 3rd-4th takes on JPY500,000, 5th-8th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 and 17th-32nd : JPY60,000.
The former World No.1 Bustamante, the 2007 UPA Pro Tour champion in Bellflower, California earlier beat T. Noda of Japan before yielding to another Japanese Y. Hisada in the winner's brackets.While Gallego, fresh from a runner-up finish in the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships crushed Au Chi-wai of Hongkong before bowed to Hung Hsiang-wang of Taiwan.
Other pool campaigners who advanced in the next round of loser's bracket includes 2007 Guinness Asian 9-ball tour champion Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan, Paul Potier of Canada, Lo Li-wen of Taiwan, Kim Wong-dae and Won Sik-ham of Korea, Boong Tiong Tan, Han Toh Lian and Bernard Tey of Singapore, Xu Meng and Shuchun Zhang of China and local bets U. Fukumoto, K. Tokoro, and S. Uchikawa among others.
In the distaff side, reigning Amway Women's World 9-Ball Champion Xiao Ting-pan of China beat Shu Pin-kao of Taiwan to remain clean along with seven others.
Pan bagged the top prize $20,000 by beating Filipino Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit in the finals of 2007 Amway Women's World 9-Ball Championship last April 8 in Tao-Yuan, Taiwan. Pan currently No.10 in the Player Money list after accumulating money earning a total of $54,600.
Filipinos Efren "Bata" Reyes, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and defending All Japan Champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza remained in the winner's bracket after racking up two wins.
JUNIOR POOL: RP TEAM LEAVES FOR GERMANY WORLD JUNIOR TILT
THE PHILIPPINES Junior Pool Team leaves for Willingen, Germany to compete with some of the world's best young players in the 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls on Nov. 27 to 30 at the Sauerland Stern Hotel.
Led by current RP Junior champion Mark Aristotle "Big Mac" Mendoza and Renemar "Revo" David, along with head coach Ferdinand Mendoza, the team left yesterday at 2:55 pm aboard Qatar Airlines. Yen Makabenta, Raya Sports events president and Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines Chairman will follow the RP team on Nov.26
according to elder Mendoza.
The Filipinos are the underdogs but capable of springing a big surprise in
the star-studded field of this four day 19-year-old and below boys and girls junior tournament where no less than the classy Wu Yu-lun of Taiwan is the three-time defending champion.
"Nakahanda ako. Sana palarin tayo [I'm ready. I hope luck is on my side]," said Mendoza in a recent interview whose stint here is being supported by billiard patron Jonathan Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable and Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos.
Mendoza had previously won exhibition games against top player of Bugsy Promotion last March. He beat WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato "Volcano"
Alcano, 15-8, for the top prize of P11,000 and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome "Pendong" Peña, 13-12, for P5,000 purse in their 10-ball matches, both played in his billiard hall in Hulo, Mandaluyong City. He also beat Carlo "Cool" Biado and fellow teen-ager Mike Takayama also from Bugsy Promotion for P5,000 purse.
The Mandaluyong City shotmaker made waves in the pool world when he dominated the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship last September at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila. Fondly called "Big Mac" or "Makmak" in the local circuit needed one and half hours to beat Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals to capture the P50,000 top prize in the event sponsored by San Miguel Corporation.
"Mataas ang morale ko kasi todo suporta sa akin si Sir Jonathan Sy at Mayor Benhur Abalos [My morale is high because of the full support given to me by Mr. Jonathan Sy and Mayor Benhur Abalos]," added Mendoza, referring to the solid support of mayor Benhur and local billiards godfather Jonathan Sy, organizer in the recently concluded
$61,400 Negros Oriental 9-Ball Championships in Dumaguete City which topped by Puyat Sports ace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan.
The 17-year-old David from Barangay Botocan, Quezon City already outright seed in the main draw after make it to the quarter-final round in the last year's World Junior edition in Sydney, Australia.
Other young cue artists joining the 22 nation boys meet are 2006 Sydney World Junior runner-up Ko Pin-yi and Kui Ming Lin of Taiwan, Ruslan Chinahov and Roman Pruchai of Russia, Yevgen Novosad of Ukraine, Stephen Lammens of Belgium, Marc Bucais and Everette Paul of Canada, Edward Sandjaja Ikhwan of Indonesia, Diego Gomez of Venezuela, Landon Shuffett, Joshua Newman, Christopher Futrell and Richard Barney
of the United States, Albin Ouschan of Austria, Xianh Yao of China, Petri Makkonen of Finland, Mathew Lawrenson of Great Britain, Attila Bezdan of Hungrary, Michal Charnecki of Poland, Hao Xiang Han of Hongkong among others.
The host country will parade Thomas Luttich, Nico Wehner, Dominic Jentsch, Ramazan Dincer and Fabian Breuer.
The winner of the WPA sanctioned event brings home the gold medal, with the runner-up getting the silver medal and the third placer receive bronze medal. Meanwhile, Filipino-American Mary Rakin will see in action in the distaff side. The Daly City, California based Rakin is the defending World Junior girl tilt.
BATA, KIAMCO, CORTEZA ADVANCE IN THE ROUND-OF-32 IN ALL JAPAN 9-BALL
FILIPINOS Efren "Bata" Reyes, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and defending All Japan Champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza racked up three straight wins to advance into round of-32 of 40th All Japan Championships 2007 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan late Saturday.
The 53-year-old Reyes, top player of Aristeo "Putch" Puyat hammered K. Hirota of Japan, 9-7, the 38-year-old Kiamco, from Negros Billiard Stable stuns two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan, 9-3, while the 28-year-old Corteza, also playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable crushed 2005 Taiwan World Pool Champion runner-up Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan, 9-6.
Meanwhile, compatriots Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego hurdle their respective rivals to stay in contention in the loser's brackets late Friday.
The 43-year-old Bustamante from Puyat Sports trounced Y. Akagariyama of Japan while Gallego from Negros Billiard Stable crushed Ceri Worts of New Zealand to strengthening their bid in the top prize JPY2,000,000 in the double elimination format. The runner-up here gets JPY1,000,000 while 3rd-4th takes on JPY500,000, 5th-8th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 and 17th-32nd : JPY60,000.
The former World No.1 Bustamante, the 2007 UPA Pro Tour champion in Bellflower, California earlier beat T. Noda of Japan before yielding to another Japanese Y. Hisada in the winner's brackets.While Gallego, fresh from a runner-up finish in the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships crushed Au Chi-wai of Hongkong before bowed to Hung Hsiang-wang of Taiwan.
With the win, Bustamante takes on Yang while Gallego opposite 1996 World Pool Champion Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany, who lost to 2004 Taiwan World Pool Champion runner-up Pei Wei-chang of Taiwan, 7-9.
Other pool campaigners who advance in the next round of loser's brackets that includes 2007 Guinness Asian 9-ball tour champion Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan, Paul Potier of Canada, Lo Li-wen of Taiwan, Kim Wong-dae and Won Sik-ham of Korea, Boong Tiong Tan, Han Toh Lian and Bernard Tey of Singapore, Xu Meng and Shuchun Zhang of China and local bets U. Fukumoto, K. Tokoro, and S. Uchikawa among others.
In the distaff side, reigning Amway Women's World 9-Ball Champion Xiao Ting-pan of China beat Shu Pin-kao of Taiwan to remain clean along with seven others. Pan bagged the top prize $20,000 by beating Filipino Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit in the finals of 2007 Amway Women's World 9-Ball Championship last April 8 in Tao-Yuan, Taiwan. Pan currently No.10 in the Player Money list after accumulating money earning a total of $54,600.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FILIPINOS Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego hurdled their respective rivals to stay in contention in the loser's bracket in the ongoing 40th All Japan Championships 2007 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan late Friday.
The 43-year-old Bustamante from Puyat Sports trounced Y. Akagariyama of Japan while Gallego from Negros Billiard Stable crushed Ceri Worts of New Zealand to strengthening their bid in the top prize JPY2,000,000 in the double elimination format. The runner-up here gets JPY1,000,000 while 3rd-4th takes on JPY500,000, 5th-8th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 and 17th-32nd : JPY60,000.
The former World No.1 Bustamante, the 2007 UPA Pro Tour champion in Bellflower, California earlier beat T. Noda of Japan before yielding to another Japanese Y. Hisada in the winner's brackets.While Gallego, fresh from a runner-up finish in the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships crushed Au Chi-wai of Hongkong before bowed to Hung Hsiang-wang of Taiwan.
Other pool campaigners who advanced in the next round of loser's bracket includes 2007 Guinness Asian 9-ball tour champion Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan, Paul Potier of Canada, Lo Li-wen of Taiwan, Kim Wong-dae and Won Sik-ham of Korea, Boong Tiong Tan, Han Toh Lian and Bernard Tey of Singapore, Xu Meng and Shuchun Zhang of China and local bets U. Fukumoto, K. Tokoro, and S. Uchikawa among others.
In the distaff side, reigning Amway Women's World 9-Ball Champion Xiao Ting-pan of China beat Shu Pin-kao of Taiwan to remain clean along with seven others.
Pan bagged the top prize $20,000 by beating Filipino Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit in the finals of 2007 Amway Women's World 9-Ball Championship last April 8 in Tao-Yuan, Taiwan. Pan currently No.10 in the Player Money list after accumulating money earning a total of $54,600.
Filipinos Efren "Bata" Reyes, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and defending All Japan Champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza remained in the winner's bracket after racking up two wins.
JUNIOR POOL: RP TEAM LEAVES FOR GERMANY WORLD JUNIOR TILT
THE PHILIPPINES Junior Pool Team leaves for Willingen, Germany to compete with some of the world's best young players in the 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls on Nov. 27 to 30 at the Sauerland Stern Hotel.
Led by current RP Junior champion Mark Aristotle "Big Mac" Mendoza and Renemar "Revo" David, along with head coach Ferdinand Mendoza, the team left yesterday at 2:55 pm aboard Qatar Airlines. Yen Makabenta, Raya Sports events president and Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines Chairman will follow the RP team on Nov.26
according to elder Mendoza.
The Filipinos are the underdogs but capable of springing a big surprise in
the star-studded field of this four day 19-year-old and below boys and girls junior tournament where no less than the classy Wu Yu-lun of Taiwan is the three-time defending champion.
"Nakahanda ako. Sana palarin tayo [I'm ready. I hope luck is on my side]," said Mendoza in a recent interview whose stint here is being supported by billiard patron Jonathan Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable and Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos.
Mendoza had previously won exhibition games against top player of Bugsy Promotion last March. He beat WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato "Volcano"
Alcano, 15-8, for the top prize of P11,000 and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome "Pendong" Peña, 13-12, for P5,000 purse in their 10-ball matches, both played in his billiard hall in Hulo, Mandaluyong City. He also beat Carlo "Cool" Biado and fellow teen-ager Mike Takayama also from Bugsy Promotion for P5,000 purse.
The Mandaluyong City shotmaker made waves in the pool world when he dominated the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship last September at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila. Fondly called "Big Mac" or "Makmak" in the local circuit needed one and half hours to beat Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals to capture the P50,000 top prize in the event sponsored by San Miguel Corporation.
