FRESH from winning the gold medal after teaming up with compatriot Cebuano Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica in 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) 9-ball doubles competition last month, Mandaluyong ace Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo sets his eyes to win the 3rd International Pool Tour (IPT) 8-Ball Challenge Match.
The 31-year-old Manalo, is invited to play against 2006 IPT World 8-Ball runner-up Rodney "Rocket" Morris on March 5 in the United States.
"Una ang pagkasabi sa akin ng organizer ay makakalaban ko si Thorsten (Hohmann) sa 3rd IPT 8-Ball Challenge Match at parang rematch na din naming ito na natalo ako sa finals sa kanya (Hohmann). Pero ang makakalaban ko pala si Rodney (Morris). Hope maganda ang maging performance ko sa laban ko kay Rodney (Morris)." Said Manalo, the 2005 Taiwan World Pool Championship third placer.
"For flag and country, I will do my very best, handa naman tayo," he added.
In the first challenge match, American Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer toppled countryman Earl "The Pearl" Strickland, 15-12, while another Filipino star Francisco "Django" Bustamante routed American bet Corey "The Prince" Deuel, 15-8, in the winner-take-all $5,000 second International Pool Tour (IPT) 8-ball challenge last week at the TV studio on the ritzy North Side of Chicago, Illinois in United States.
However, Manalo is undecided if he will leave the country next month to compete in the forthcoming $25,000 Turning Stone Clasic X 9-Ball Open on February 21 to 24 at the beautiful and spacious Event Center in Verona, New York.
"Wait ko pa ang signal ng BSCP kung kasali ako sa 1st leg ng Guinness Asian 9-Ball Tour sa taong ito." Manalo referring the first leg of 2008 Guinness Asian 9-Ball Tour which will kick off on February 29 to March 2 in Taipei, Taiwan.
Manalo, one of the few top players who earlier support the newly-formed Philippines Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) headed by Jun Diokno and Willie "Hoops" Aldeguer.
Manalo, is one of the product of Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP), the sole governing billiards body in the country.
"Bata pa ako kinakatawan ko na ang BSCP para sa bansa sa SEA Games at Asian Games at sa iba pang international competition," said the former snooker specialist.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
PHIL BILLIARDS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
PBDF FORMED TO HELP PINOY POOL PLAYERS
THE newly-formed Philippines Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) may be the answer fledging Pinoy pool players have been waiting for.
Jun Diokno and Willie "Hoops" Aldeguer, the main proponents of PBDF, said