"Mataas ang morale ko kasi todo suporta sa akin si Sir Jonathan Sy at Mayor Benhur Abalos [My morale is high because of the full support given to me by Mr. Jonathan Sy and Mayor Benhur Abalos]," added Mendoza, referring to the solid support of mayor Benhur and local billiards godfather Jonathan Sy, organizer in the recently concluded
$61,400 Negros Oriental 9-Ball Championships in Dumaguete City which topped by Puyat Sports ace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan.
The 17-year-old David from Barangay Botocan, Quezon City already outright seed in the main draw after make it to the quarter-final round in the last year's World Junior edition in Sydney, Australia.
Other young cue artists joining the 22 nation boys meet are 2006 Sydney World Junior runner-up Ko Pin-yi and Kui Ming Lin of Taiwan, Ruslan Chinahov and Roman Pruchai of Russia, Yevgen Novosad of Ukraine, Stephen Lammens of Belgium, Marc Bucais and Everette Paul of Canada, Edward Sandjaja Ikhwan of Indonesia, Diego Gomez of Venezuela, Landon Shuffett, Joshua Newman, Christopher Futrell and Richard Barney
of the United States, Albin Ouschan of Austria, Xianh Yao of China, Petri Makkonen of Finland, Mathew Lawrenson of Great Britain, Attila Bezdan of Hungrary, Michal Charnecki of Poland, Hao Xiang Han of Hongkong among others.
The host country will parade Thomas Luttich, Nico Wehner, Dominic Jentsch, Ramazan Dincer and Fabian Breuer.
The winner of the WPA sanctioned event brings home the gold medal, with the runner-up getting the silver medal and the third placer receive bronze medal. Meanwhile, Filipino-American Mary Rakin will see in action in the distaff side. The Daly City, California based Rakin is the defending World Junior girl tilt.
BATA, KIAMCO, CORTEZA ADVANCE IN THE ROUND-OF-32 IN ALL JAPAN 9-BALL
FILIPINOS Efren "Bata" Reyes, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and defending All Japan Champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza racked up three straight wins to advance into round of-32 of 40th All Japan Championships 2007 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan late Saturday.
The 53-year-old Reyes, top player of Aristeo "Putch" Puyat hammered K. Hirota of Japan, 9-7, the 38-year-old Kiamco, from Negros Billiard Stable stuns two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan, 9-3, while the 28-year-old Corteza, also playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable crushed 2005 Taiwan World Pool Champion runner-up Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan, 9-6.
Meanwhile, compatriots Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego hurdle their respective rivals to stay in contention in the loser's brackets late Friday.
The 43-year-old Bustamante from Puyat Sports trounced Y. Akagariyama of Japan while Gallego from Negros Billiard Stable crushed Ceri Worts of New Zealand to strengthening their bid in the top prize JPY2,000,000 in the double elimination format. The runner-up here gets JPY1,000,000 while 3rd-4th takes on JPY500,000, 5th-8th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 and 17th-32nd : JPY60,000.
The former World No.1 Bustamante, the 2007 UPA Pro Tour champion in Bellflower, California earlier beat T. Noda of Japan before yielding to another Japanese Y. Hisada in the winner's brackets.While Gallego, fresh from a runner-up finish in the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships crushed Au Chi-wai of Hongkong before bowed to Hung Hsiang-wang of Taiwan.
With the win, Bustamante takes on Yang while Gallego opposite 1996 World Pool Champion Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany, who lost to 2004 Taiwan World Pool Champion runner-up Pei Wei-chang of Taiwan, 7-9.
Other pool campaigners who advance in the next round of loser's brackets that includes 2007 Guinness Asian 9-ball tour champion Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan, Paul Potier of Canada, Lo Li-wen of Taiwan, Kim Wong-dae and Won Sik-ham of Korea, Boong Tiong Tan, Han Toh Lian and Bernard Tey of Singapore, Xu Meng and Shuchun Zhang of China and local bets U. Fukumoto, K. Tokoro, and S. Uchikawa among others.
In the distaff side, reigning Amway Women's World 9-Ball Champion Xiao Ting-pan of China beat Shu Pin-kao of Taiwan to remain clean along with seven others. Pan bagged the top prize $20,000 by beating Filipino Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit in the finals of 2007 Amway Women's World 9-Ball Championship last April 8 in Tao-Yuan, Taiwan. Pan currently No.10 in the Player Money list after accumulating money earning a total of $54,600.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
FILIPINO ZERNA RUNNER-UP IN KOREAN 9-BALL TOUR
FILIPINO RICKY "BAI" ZERNA bowed to tournament favorite Charlie "The Korean Dragon" Williams of the United States but still wound up as the best Filipino finisher in the just concluded 2007 Korea Pro 9-Ball Tour over the weekend in Incheon, Korea.
Williams played near perfect match beating compatriot Rodney "Rocket" Morris of the United States, 7-3, in the semi-final then stopped the giant killing ways of Zerna, 7-1, in the finals. The victory gave Williams his 3rd international title in Korea and $15,000 for 1st place.
Zerna, member of the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) received a $5,000 runner-up pay check.
The Bacolod-Dumaguete City based Zerna, whose stint here is sponsored by Jonathan Sy, president of Negros Billiard Stable outclassed countryman Jundel "Jano" Mazon, 10-8, in the quarter-finals then subdued Joven "The Shark" Bustamante, 7-3, in the semi-final round.
Mazon and Bustamante, are both members of Bugsy Promotion.
It was a double black eye for the Bugsy Promotion cue masters who earlier failed to advance in the cross-over semi-final round in the recently concluded Negros Oriental 9-Ball Championships last Saturday in Dumaguete City.
The Bugsy Promotion cue masters who participate in the Negros 9-Ball but failed to progress in the money round were 2007 World Pool Championships runner-up Roberto Gomez, 2006 World Pool Champion Ronato Alcano, 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball winner Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and teen-ager Mike Takayama.
Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, the pride of Puyat Sports and the 2004 World Pool Champion took the championship's trophy plus $20,000 top prize in the Negros 9-Ball in the event presented by San Miguel Corporation and supported by businessman Julio Sy Jr. and Negros Oriental 1st district rep.Josie Limkaichiong.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Williams played near perfect match beating compatriot Rodney "Rocket" Morris of the United States, 7-3, in the semi-final then stopped the giant killing ways of Zerna, 7-1, in the finals. The victory gave Williams his 3rd international title in Korea and $15,000 for 1st place.
Zerna, member of the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) received a $5,000 runner-up pay check.
The Bacolod-Dumaguete City based Zerna, whose stint here is sponsored by Jonathan Sy, president of Negros Billiard Stable outclassed countryman Jundel "Jano" Mazon, 10-8, in the quarter-finals then subdued Joven "The Shark" Bustamante, 7-3, in the semi-final round.
Mazon and Bustamante, are both members of Bugsy Promotion.
It was a double black eye for the Bugsy Promotion cue masters who earlier failed to advance in the cross-over semi-final round in the recently concluded Negros Oriental 9-Ball Championships last Saturday in Dumaguete City.
The Bugsy Promotion cue masters who participate in the Negros 9-Ball but failed to progress in the money round were 2007 World Pool Championships runner-up Roberto Gomez, 2006 World Pool Champion Ronato Alcano, 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball winner Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and teen-ager Mike Takayama.
Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, the pride of Puyat Sports and the 2004 World Pool Champion took the championship's trophy plus $20,000 top prize in the Negros 9-Ball in the event presented by San Miguel Corporation and supported by businessman Julio Sy Jr. and Negros Oriental 1st district rep.Josie Limkaichiong.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
ALL JAPAN 9-BALL OPENING GAMES + WORLD JUNIOR TITLE
BATA, CORTEZA, KIAMCO WINS OPENER IN ALL JAPAN 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
FILIPINO POOL MAESTRO EFREN "BATA" REYES, defending champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and Warren "Warrior" Kiamco lived up to expectations by hurdling their respective rivals at the start of the 40th All Japan Championships 2007 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan on Wednesday.
The 53-year-old Reyes playing under the banner of Puyat Sports, the 1999 Cardiff World Pool Champion winner clobbered D. Enami and Y. Morino of Japan, while the 28-year-old Corteza from Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) toppled T. Haraguchi of Japan and 2007 Guinness Asian 9-Ball tour over-all grand finale champion Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan, respectively.
The 38-year-old Kiamco, also from Negros Billiard Stable outplayed K. Suzuki and A. Shiraiwa of Japan to keep Filipino hopes flying high in the event which offers JPY2,000,000 to the champion in this double elimination format according to official website yesterday. The runner-up here gets JPY1,000,000 while 3rd-4th takes on JPY500,000, 5th-8th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 and 17th-32nd : JPY60,000.
In the next round, Reyes goes up against K. Hirota of Japan, Corteza will test the mettle of 2005 Taiwan World Pool Champion runner-up Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan, and Kiamco opposite two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan.
Hirota, on the other hand crushed compatriots M. Mizushita and Y. Mori, Kuo blasted Lee Chen-man of Hongkong and T. Yamamoto of Japan while Yang, who beat Dennis Orcollo in their one on one match dubbed as The Riches Game of Asia in Gateway Mall, walloped H. Kato of Japan and Toh Lian Han of Singapore, in order.
Not as fortunate were former World No.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego who were relegated to the loser's bracket.
The 43-year-old Bustamante, from Puyat Sports nipped T. Noda of Japan but succumbed to Y. Hisada of Japan in the next round, while Gallego from Negros Billiard Stable beat Au Chi-wai of Hongkong but yielded to Hung Hsiang-wang of Taiwan.
Other cue masters who post back to back wins that includes 1996 WPC winner Ralf Souquet of Germany, 2001 WPC winner Mika Immonen of Finland, 2005 WPC winner Wu Chia-ching, Hui Chan-lu and Chih Hsiang-Chuang of Taiwan, Liu Haitao of China, 2006 Doha Asian games 8-ball gold medalist Satoshi Kawabata and ex-WPC champ Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan among others.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
MARK MENDOZA VYING IN WORLD JUNIOR POOL TILT
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---CURRENT National Junior champion Mark Aristotle "Big Mac" Mendoza takes on an elite field when he joins the 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls on Nov. 27 to 30 at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen, Germany.
The 18-year-old Mendoza, member of the rising Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) will be see action against an array of notable cue artists in the 19-year-old and below boys and girls junior tournament where no less than the classy Wu Yu-lun of Taiwan is the three-time defending champion.
"Nakahanda ako. Sana palarin tayo [I'm ready. I hope luck is on my side]," said Mendoza whose stint here is being supported by billiard patron Jonathan Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable and Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos.
Mendoza had previously won exhibition games against top players of Bugsy Promotion last March.
He beat WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 15-8, for the top prize of P11,000 and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome "Pendong" Peña, 13-12, for P5,000 purse in their 10-ball matches, both played in his billiard hall in Hulo, Mandaluyong City. He also beat Carlo "Cool" Biado and fellow teen-ager Mike Takayama also from Bugsy Promotion for P5,000 purse.
The Mandaluyong City shotmaker made waves in the pool world when he dominated the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship last month at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.
Fondly called "Big Mac" or "Makmak" in the local circuit needed one and half hours to beat Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals to capture the P50,000 top prize in the event sponsored by San Miguel Corporation.
"Mataas ang morale ko kasi todo suporta sa akin si Sir Jonathan Sy at Mayor Benhur Abalos [My morale is high because of the full support given to me by Mr. Jonathan Sy and Mayor Benhur Abalos]," added Mendoza, referring to the solid support of mayor Benhur and local billiards godfather Jonathan Sy, organizer in the recently concluded $61,400 Negros Oriental 9-Ball Championships in Dumaguete City which topped by Puyat Sports ace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan.
Accompanying Mark in the tournament is father/coach Ferdinand Mendoza. The Mendoza's and another RP junior representative Renemar "Revo" David are scheduled to leave the country on Saturday at 2:55 pm aboard Qatar Airlines.
The 17-year-old David from Barangay Botocan, Quezon City is an outright seed in the main draw after making it to the quarter-final round in the last year's World Junior edition in Sydney, Australia.
Yen Makabenta, Raya Sports events president and Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines Chairman will follow the RP team on Nov.26 according to elder Mendoza.
Other young cue artists joining the 22 nation boys meet are 2006 Sydney World Junior runner-up Ko Pin-yi and Kui Ming Lin of Taiwan, Ruslan Chinahov and Roman Pruchai of Russia, Yevgen Novosad of Ukraine, Stephen Lammens of Belgium, Marc Bucais and Everette Paul of Canada, Edward Sandjaja Ikhwan of Indonesia, Diego Gomez of Venezuela, Landon Shuffett, Joshua Newman, Christopher Futrell and Richard Barney of the United States, Albin Ouschan of Austria, Xianh Yao of China, Petri Makkonen of Finland, Mathew Lawrenson of Great Britain, Attila Bezdan of Hungrary, Michal Charnecki of Poland, Hao Xiang Han of Hongkong among others. The host country will parade Thomas Luttich, Nico Wehner, Dominic Jentsch, Ramazan Dincer and Fabian Breuer.
The winner of the WPA sanctioned event brings home the gold medal, with the runner-up getting the silver medal and the third placer receive bronze medal. Meanwhile, Filipino-American Mary Rakin will see in action in the distaff side. The Daly City, California based Rakin is the defending World Junior girl's champion.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FILIPINO POOL MAESTRO EFREN "BATA" REYES, defending champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and Warren "Warrior" Kiamco lived up to expectations by hurdling their respective rivals at the start of the 40th All Japan Championships 2007 at the Hotel New Archaic Hall in Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan on Wednesday.
The 53-year-old Reyes playing under the banner of Puyat Sports, the 1999 Cardiff World Pool Champion winner clobbered D. Enami and Y. Morino of Japan, while the 28-year-old Corteza from Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) toppled T. Haraguchi of Japan and 2007 Guinness Asian 9-Ball tour over-all grand finale champion Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan, respectively.
The 38-year-old Kiamco, also from Negros Billiard Stable outplayed K. Suzuki and A. Shiraiwa of Japan to keep Filipino hopes flying high in the event which offers JPY2,000,000 to the champion in this double elimination format according to official website yesterday. The runner-up here gets JPY1,000,000 while 3rd-4th takes on JPY500,000, 5th-8th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 and 17th-32nd : JPY60,000.
In the next round, Reyes goes up against K. Hirota of Japan, Corteza will test the mettle of 2005 Taiwan World Pool Champion runner-up Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan, and Kiamco opposite two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan.
Hirota, on the other hand crushed compatriots M. Mizushita and Y. Mori, Kuo blasted Lee Chen-man of Hongkong and T. Yamamoto of Japan while Yang, who beat Dennis Orcollo in their one on one match dubbed as The Riches Game of Asia in Gateway Mall, walloped H. Kato of Japan and Toh Lian Han of Singapore, in order.
Not as fortunate were former World No.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego who were relegated to the loser's bracket.
The 43-year-old Bustamante, from Puyat Sports nipped T. Noda of Japan but succumbed to Y. Hisada of Japan in the next round, while Gallego from Negros Billiard Stable beat Au Chi-wai of Hongkong but yielded to Hung Hsiang-wang of Taiwan.
Other cue masters who post back to back wins that includes 1996 WPC winner Ralf Souquet of Germany, 2001 WPC winner Mika Immonen of Finland, 2005 WPC winner Wu Chia-ching, Hui Chan-lu and Chih Hsiang-Chuang of Taiwan, Liu Haitao of China, 2006 Doha Asian games 8-ball gold medalist Satoshi Kawabata and ex-WPC champ Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan among others.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
MARK MENDOZA VYING IN WORLD JUNIOR POOL TILT
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---CURRENT National Junior champion Mark Aristotle "Big Mac" Mendoza takes on an elite field when he joins the 2007 WPA World Youth 9-Ball for juniors and girls on Nov. 27 to 30 at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen, Germany.
The 18-year-old Mendoza, member of the rising Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) will be see action against an array of notable cue artists in the 19-year-old and below boys and girls junior tournament where no less than the classy Wu Yu-lun of Taiwan is the three-time defending champion.
"Nakahanda ako. Sana palarin tayo [I'm ready. I hope luck is on my side]," said Mendoza whose stint here is being supported by billiard patron Jonathan Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable and Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos.
Mendoza had previously won exhibition games against top players of Bugsy Promotion last March.
He beat WPA 9-Ball Champion and WPA 8-Ball Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 15-8, for the top prize of P11,000 and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome "Pendong" Peña, 13-12, for P5,000 purse in their 10-ball matches, both played in his billiard hall in Hulo, Mandaluyong City. He also beat Carlo "Cool" Biado and fellow teen-ager Mike Takayama also from Bugsy Promotion for P5,000 purse.
The Mandaluyong City shotmaker made waves in the pool world when he dominated the inaugural Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP)-Magnolia Health Tea Philippine Junior Pool Championship last month at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.
Fondly called "Big Mac" or "Makmak" in the local circuit needed one and half hours to beat Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-3, in the finals to capture the P50,000 top prize in the event sponsored by San Miguel Corporation.
"Mataas ang morale ko kasi todo suporta sa akin si Sir Jonathan Sy at Mayor Benhur Abalos [My morale is high because of the full support given to me by Mr. Jonathan Sy and Mayor Benhur Abalos]," added Mendoza, referring to the solid support of mayor Benhur and local billiards godfather Jonathan Sy, organizer in the recently concluded $61,400 Negros Oriental 9-Ball Championships in Dumaguete City which topped by Puyat Sports ace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan.
Accompanying Mark in the tournament is father/coach Ferdinand Mendoza. The Mendoza's and another RP junior representative Renemar "Revo" David are scheduled to leave the country on Saturday at 2:55 pm aboard Qatar Airlines.
The 17-year-old David from Barangay Botocan, Quezon City is an outright seed in the main draw after making it to the quarter-final round in the last year's World Junior edition in Sydney, Australia.
Yen Makabenta, Raya Sports events president and Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines Chairman will follow the RP team on Nov.26 according to elder Mendoza.
Other young cue artists joining the 22 nation boys meet are 2006 Sydney World Junior runner-up Ko Pin-yi and Kui Ming Lin of Taiwan, Ruslan Chinahov and Roman Pruchai of Russia, Yevgen Novosad of Ukraine, Stephen Lammens of Belgium, Marc Bucais and Everette Paul of Canada, Edward Sandjaja Ikhwan of Indonesia, Diego Gomez of Venezuela, Landon Shuffett, Joshua Newman, Christopher Futrell and Richard Barney of the United States, Albin Ouschan of Austria, Xianh Yao of China, Petri Makkonen of Finland, Mathew Lawrenson of Great Britain, Attila Bezdan of Hungrary, Michal Charnecki of Poland, Hao Xiang Han of Hongkong among others. The host country will parade Thomas Luttich, Nico Wehner, Dominic Jentsch, Ramazan Dincer and Fabian Breuer.
The winner of the WPA sanctioned event brings home the gold medal, with the runner-up getting the silver medal and the third placer receive bronze medal. Meanwhile, Filipino-American Mary Rakin will see in action in the distaff side. The Daly City, California based Rakin is the defending World Junior girl's champion.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
PINOYS IN JAPAN 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
BATA, DJANGO VOWS TO BOUNCE BACK IN ALL JAPAN 9-BALL
THE COUNTRY'S most popular cue artist Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante promised to come back strong in the 2007 All Japan Championships which start today , Nov.21-25 at Hotel New Archaic HallOct 3-96 Showa-dori, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan.
The winner in the event takes on JPY2,000,000 2nd : JPY1,000,000 3rd-4th : JPY500,000, 5th-8 th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 17th-32nd : JPY60,000
The duo, top players of Puyat Sports failed to advance in the cross-over semi-final round in the recently concluded Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships at the Dumaguete Convention Centerin Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental last Saturday which was dominated by fellow Puyat Sports ace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan.
The 28-year-old Pagulayan outplayed compatriot Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 13-9, in an All Filipino finals to capture the title plus $20,000 top prize in the event presented by San Miguel Corporation and supported by businessman Julio Sy Jr. and Negros Oriental 1 st district rep. Josie Limkaichiong.
Reyes, 53, will face D. Enami of Japan while Bustamante, 43, takes on T. Noda of Japan.
According to Reyes, this is the third time in his professional billiard career that he has only won a few tournaments.
"Y'ung arthritis ko umaatake eh, kaya minamalas tayo sa taong ito, beside bihira na din tayo sumali sa ibang bansa lalu na sa Amerika kasi magastos at mataas 'yung tax," said Reyes, whose other slump was in 1997 to 1998.
"Pero sana maganda ang performance natin sa All Japan para maganda naman ang pasko natin, sa taong ito 'yung Derby City Classic lamang sa Kentucky tayo na nalo ng maganda. Sa World Cup of Pool semi-finalist lamang kami ni Django," added Reyes, who took the Master of the Table award in the Derby City Classic this year in Lousville, Kentucky.
Reyes, a hall of famer in Billiards Congress of America (BCA) won the biggest cash prize ever in history of pool winning last year's International Pool Championships World 8-Ball in Reno, Nevada which offers $500,000 top prize. Reyes only received half of his prize but is confident that before the end of this year he will receive the other half of the cash prize.
Defending All Japan Champion Lee Vann Corteza opens his title retention bid against T. Haraguchi.
Gallego, on the other hand, a five-time Japan winner will test the mettle of Au Chi-wai of Hongkong.
Warren Kiamco, current US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion will meet qualifiers S8 according to official website.
The triumvirate (Corteza, Gallego and Kiamco) are playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS).
Other notable cue masters that include Mika Immonen of Finland, Ralf Souquet of Germany, Chang Keng kwang of Singapore, Wu Chia-ching, Yang Ching-shun, Chang-Jung-lin, Lo Li-wen and Lui Hui-chan of Taiwan.
Satoshi Kawabata, who beat Filipino Antonio Gabica in the 2006 Doha Asian Games 8-ball final will be the front-liner of the host country
KABAYAN WORLD 9-BALL CHALLENGE: ONE MORE TIME
THE world-class actions in the San Miguel Corporation Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World left the people of Oriental Mindoro gasping for air and wanting more.
"Two days are not enough," said Board Member Butch Soller. "Our kababayans want more actions."
The Team Philippines put an anti-climactic ending in the $30,000 tournament with a massive final day rout on its way to a 31-19 victory at the Filipiniana Hotel in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
There were a number of firsts in the event supported by the San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR, PCSO, ACCEL, DZSR Sports Radio, Manila Times and Business Mirror.
It was the first time that a province hosted an international team competition in billiards and the first time a match-point system with a possibility of draw is used in a pool tournament here in the country.
It was also the first nationally televised sporting event in Oriental Mindoro. The airing is set on Nov. 27-29 on Solar Sports.
" This is arguably the biggest event in this island," said Oriental Mindoro governor Arnan Panaligan. "We' ve just seen the best set of players to ever play here."
Panaligan admitted he was thrilled to do the ceremonial break alongside double world champion Ronnie Alcano.
With the event ' s smashing success, the organizers are planning to stage bigger and better international competitions in the province.
" Given more time and more help from the national government, Oriental Mindoro could become a major sports hub in the country," said Rep. Alfonso "Boy" Umali of the provinces second congressional district.
Vice-President Noli " Kabayan" De Castro vowed to help his fellow Mindorenos achieve their goal of promoting the province through sports.
" I' ll do my best to make a better and productive Oriental Mindoro," he said when the Team Philippines paid him a visit.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
THE COUNTRY'S most popular cue artist Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante promised to come back strong in the 2007 All Japan Championships which start today , Nov.21-25 at Hotel New Archaic HallOct 3-96 Showa-dori, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo, Japan.
The winner in the event takes on JPY2,000,000 2nd : JPY1,000,000 3rd-4th : JPY500,000, 5th-8 th : JPY250,000 9th-16th : JPY125,000 17th-32nd : JPY60,000
The duo, top players of Puyat Sports failed to advance in the cross-over semi-final round in the recently concluded Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships at the Dumaguete Convention Centerin Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental last Saturday which was dominated by fellow Puyat Sports ace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan.
The 28-year-old Pagulayan outplayed compatriot Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 13-9, in an All Filipino finals to capture the title plus $20,000 top prize in the event presented by San Miguel Corporation and supported by businessman Julio Sy Jr. and Negros Oriental 1 st district rep. Josie Limkaichiong.
Reyes, 53, will face D. Enami of Japan while Bustamante, 43, takes on T. Noda of Japan.
According to Reyes, this is the third time in his professional billiard career that he has only won a few tournaments.
"Y'ung arthritis ko umaatake eh, kaya minamalas tayo sa taong ito, beside bihira na din tayo sumali sa ibang bansa lalu na sa Amerika kasi magastos at mataas 'yung tax," said Reyes, whose other slump was in 1997 to 1998.
"Pero sana maganda ang performance natin sa All Japan para maganda naman ang pasko natin, sa taong ito 'yung Derby City Classic lamang sa Kentucky tayo na nalo ng maganda. Sa World Cup of Pool semi-finalist lamang kami ni Django," added Reyes, who took the Master of the Table award in the Derby City Classic this year in Lousville, Kentucky.
Reyes, a hall of famer in Billiards Congress of America (BCA) won the biggest cash prize ever in history of pool winning last year's International Pool Championships World 8-Ball in Reno, Nevada which offers $500,000 top prize. Reyes only received half of his prize but is confident that before the end of this year he will receive the other half of the cash prize.
Defending All Japan Champion Lee Vann Corteza opens his title retention bid against T. Haraguchi.
Gallego, on the other hand, a five-time Japan winner will test the mettle of Au Chi-wai of Hongkong.
Warren Kiamco, current US Bar Table 9-Ball Champion and 8-Ball Champion will meet qualifiers S8 according to official website.
The triumvirate (Corteza, Gallego and Kiamco) are playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS).
Other notable cue masters that include Mika Immonen of Finland, Ralf Souquet of Germany, Chang Keng kwang of Singapore, Wu Chia-ching, Yang Ching-shun, Chang-Jung-lin, Lo Li-wen and Lui Hui-chan of Taiwan.
Satoshi Kawabata, who beat Filipino Antonio Gabica in the 2006 Doha Asian Games 8-ball final will be the front-liner of the host country
KABAYAN WORLD 9-BALL CHALLENGE: ONE MORE TIME
THE world-class actions in the San Miguel Corporation Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World left the people of Oriental Mindoro gasping for air and wanting more.
"Two days are not enough," said Board Member Butch Soller. "Our kababayans want more actions."
The Team Philippines put an anti-climactic ending in the $30,000 tournament with a massive final day rout on its way to a 31-19 victory at the Filipiniana Hotel in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
There were a number of firsts in the event supported by the San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR, PCSO, ACCEL, DZSR Sports Radio, Manila Times and Business Mirror.
It was the first time that a province hosted an international team competition in billiards and the first time a match-point system with a possibility of draw is used in a pool tournament here in the country.
It was also the first nationally televised sporting event in Oriental Mindoro. The airing is set on Nov. 27-29 on Solar Sports.
" This is arguably the biggest event in this island," said Oriental Mindoro governor Arnan Panaligan. "We' ve just seen the best set of players to ever play here."
Panaligan admitted he was thrilled to do the ceremonial break alongside double world champion Ronnie Alcano.
With the event ' s smashing success, the organizers are planning to stage bigger and better international competitions in the province.
" Given more time and more help from the national government, Oriental Mindoro could become a major sports hub in the country," said Rep. Alfonso "Boy" Umali of the provinces second congressional district.
Vice-President Noli " Kabayan" De Castro vowed to help his fellow Mindorenos achieve their goal of promoting the province through sports.
" I' ll do my best to make a better and productive Oriental Mindoro," he said when the Team Philippines paid him a visit.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
PAGULAYAN WINS NEGROS 9-BALL
PHOTO CAPTION:
From (L-R)
Puyat Sports event manager Ish Caparras, Negros Oriental 1st district rep. Josie Limkaichiong, Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships winner Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and 2 nd district rep.George Arnaiz last Saturday at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
ALEX "THE LION" PAGULAYAN ROARS TO WIN NEGROS 9-BALL
DUMAGUETE CITY---ALEX PAGULAYAN, Negros Champion. Banking on his experience and international exposure, Pagulayan added the Negros 9-Ball Tilt to his growing list of billiards honors by outclassing compatriot Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 13-9, Saturday night in the All-Filipino finals of the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental here.
The 28-year-old Pagulayan, fondly called "The Lion" in the world of pool from Puyat Sports clawed back from a 2-4 deficit clustered seven straight racks to seize a comfortable 9-4 lead in the race-to13, alternate break format to pocket the $20,000 top prize of the tournament jointly organized by the Negros Billiard Stable and Puyat Sports and will be aired on Solar Sports from Nov.22-29.
A five-time Japan champion, Gallego, playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) settled for runner-up and the pot of $10,000 in the event presented by businessman Julio "Jun-Jun" Sy Jr, owner of KOPIKO 3-In-1 coffee, Altus Communication, TAO and distributor of NOKIA Philippines and San Miguel Corporation in close cooperation with Negros Oriental Governor Emilio Macias II and Negros Oriental 1st district representative Josie Limkaichiong of La Libertad.
Pagulayan and Gallego, both received a Nokia 7710 courtesy of businessman Julio "Jun-Jun" Sy Jr.
"I was cautious all-throughout because I know Bebeng (Gallego) is a very tough opponent especially in the TV table final matches, but of course besides experience I had a better luck and he was not doing well in the end game after his magnificent performance at the start of the game," the Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan, the 2004 World Pool champion, said.
Although the match looked easy in the final canto, "The Lion" said he was not in top form at the start of the game when Gallego took a 4-2 commanding lead after winning the opening lag. Gallego virtually did himself in by fouling three times against Pagulayan that put the latter's 4-9 lead in the $61,400 total pot tournament jointly organized by NBS and Puyat Sports.
Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) coach/ manager Christopher Palses lauded Pagulayan's title feat, "He played like a true World Champion last night (Saturday), he is the man," said Palses who needed to travel four hours over land, to his head quarters in Bacolod City from Dumaguete City.
Earlier in the night, Pagulayan trounced another NBS bet Elmer Haya, 11-5, in the semi-final round to arrange a titular showdown with Gallego, winner over fellow NBS ace Jarry Pelayo, 11-4. Losing semi-finalist Pelayo and Haya, both unheralded players brought home $5,000 each.
Down from 8-11, Gallego had a chance to close the match at 9-11 count in the nineteen racks after Pagulayan's dry break but failed to capitalize. From there, Pagulayan never looked back as he ran-out the final rack for a 13-9 victory.
"He is good, it is just that I played much better," added Pagulayan, also the 2005 US Open champion.
"I learned a lot from Alex [Pagulayan]. He taught me also and I really lost to a much better player," admitted Gallego, whose victims in the weeklong tourney include BSCP founding chairman Edgar Acaba, 9-8, Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 9-8, European no.1 player Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, 9-1, ex-US Open champion Corey Deuel of the United States, 9-5, 1996 World 9-Ball Champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-6, and current National Open Champion Lee Vann Corteza, 9-6, in the loser's bracket.
Gallego, who also posted an 11-0 run in this year's US Open in Virginia only lost here in Dumaguete City against Haya, an 8-9 heart-breaking lost in the opening round last Wednesday.
The Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships is the biggest-ever international standard event in the Visayas and outside Metro Manila which featured some of the world's best that includes a total of nine (9) World Pool Champions headed by Pagulayan, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Ronato Alcano of the Philippines, Johnny Archer of the United States, Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan and Mika Immonen of Finland.
CEBU WILL HOST WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS '08?
DUMAGUETE CITY---THE WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS will remain in Philippines for three straight years. However, Manila based billiard fanatics have to raise money to fly to Cebu to watch the biggest 9-ball event in planet, the 2008 World 9-Ball Championship.
Cebu, also known as the Queen City of the South, already staged a dozen international sports events like Chess, Boxing, Triathlon, Judo, Arnis among others. In hosting the WPC, organizers need to raise at least P60 to P75-million.
"Bago mag finals ng WPC nagpakain sa amin si Pagcor chief (Efraim Genuino) at sinigurong ang World Pool Championships ay dito pa din sa Pilipinas gaganapin next year pero sa Cebu hindi sa Manila," said Ronato Alcano, the 2006 Philippines WPC Champion referring to the meeting with PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino along with 1999 Cardiff WPC Champion Efren "Bata" Reyes, before the titular showdown between Gomez and Englishman Daryl Peach in the 2007 WPC.
"Para hindi na gumastos pa ang gobyerno natin, manager o mga players na dadayo pa sa ibang bansa para maglaro ng WPC," added Alcano.
In a separate interview, Morry, a Public Relation Officer (PRO) of Indonesian Pool Federation was disappointed the WPC will not be going to Bali, Indonesia because of financial challenges. Bali was supposed to host the WPC for 2008 and 2009.
"Pool sport is not popular than Badminton and Soccer in my country unlike the Philippines," said Morry, organizer for the annual Bali International 9-Ball Open, also an owner or a pool hall in Jakarta.
After the Philippines got the signal to host the WPC for three straight years, the Indonesian Pool Federation tried to negotiate with Matchroom Sports for the staging in Indonesia from 2008-09.
"Everything is ready, however our government does not have enough funds to sponsor the WPC, all the funds were already allotted to the Thailand Southeast Asian Games," she added.
"A possible co-sponsor maybe a beer but it should be our local TV will feed the blow by blow account of the WPC," said Morry, who flew to the Philippines to watch the WPC and Negros Oriental International 9-Ball before going back to her country on Tuesday.
Bintang, a local beer brand selling only in Indonesia wants a local TV channel to shown the billiard event. Guinness, an Irish stout beer also signified to sponsor the WPC event not to mention the San Miguel Beer.
According to Morry, Macau and Malaysia also signified their intention to host the WPC event.
Meanwhile, Gomez' camp wants a possible rematch with Peach who defeated him in the WPC finals, one of the world 9-ball championships most error laden match committed by both players. The promoter is eyeing at least total of P6-million to stage the said event.
TWO FINGERS PELAYO, 3 OTHERS BATTLE F4 IN NEGROS 9-BALL
DUMAGUETE CITY---JARRY PELAYO and Elmer Haya, two unheralded players have secured slots in the semifinals of the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships
as they dispatched their counterparts late Friday at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental here.
The 32-year-old Pelayo, who hails from Bacolod City fondly called "Putol" or "Two fingers" in the world of pool, who lost his three fingers in a fire cracker accident as a little boy, upset current National Open Champion Lee Vann Corteza, 9-4, while the 30-year-old Haya, a native of Molave, Zamboanga shocked 2004 World Pool Champion Alex Pagulayan, 9-5.
Pelayo and Haya, both playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) are the only undefeated players in this $61,400 total pot tournament jointly organized by NBS and Puyat Sports and offering $20,000 to the champion in the event supported by Negros Oriental Governor Emilio Macias, Negros Oriental 1st district representative Josie Limkaichiong of La Libertad and businessman Julio "Jun-Jun" Sy Jr.
The runner-up here gets $10,000 while losing semi-finalist will walk away $5,000 each in this double-elimination format presented by NOKIA, KOPIKO 3-In-1 coffee, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and ALTUS Communication will be aired on Solar Sports on Nov.22-29.
Pelayo's road to the final four came from wins over Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan, 9-8, Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 9-3, and Elvis Calasang, 9-3, before beating Corteza, 9-4.While Haya's road to the semis came from wins over Ramil Gallego, 9-8, Satoshi Kawabata of Japan, 9-5, Leonardo Didal, 9-6, before downing Pagulayan, 9-5.
Pagulayan, the 2005 US Open 9-Ball Champion, acknowledged "The Lion" in pool world set up final four clash with Haya, who brought down 2001 World Pool Champion Mika Immonen of Finland, 9-7, in the loser's brackets while the Japan based Galleo, will face Pelayo in another feature semi-final round. Gallego defeated 1996 World Pool Champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-6, and Corteza, 9-6, respectively to advance in the final four.
"First time namin ni Bebeng (Gallego) na magkalaban at normal lamang ang nararamdaman ko pero sa totoo lamang ay takot ako sa lahat at pressure kay Alex (Pagulayan), hindi pa ako nananalo sa kanya, 2-0 na at pabor kay Alex." said Pelayo, who thanked local billiards patron Jonathan Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable for supporting his campaign here.
Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO
Thursday, November 15, 2007
UPDATE ON THE NEGROS 9-BALL TILT
BATA OUSTS ORCOLLO, AS ALCANO AND DJANGO FALLS
DUMAGUETE CITY---HALL OF FAMER Efren "Bata" Reyes, acknowledged as the greatest pool player of all-time played almost 100 percent on Thursday night to oust compatriot Dennis Orcollo, 9-3, to keep Filipino hopes flying high in the on-going Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental here.
The 53-year-old Reyes, top player of Puyat Sports jumped to an early 6-1 lead after winning the opening lag, and was never threatened the rest of the way in the race-to-9, alternate break, double elimination format of the TV table match which will be aired on Solar Sports on Nov. 22-29.
"The balls favor in my side, for flag and country I will do my very best," said Reyes who needed to move past all his opponents in the loser's side to advance in the cross-over semifinal round.
The 28-year-old Orcollo, a former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur break and run in the 8th fame to cut the lead at 6-2 count in the biggest-ever international standard event in the Visayas, made possible through the help of Negros Oriental 1st district representative Josie Limkaichiong of La Libertad, NOKIA, KOPIKO 3-In-1 coffee, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and ALTUS.
Three balls on the break followed a tough brilliant 7-9 combination put the Magician on 7-2, and four unforced errors from Orcollo in the 10th rack allowed Reyes to up his lead at 8-2 racks in this $61,400 total pot tournament jointly organized by Negros Billiard Stable and Puyat Sports.
Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World 9-Ball Champion only suffered a scratch in the 11th rack that gave Orcollo a chance to slice the lead at 8-3 racks in the event which offers the top prize of $20,000. The runner-up here gets $10,000 while the losing-semi-finalist each receive $5,000.
In the 12th rack, Orcollo committed a dry break giving Reyes a chance to clean up the table for a magnificent 9-3 win in this event which featured some of the world's best that includes a total of nine (9) World Pool Champions headed by Reyes, Alex Pagulayan, Ronato Alcano of the Philippines, Johnny Archer of the United States, Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan and Mika Immonen of Finland.
Dumaguete City Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge Rosendo Bandal, an avid billiard fanatic, a national master and former chess Olympian witnessed the superb performance of Reyes against Orcollo.
"This is my first time to see Bata Reyes in person," said Bandal, a close family friend of tournament organizer Jonathan Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS).
European no.1 player Konstantin Stepanov of Russia had an easy time disposing Alcano, 9-2, in the loser's side and clustered a come from behind 9-7 victory over Francisco "Django" Bustamante, the 2002 Cardiff World Pool runner-up.
The 43-year-old Bustamante, who beat Reyes, 9-2, in the opening round last Wednesday got a comfortable 7-3 lead in the one-loss side but stayed at 7 racks with two unforced errors.
Stepanov, a quarter-finalist in the 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships clustered five straight racks to climb at 8-7 lead as Bustamante had a chance to tie the match at 8-all count but suffered a scratch in the 16th rack that provide Stepanov for the 9-7 kill.
Sharing the limelight is Filipino teen-ager Jech-Jech Limen of NBS who made the biggest upsets by demolishing heavyweights Naoyuki Oi of Japan, 9-5, and Wu, 9-3.
Satoshi Kawabata of Japan, the 2006 Doha Asian Games 8-ball gold medalist nipped two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold winner Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan, 9-7, and countryman Takahashi, 9-5, to remain in contention in the loser's side.
Meanwhile, reigning US Bar Table 9-ball Champion and 8-ball Champion NBS bet Warren Kiamco of the Philippines defeated Hohmann, 9-7.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
MORE ON NEGROS 9-BALL TOURNAMENT
CORTEZA BEATS SOUQUET; PAGULAYAN CRUSHES WU
DUMAGUETE CITY--- CURRENT Philippine National Champion Lee Vann Corteza overcame a tough challenge from former World 9-ball Champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-7, in the last TV table matches to stay on course and remain an early favorite to advance to the next round in the biggest-ever international standard event in the Visayas, the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental late Wednesday here.
Disappointed with his loss against compatriot Jeffrey de Luna in their quarter-final encounter at the 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships in Manila, the 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) has come well prepared going into this competition jointly organized by NBS and Puyat Sports and will be aired on Solar Sports from Nov.22-29 and setting his eyes on no less than the Negros crown and the top prize of $20,000. The runner-up gets $10,000 while the losing-semifinalist will take home $5,000 each.
Corteza, a multiple Southeast Asian Games gold medalist who hails from Davao City took 6-4 lead after winning the 10th rack in the race-to-9, alternate break, double elimination format. Corteza, fondly called "The Slayer" in the world of pool, who post a 9-4 opening match win against countryman Boyet Drillon will meet another World 9-Ball Champion Mika "Iceman" Immonen of Finland in the third round of winner's bracket today, Fiday. Immonen, a frequent Manila visitor had a hard time disposing Jech-Jech Limen, 9-6, and Warren Kiamco of the Philippines, 9-7.
Souquet, also the 2006 Philippine World Pool Championships runner-up had a chance to tie the game at 8-all count but suffered a scratch in his break in the 16 th racks allowing the Filipino cue artists to escape a 9-7 victory.
Jonathan Sy, who is the brain child to bring the biggest pool event here in Visayas said "It was my dream someday to hold a biggest tournament here in Visayas which include the former World 9-Ball Champions and the top pool player in the land and other top player from neighbor countries along with the Americans and European cue masters," said Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable who also got the support of Negros Oriental 1st district representative Josie Limkaichiong of La Libertad.
The Provincial Government, with the help of the private sector, acquired the rights to host the event that is also aimed at boosting the efforts to promote the Province of Negros Oriental. The international event is made possible through the help of the following major sponsors: NOKIA, KOPIKO 3-In-1 coffee, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and ALTUS.
Meanwhile, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, the 2004 Taiwan World Pool Championships champion also post his second straight win against fellow World 9-Ball Champion Wu-Chia-ching of Taiwan, 9-5, in the second TV table matches. He also beat fellow Pinoy Arturo Publico, 9-1, and schedule to meet today, Friday with ex-US Open winner Corey Deuel of the United States, who clustered a similar 9-6 victory over teen-ager Mike Takayama and Chung Chien-te of Taiwan, respectively.
Jarry "Putol" Pelayo and Elmer Haya, both playing of NBS registered back to back upset wins against heavy favored opponents.
The 32-year-old Pelayo, who lost his two fingers when he was a little boy playing with fire crackers, shocked two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan, 9-8, and Another Filipino entry Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 9-3, while Haya, a pool instructor in Kuwait trounced Japan based Pinoy Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 9-8, and 2006 Asian Games 8-ball gold winner Satoshi Kawabata of Japan, 9-5, in order.
With the win, Pelayo goes up against Elvis Calasang while Haya will face Leonardo "Dodong" Didal in other Filipino third round winner's brackets encounter today, Friday.
Calasang beat Dennis Orcollo, 9-8, and Francisco Bustamante, 9-2, respectively while Didal upsets European no.1 player Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, 9-6, and Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 9-4.
Bustamante who beat his Puyat Sports stablemate tournament favorites Efren "Bata" Reyes, 9-2, in their initial encounter needed to win his match in the loser's brackets to stay in the title hunt in this $61,400 total pot prize tournaments. RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat is schedule to arrive here today to give support for the Filipinos campaigner according to tournament director Rolly "Lando" Vicente.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
DUMAGUETE CITY--- CURRENT Philippine National Champion Lee Vann Corteza overcame a tough challenge from former World 9-ball Champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-7, in the last TV table matches to stay on course and remain an early favorite to advance to the next round in the biggest-ever international standard event in the Visayas, the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental late Wednesday here.
Disappointed with his loss against compatriot Jeffrey de Luna in their quarter-final encounter at the 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships in Manila, the 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) has come well prepared going into this competition jointly organized by NBS and Puyat Sports and will be aired on Solar Sports from Nov.22-29 and setting his eyes on no less than the Negros crown and the top prize of $20,000. The runner-up gets $10,000 while the losing-semifinalist will take home $5,000 each.
Corteza, a multiple Southeast Asian Games gold medalist who hails from Davao City took 6-4 lead after winning the 10th rack in the race-to-9, alternate break, double elimination format. Corteza, fondly called "The Slayer" in the world of pool, who post a 9-4 opening match win against countryman Boyet Drillon will meet another World 9-Ball Champion Mika "Iceman" Immonen of Finland in the third round of winner's bracket today, Fiday. Immonen, a frequent Manila visitor had a hard time disposing Jech-Jech Limen, 9-6, and Warren Kiamco of the Philippines, 9-7.
Souquet, also the 2006 Philippine World Pool Championships runner-up had a chance to tie the game at 8-all count but suffered a scratch in his break in the 16 th racks allowing the Filipino cue artists to escape a 9-7 victory.
Jonathan Sy, who is the brain child to bring the biggest pool event here in Visayas said "It was my dream someday to hold a biggest tournament here in Visayas which include the former World 9-Ball Champions and the top pool player in the land and other top player from neighbor countries along with the Americans and European cue masters," said Sy, president of the Negros Billiard Stable who also got the support of Negros Oriental 1st district representative Josie Limkaichiong of La Libertad.
The Provincial Government, with the help of the private sector, acquired the rights to host the event that is also aimed at boosting the efforts to promote the Province of Negros Oriental. The international event is made possible through the help of the following major sponsors: NOKIA, KOPIKO 3-In-1 coffee, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and ALTUS.
Meanwhile, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, the 2004 Taiwan World Pool Championships champion also post his second straight win against fellow World 9-Ball Champion Wu-Chia-ching of Taiwan, 9-5, in the second TV table matches. He also beat fellow Pinoy Arturo Publico, 9-1, and schedule to meet today, Friday with ex-US Open winner Corey Deuel of the United States, who clustered a similar 9-6 victory over teen-ager Mike Takayama and Chung Chien-te of Taiwan, respectively.
Jarry "Putol" Pelayo and Elmer Haya, both playing of NBS registered back to back upset wins against heavy favored opponents.
The 32-year-old Pelayo, who lost his two fingers when he was a little boy playing with fire crackers, shocked two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan, 9-8, and Another Filipino entry Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, 9-3, while Haya, a pool instructor in Kuwait trounced Japan based Pinoy Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 9-8, and 2006 Asian Games 8-ball gold winner Satoshi Kawabata of Japan, 9-5, in order.
With the win, Pelayo goes up against Elvis Calasang while Haya will face Leonardo "Dodong" Didal in other Filipino third round winner's brackets encounter today, Friday.
Calasang beat Dennis Orcollo, 9-8, and Francisco Bustamante, 9-2, respectively while Didal upsets European no.1 player Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, 9-6, and Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 9-4.
Bustamante who beat his Puyat Sports stablemate tournament favorites Efren "Bata" Reyes, 9-2, in their initial encounter needed to win his match in the loser's brackets to stay in the title hunt in this $61,400 total pot prize tournaments. RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat is schedule to arrive here today to give support for the Filipinos campaigner according to tournament director Rolly "Lando" Vicente.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
NEGROS 9-BALL TOURNAMENT
FEIJEN BEATS ALCANO IN NEGROS 9-BALL TILT
DUMAGUETE CITY---NEILS FEIJEN of the Netherlands crushed 2006 World Pool Champion Ronato Alcano of the Philippines, 9-4, late Wednesday at the start of the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental here.
The 30-year-old Feijen swept to an early 6-1 lead after winning the opening lag in the race-to-9, alternate break format in the first TV table matches which will be aired on Solar Sports on Nov.22-29.
"I played very good, my shot is awesome and fantastic and the ball always favor in my side," said Feijen who showed dismay in the World Pool Championships because does not favor implementing the soft-break.
"I prepared to use the power break or hard break format for the WPC. This adds excitement to the game compared to the soft-break format," added Feijen who lost to Filipino Roberto Gomez, 11-0, in their quarter-final match using the soft-break method in the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championships.
Feijen, who is scheduled to play in the Euro Tour on Spain on Dec. 9-12 and Mosconi Cup on Dec. 15-17 will meet European no.1 player Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, who brought down Leonardo Didal of the Philippines, 9-6, in the $61,400 total pot four day event, jointly organized by Negros Billiard Stable and Puyat Sports in close cooperation with San Miguel Corporation, Nokia, and Kopiko.
In the battle of the former world 9-ball champions which offers top prize of $20,00, Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan proved that he is much better than Thorsten Hohmann of Germany after a 9-3 win to forge an early confrontation with another World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion Pagulayan of the Philippines who trounced compatriot Arturo Publico, 9-1.
Other matches saw, 2006 Doha Asian games 8-ball gold medalist Satoshi Kawabata of Japan beat Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) founding president Edgard Acaba, 9-7, to meet Japan based Pinoy Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego who edged countryman Elmer Haya, 9-8.
Meanwhile, RP's 1-2 punch and bosom buddy Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante finally crossed the line last night in the other TV table matches when the duo facing each other last night.
"Wala tayong magagawa yan ang lumabas sa main draw eh," said Bustamante, who failed to sleep for 2 days after his defeat to eventual winner Daryl Peach of England in their semi-final match of the recent 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships at the Big Dome in Quezon City.
The 43-year-old 2002 WPC runner-up, said yesterday that he already accepted his setbacks in the prestigious World 9-Ball Tour.
"Marami pa naman ang pagkakataon (WPC) basta foucus lamang tayo ngayon dito sa Negros International 9-Ball," added Bustamante, prize fighter of Puyat Sports.
The survivor of Reyes and Bustamante's game will go up against either Dennis Orcollo and Elvis Calasang.
2007 WPC runner-up Roberto Gomez will test the mettle of 2006 WPC runner-up Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany in another exciting match yesterday.
"Masakit pa din 'yung pagkatalo ko sa WPC pero ganyan talaga ang buhay, baka sa susunod ay ukol na para sa atin," like Bustamante, Gomez also lost to Peach in WPC finals.
If Gomez luckily wins his initial round assignment, he will meet another heavyweight and current national open champion Lee Vann Corteza in the next round. The 28-year-old Corteza, the player of Negros Billiard Stable is expected to beat unheralded Boyet Drillon.
Corey Deuel, a former US Open 9-ball winner is expected win against his match with teen-ager Mike Takayama and a possible encounter to fellow American and another world 9-ball champion Johnny Archer who is still playing as of press time with new comer Chung-Chien-te of Taiwan.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
DUMAGUETE CITY---NEILS FEIJEN of the Netherlands crushed 2006 World Pool Champion Ronato Alcano of the Philippines, 9-4, late Wednesday at the start of the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental here.
The 30-year-old Feijen swept to an early 6-1 lead after winning the opening lag in the race-to-9, alternate break format in the first TV table matches which will be aired on Solar Sports on Nov.22-29.
"I played very good, my shot is awesome and fantastic and the ball always favor in my side," said Feijen who showed dismay in the World Pool Championships because does not favor implementing the soft-break.
"I prepared to use the power break or hard break format for the WPC. This adds excitement to the game compared to the soft-break format," added Feijen who lost to Filipino Roberto Gomez, 11-0, in their quarter-final match using the soft-break method in the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championships.
Feijen, who is scheduled to play in the Euro Tour on Spain on Dec. 9-12 and Mosconi Cup on Dec. 15-17 will meet European no.1 player Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, who brought down Leonardo Didal of the Philippines, 9-6, in the $61,400 total pot four day event, jointly organized by Negros Billiard Stable and Puyat Sports in close cooperation with San Miguel Corporation, Nokia, and Kopiko.
In the battle of the former world 9-ball champions which offers top prize of $20,00, Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan proved that he is much better than Thorsten Hohmann of Germany after a 9-3 win to forge an early confrontation with another World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion Pagulayan of the Philippines who trounced compatriot Arturo Publico, 9-1.
Other matches saw, 2006 Doha Asian games 8-ball gold medalist Satoshi Kawabata of Japan beat Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) founding president Edgard Acaba, 9-7, to meet Japan based Pinoy Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego who edged countryman Elmer Haya, 9-8.
Meanwhile, RP's 1-2 punch and bosom buddy Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante finally crossed the line last night in the other TV table matches when the duo facing each other last night.
"Wala tayong magagawa yan ang lumabas sa main draw eh," said Bustamante, who failed to sleep for 2 days after his defeat to eventual winner Daryl Peach of England in their semi-final match of the recent 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships at the Big Dome in Quezon City.
The 43-year-old 2002 WPC runner-up, said yesterday that he already accepted his setbacks in the prestigious World 9-Ball Tour.
"Marami pa naman ang pagkakataon (WPC) basta foucus lamang tayo ngayon dito sa Negros International 9-Ball," added Bustamante, prize fighter of Puyat Sports.
The survivor of Reyes and Bustamante's game will go up against either Dennis Orcollo and Elvis Calasang.
2007 WPC runner-up Roberto Gomez will test the mettle of 2006 WPC runner-up Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany in another exciting match yesterday.
"Masakit pa din 'yung pagkatalo ko sa WPC pero ganyan talaga ang buhay, baka sa susunod ay ukol na para sa atin," like Bustamante, Gomez also lost to Peach in WPC finals.
If Gomez luckily wins his initial round assignment, he will meet another heavyweight and current national open champion Lee Vann Corteza in the next round. The 28-year-old Corteza, the player of Negros Billiard Stable is expected to beat unheralded Boyet Drillon.
Corey Deuel, a former US Open 9-ball winner is expected win against his match with teen-ager Mike Takayama and a possible encounter to fellow American and another world 9-ball champion Johnny Archer who is still playing as of press time with new comer Chung-Chien-te of Taiwan.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Monday, November 12, 2007
KABAYAN 9-BALL + NEGROS 9-BALL TOURNAMENTS
RP TEAM WINS KABAYAN SMB WORLD 9-BALL; POCKETS $20,000
CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO-THE Kabayan San Miguel Beer (SMB) World 9-Ball Challenge: RP versus Rest of the World was concluded at the Filipiniana Hotel here Tuesday.
Team Philippines composed of last year's WPC winner Ronato Alcano, Marlon Manalo, Gandy Valle, Jeffrey de Luna and Antonio Gabica claimed the title over the World Team (Rest of the World) 31-19, to pocket the top prize of $20,000 in the event that will be aired on Solar Sports on Nov. 27-29 and jointly organized by board member Butch Soller and journalist Noli Sangil Cruz of Mansalay in the first international event in Oriental Mindoro coincides with the province's 57th founding anniversary.
World Team on the other hand whose members headed by Rodney Morris of the United States, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Karl Boyes, Darren Appleton and Scott Higgins of England received $10,000 in the event made possible by the San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR and PCSO with the help of the Office of the Vice President Noli De Castro, Governor Arnan Panaligan, vice-governor Estee Aceron, Calapan City Mayor Doy Leachon, Rep. Alfonso P.A. Umali, Rep. Rod "RGV" Valencia, Sporteum Inc. president (ACCEL) Willy Ortiz, Manila Times, Business Mirror, DZSR Sports Radio, Sebastian Chua and Bugsy Promotion and fully sanctioned by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).
World Team began their title quest with a four point lead (5-1) in the early session Monday going to 19-17 after the evening session.
RP team bounced back yesterday when 1998 Asian Games gold medalist Gandy "Yang-Yang" Valle and 2005 World Pool Championships third placer Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo posted contrasting victories over Chamat and Higgins to virtually clinch the title. Valle, who hails from Davao City trounced Chamat, 7-3, while Manalo crushed Higgins, 8-2.
"Sinigurado ko na agad na maganda ang start ko kasi pressure na ang kalaban natin (World Team) kasi lamang na tayo sa iskor," said Valle after the match.
Manalo, meanwhile who posted a 4-0 run before Higgins cut the lead at 4-2 count said "Lahat kami ay nagtulong-tulong (RP team) para manalo at magbigay ng karangalan sa bayan," said Mandaluyong City ace Manalo, who is schedule to carry the country's color's in the forthcoming Southeast Asian Games later this year.
Alcano, the 34-year-old from Calamba City, Laguna nipped Boyes, 9-1, in the last match yesterday afternoon.
"Buti na lamang nakabawi kami sa day 2, krusiyal 'yung panalo nina Gandy (Valle) at Marlon (Manalo) kaya wala ng pressure sa laro ko," said Alcano, one of the seeded players in the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships which begins Nov.14-17 at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City.
POOL SHARKS VIE FOR NEGROS INT'L 9-BALL CROWN TODAY
POOL sharks coming from around the world will be vying for prestige and the coveted crown when the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships gets underway, November 14-17 at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City.
A total pot prize of $61,400 awaits the winner in the event jointly organized by Negros Billiard Stable and Puyat Sports where $20,000 going to the champion. The runner-up gets $10,000 while the losing semi-finalist each received $5,000.
The tournament will feature former World 9-Ball Champions Efren "Bata" Reyes, Ronato Alcano and Alex Pagulayan, competing against some of the world best that includes another World 9-Ball Champions in the likes of Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan, Mika Immonen of Finland, Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohman of Germany and Johnny Archer of the United States.
Not to be outdone are Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco, Lee Vann Corteza and Ramil Gallego of the Philippines, Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan, Corey Deuel of the United States and qualifiers Edgar Acaba, Elvis Calasang, Elmer Haya, Leonardo Didal, Naoyuki Oi of Japan and Chung Chien-te of Taiwan.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO-THE Kabayan San Miguel Beer (SMB) World 9-Ball Challenge: RP versus Rest of the World was concluded at the Filipiniana Hotel here Tuesday.
Team Philippines composed of last year's WPC winner Ronato Alcano, Marlon Manalo, Gandy Valle, Jeffrey de Luna and Antonio Gabica claimed the title over the World Team (Rest of the World) 31-19, to pocket the top prize of $20,000 in the event that will be aired on Solar Sports on Nov. 27-29 and jointly organized by board member Butch Soller and journalist Noli Sangil Cruz of Mansalay in the first international event in Oriental Mindoro coincides with the province's 57th founding anniversary.
World Team on the other hand whose members headed by Rodney Morris of the United States, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Karl Boyes, Darren Appleton and Scott Higgins of England received $10,000 in the event made possible by the San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR and PCSO with the help of the Office of the Vice President Noli De Castro, Governor Arnan Panaligan, vice-governor Estee Aceron, Calapan City Mayor Doy Leachon, Rep. Alfonso P.A. Umali, Rep. Rod "RGV" Valencia, Sporteum Inc. president (ACCEL) Willy Ortiz, Manila Times, Business Mirror, DZSR Sports Radio, Sebastian Chua and Bugsy Promotion and fully sanctioned by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).
World Team began their title quest with a four point lead (5-1) in the early session Monday going to 19-17 after the evening session.
RP team bounced back yesterday when 1998 Asian Games gold medalist Gandy "Yang-Yang" Valle and 2005 World Pool Championships third placer Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo posted contrasting victories over Chamat and Higgins to virtually clinch the title. Valle, who hails from Davao City trounced Chamat, 7-3, while Manalo crushed Higgins, 8-2.
"Sinigurado ko na agad na maganda ang start ko kasi pressure na ang kalaban natin (World Team) kasi lamang na tayo sa iskor," said Valle after the match.
Manalo, meanwhile who posted a 4-0 run before Higgins cut the lead at 4-2 count said "Lahat kami ay nagtulong-tulong (RP team) para manalo at magbigay ng karangalan sa bayan," said Mandaluyong City ace Manalo, who is schedule to carry the country's color's in the forthcoming Southeast Asian Games later this year.
Alcano, the 34-year-old from Calamba City, Laguna nipped Boyes, 9-1, in the last match yesterday afternoon.
"Buti na lamang nakabawi kami sa day 2, krusiyal 'yung panalo nina Gandy (Valle) at Marlon (Manalo) kaya wala ng pressure sa laro ko," said Alcano, one of the seeded players in the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships which begins Nov.14-17 at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City.
POOL SHARKS VIE FOR NEGROS INT'L 9-BALL CROWN TODAY
POOL sharks coming from around the world will be vying for prestige and the coveted crown when the Negros Oriental International 9-Ball Championships gets underway, November 14-17 at the Dumaguete Convention Center in Dumaguete City.
A total pot prize of $61,400 awaits the winner in the event jointly organized by Negros Billiard Stable and Puyat Sports where $20,000 going to the champion. The runner-up gets $10,000 while the losing semi-finalist each received $5,000.
The tournament will feature former World 9-Ball Champions Efren "Bata" Reyes, Ronato Alcano and Alex Pagulayan, competing against some of the world best that includes another World 9-Ball Champions in the likes of Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan, Mika Immonen of Finland, Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohman of Germany and Johnny Archer of the United States.
Not to be outdone are Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco, Lee Vann Corteza and Ramil Gallego of the Philippines, Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan, Corey Deuel of the United States and qualifiers Edgar Acaba, Elvis Calasang, Elmer Haya, Leonardo Didal, Naoyuki Oi of Japan and Chung Chien-te of Taiwan.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
KABAYAN SMB WORLD 9-BALL CHALLENGE
WORLD TEAM AHEAD OVER RP IN DAY 1 OF KABAYAN SMB WORLD 9-BALL CHALLENGE
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro---Rodney Morris and Karl Boyes hurdled their respective opponents to lift the World Team at the start of Kabayan San Miguel Beer (SMB) World 9-Ball Challenge: RP versus Rest of the World at the Filipiniana Hotel on Monday here.
The 25-year-old Boyes, who hails from Blackpool, England, a semi-finalist in the recent 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships beat Antonio Gabica, 7-3, in their 10 rack matche while the 35-year-old Morris, a native of Hawaii and runner-up in the last year's International Pool Tour (IPT) World 8-Ball Championships trounced 2006 WPC winner Ronato Alcano, 6-4.
"I'm just lucky," said Morris, also the former US Open champion and schedule to play in the Korean Pool Championships tomorrow in Seoul, Korea.
Marlon Manalo, 2005 WPC third placer saved the day for the host country after splitting the point with Marcus Chamat, 5-5, as the Rest of the World taking a 5-1 points victory in the first day.
Up by two racks (5-3), Manalo had a chance to win the game but committed a dry break in the 9th racks that put Chamat in the 5-4 count before he ran out the final to rack to salvage a draw (5-5).
Still playing as of press time are Scott Higgins, up against Gandy Valle and Darren Appleton opposite Jeffrey de Luna.
No less than Oriental Mindoro Governor Arnan C. Panaligan, vice-governor Estee Aceron and 2nd district representative Boy "PA" Umali ushered the opening rites in the event jointly organized by board member Butch Soller and journalist Noli Sangil Cruz of Mansalay in the first international event in Oriental Mindoro that coincides with the province's 57th founding anniversary.
The event made possible by the San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR and PCSO with the help of the Office of the Vice President and second district of Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso P.A. Umali and Rod "RGV" Valencia, Solar Sports will air the actions on Nov. 27-29.
Also supporting the event are the Sporteum Inc. president (ACCEL) Willy Ortiz, Manila Times, Business Mirror, DZSR Sports Radio, Sebastian Chua and Bugsy Promotion.
Brunswick is the official billiard table fully sanctioned by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).
Each player will play against all the players of the opposing squad in 10-rack matches. A win is worth two points, a draw is worth one point and a loss is zero.
In case of a tie in the match point event, the team with more racks won will emerge as champion and bring home the $20,000 prize. The losing team will receive $10,000.
WHY DIDN’T GOMEZ USE SOFT-BREAK? - ALCANO
FILIPINIANA HOTEL, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro---LAST YEAR'S World Pool Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano is wondering why Roberto Gomez didn't use the soft-break in his race-to-17 WPC finals match against eventual winner Daryl Peach of England.
"Bakit hindi pinagpatuloy ni Gomez 'yung soft-break eh kitang-kita naman na one ball ang wing ball?" said Alcano yesterday, one of five representing the RP team against the “Rest of the World” at the start of the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge.
"Sana nag try siya kahit isang beses dahil wala naman mawawala," added Alcano who used the soft-break to beat Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany in the 2006 WPC finals.
In fact, Alcano called up his manager to remind Gomez to try to sue soft-break when the count was 2-all.
"Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, kung ako ang nasa katayuan ni Gomez ay tiyak hindi mananalo si Peach sa akin at gagamitin ko ang soft-break dahil inuulit ko ay kitang-kita na one ball naman eh," said Alcano, the only player who both won the WPA 9-Ball and WPA 8-Ball title plus a runner-up finish in the US Open in just a year.
The 34-year-old Alcano adopted the soft-break method when he observed Luong Chi-dung of Vietnam using the controversial method in the early round of 2006.
The 29-year-old former ABS-CBN Zamboanga field reporter Gomez beat Alex Lely of the Netherlands (10-1) in the last 64, Chao Fong-pao of Taiwan (11-4) in the last 32, Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan (11-4) in the last 16, and Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands (11-0) in the last 8 and Karl Boyes of England (11-4) to reach the finals.
His game against, Boyes, the 25-year-old from Blackpool, England, Gomez decided to shift his soft-break method to power-break when the former (Boyes) take a 4-0 commanding lead before Gomez clustered an 11 straight wins for an 11-4 victory.
Alcano added that another problem of Gomez is thinking that the game is championships and must win.
"Last year ng naglaro ako simula last 128 to last 4 ay iniisip ko kailangan kong manalo pero ang hirap pala ng ganon dahil ang lakas ng pressure. Nang kalaban ko si Souquet sa finals hindi ko inisip na finals o manalo basta naglaro lamang ako at pagkatapos nalaman ko na world champion na ako," added Alcano.
Gomez, dubbed as local version of Superman eat the kryptonite of eventual winner Daryl Peach of England, 17-15, as the latter' stake home the top prize $100,000.
"Nasa round-of-64 pa lamang ay sinabihan ko na si Gomez na maglaro lamang dahil pag inisip niyang gusto niyang manalo ay diyan darating si kaibigan, 'yung kabog o kaba lalo na pag nasa isip mo kung ano na ang nakataya," explained Alcano.
If Alcano want Gomez to use the soft-break method, majority of the player include officials from WPA and media group wasn't happy to see the so called soft-break method.
Dux Carvajal, chief bureau of Pro Solution, local media outfit of ESPN here who aired worldwide the prestigious $400,000 World 9-Ball Championships said
"Parang pattern na lamang eh,"
2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga"Gabica, the 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open added."Walang kwenta ang soft-break, naka straight ball na eh, kasado na,"
Even teen-ager Mark "Big Mac" Mendoza of Mandaluyong City also commented, " Power-break ako at hindi ako nagso soft-break walang thrill at hindi naman lahat ng pagkakataon ay may one ball o wing ball," said Mendoza, who is schedule to represent the country in the 2007 WPA World Junior Championships later this month in Germany along with Renemar "Revo" David.
Rey Nillama, a veteran photographer said there’s nothing wrong using the soft-break as the player can win his match, "Para sa akin wala naman masama kung gumamit ng soft-break ang isang manlalaro basta mananalo ba siya, eh y'un ang kanyang diskarte eh,".
World Team members headed by Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Rodney Morris of the United States, Karl Boyes, Darren Appleton and Scott Higgins of England don’t want the soft-break implemented in tournaments.
Thomas Overbeck, vice president and sports director of the World Pool-Billiard Association, which sanctions the WPC, has been interviewing players and other experts about the problem here at the event and asking for potential solutions.
"What we would like to have back is that spectacular power break, and that is completely lost here," Overbeck said. "I think nobody wants to see the slow break."
One problem is that no one is quite sure what is making the soft break so effective. Likely it's a combination of factors. Here are the common elements from match to match and table to table: The tables are Brunswick Metros with 4.5-inch pockets; the cloth is new Simonis 860; the 1 ball is racked on the foot spot; and the 1 and the back three balls are tapped. Players are allowed to break from the wings.
The intense lights of the main TV table could be drying out the cloth and allowing balls to slide more. The intense humidity of the Philippines adds an unpredictable element to the equation.
The problem isn't just confined to the main TV table, although it appears to be the most reliable locale for the soft break. In a Thursday match on a peripheral table between Shane Van Boening and Vilmos Foldes, both players employed the slow- or medium-speed break, and sank at least one ball on the break in all 18 racks of Foldes' 10-8 victory.
"It's too easy," said Van Boening after the match. "It's a big advantage for everybody, and everybody has a chance. I don't think it's very fair."
Nor is the problem confined to this year. Overbeck recalled the use of the slow break beginning early in the decade. Notably, 2006 WPC champion Ronnie Alcano used the soft break almost exclusively in the knockout stages and throughout the final.
It's too late to implement any changes to breaking conditions for this year's tournament, Overbeck said. "I'm doing an investigation and trying to think of solutions. … What we don't want to do is change it to 'A' next year, and then 'B' the next year and 'C' the next year. We want to sort the problem out and find the [right] solution."
Some of the many solutions that have been mentioned include mandating a minimum speed for the break and enforcing it with speed guns; moving the rack so the 9 ball is on the spot; and confining the cue ball to the break box.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro---Rodney Morris and Karl Boyes hurdled their respective opponents to lift the World Team at the start of Kabayan San Miguel Beer (SMB) World 9-Ball Challenge: RP versus Rest of the World at the Filipiniana Hotel on Monday here.
The 25-year-old Boyes, who hails from Blackpool, England, a semi-finalist in the recent 2007 Philippine World Pool Championships beat Antonio Gabica, 7-3, in their 10 rack matche while the 35-year-old Morris, a native of Hawaii and runner-up in the last year's International Pool Tour (IPT) World 8-Ball Championships trounced 2006 WPC winner Ronato Alcano, 6-4.
"I'm just lucky," said Morris, also the former US Open champion and schedule to play in the Korean Pool Championships tomorrow in Seoul, Korea.
Marlon Manalo, 2005 WPC third placer saved the day for the host country after splitting the point with Marcus Chamat, 5-5, as the Rest of the World taking a 5-1 points victory in the first day.
Up by two racks (5-3), Manalo had a chance to win the game but committed a dry break in the 9th racks that put Chamat in the 5-4 count before he ran out the final to rack to salvage a draw (5-5).
Still playing as of press time are Scott Higgins, up against Gandy Valle and Darren Appleton opposite Jeffrey de Luna.
No less than Oriental Mindoro Governor Arnan C. Panaligan, vice-governor Estee Aceron and 2nd district representative Boy "PA" Umali ushered the opening rites in the event jointly organized by board member Butch Soller and journalist Noli Sangil Cruz of Mansalay in the first international event in Oriental Mindoro that coincides with the province's 57th founding anniversary.
The event made possible by the San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR and PCSO with the help of the Office of the Vice President and second district of Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso P.A. Umali and Rod "RGV" Valencia, Solar Sports will air the actions on Nov. 27-29.
Also supporting the event are the Sporteum Inc. president (ACCEL) Willy Ortiz, Manila Times, Business Mirror, DZSR Sports Radio, Sebastian Chua and Bugsy Promotion.
Brunswick is the official billiard table fully sanctioned by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).
Each player will play against all the players of the opposing squad in 10-rack matches. A win is worth two points, a draw is worth one point and a loss is zero.
In case of a tie in the match point event, the team with more racks won will emerge as champion and bring home the $20,000 prize. The losing team will receive $10,000.
WHY DIDN’T GOMEZ USE SOFT-BREAK? - ALCANO
FILIPINIANA HOTEL, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro---LAST YEAR'S World Pool Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano is wondering why Roberto Gomez didn't use the soft-break in his race-to-17 WPC finals match against eventual winner Daryl Peach of England.
"Bakit hindi pinagpatuloy ni Gomez 'yung soft-break eh kitang-kita naman na one ball ang wing ball?" said Alcano yesterday, one of five representing the RP team against the “Rest of the World” at the start of the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge.
"Sana nag try siya kahit isang beses dahil wala naman mawawala," added Alcano who used the soft-break to beat Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany in the 2006 WPC finals.
In fact, Alcano called up his manager to remind Gomez to try to sue soft-break when the count was 2-all.
"Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, kung ako ang nasa katayuan ni Gomez ay tiyak hindi mananalo si Peach sa akin at gagamitin ko ang soft-break dahil inuulit ko ay kitang-kita na one ball naman eh," said Alcano, the only player who both won the WPA 9-Ball and WPA 8-Ball title plus a runner-up finish in the US Open in just a year.
The 34-year-old Alcano adopted the soft-break method when he observed Luong Chi-dung of Vietnam using the controversial method in the early round of 2006.
The 29-year-old former ABS-CBN Zamboanga field reporter Gomez beat Alex Lely of the Netherlands (10-1) in the last 64, Chao Fong-pao of Taiwan (11-4) in the last 32, Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan (11-4) in the last 16, and Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands (11-0) in the last 8 and Karl Boyes of England (11-4) to reach the finals.
His game against, Boyes, the 25-year-old from Blackpool, England, Gomez decided to shift his soft-break method to power-break when the former (Boyes) take a 4-0 commanding lead before Gomez clustered an 11 straight wins for an 11-4 victory.
Alcano added that another problem of Gomez is thinking that the game is championships and must win.
"Last year ng naglaro ako simula last 128 to last 4 ay iniisip ko kailangan kong manalo pero ang hirap pala ng ganon dahil ang lakas ng pressure. Nang kalaban ko si Souquet sa finals hindi ko inisip na finals o manalo basta naglaro lamang ako at pagkatapos nalaman ko na world champion na ako," added Alcano.
Gomez, dubbed as local version of Superman eat the kryptonite of eventual winner Daryl Peach of England, 17-15, as the latter' stake home the top prize $100,000.
"Nasa round-of-64 pa lamang ay sinabihan ko na si Gomez na maglaro lamang dahil pag inisip niyang gusto niyang manalo ay diyan darating si kaibigan, 'yung kabog o kaba lalo na pag nasa isip mo kung ano na ang nakataya," explained Alcano.
If Alcano want Gomez to use the soft-break method, majority of the player include officials from WPA and media group wasn't happy to see the so called soft-break method.
Dux Carvajal, chief bureau of Pro Solution, local media outfit of ESPN here who aired worldwide the prestigious $400,000 World 9-Ball Championships said
"Parang pattern na lamang eh,"
2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga"Gabica, the 4th annual SMB RP 9-Ball Open added."Walang kwenta ang soft-break, naka straight ball na eh, kasado na,"
Even teen-ager Mark "Big Mac" Mendoza of Mandaluyong City also commented, " Power-break ako at hindi ako nagso soft-break walang thrill at hindi naman lahat ng pagkakataon ay may one ball o wing ball," said Mendoza, who is schedule to represent the country in the 2007 WPA World Junior Championships later this month in Germany along with Renemar "Revo" David.
Rey Nillama, a veteran photographer said there’s nothing wrong using the soft-break as the player can win his match, "Para sa akin wala naman masama kung gumamit ng soft-break ang isang manlalaro basta mananalo ba siya, eh y'un ang kanyang diskarte eh,".
World Team members headed by Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Rodney Morris of the United States, Karl Boyes, Darren Appleton and Scott Higgins of England don’t want the soft-break implemented in tournaments.
Thomas Overbeck, vice president and sports director of the World Pool-Billiard Association, which sanctions the WPC, has been interviewing players and other experts about the problem here at the event and asking for potential solutions.
"What we would like to have back is that spectacular power break, and that is completely lost here," Overbeck said. "I think nobody wants to see the slow break."
One problem is that no one is quite sure what is making the soft break so effective. Likely it's a combination of factors. Here are the common elements from match to match and table to table: The tables are Brunswick Metros with 4.5-inch pockets; the cloth is new Simonis 860; the 1 ball is racked on the foot spot; and the 1 and the back three balls are tapped. Players are allowed to break from the wings.
The intense lights of the main TV table could be drying out the cloth and allowing balls to slide more. The intense humidity of the Philippines adds an unpredictable element to the equation.
The problem isn't just confined to the main TV table, although it appears to be the most reliable locale for the soft break. In a Thursday match on a peripheral table between Shane Van Boening and Vilmos Foldes, both players employed the slow- or medium-speed break, and sank at least one ball on the break in all 18 racks of Foldes' 10-8 victory.
"It's too easy," said Van Boening after the match. "It's a big advantage for everybody, and everybody has a chance. I don't think it's very fair."
Nor is the problem confined to this year. Overbeck recalled the use of the slow break beginning early in the decade. Notably, 2006 WPC champion Ronnie Alcano used the soft break almost exclusively in the knockout stages and throughout the final.
It's too late to implement any changes to breaking conditions for this year's tournament, Overbeck said. "I'm doing an investigation and trying to think of solutions. … What we don't want to do is change it to 'A' next year, and then 'B' the next year and 'C' the next year. We want to sort the problem out and find the [right] solution."
Some of the many solutions that have been mentioned include mandating a minimum speed for the break and enforcing it with speed guns; moving the rack so the 9 ball is on the spot; and confining the cue ball to the break box.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
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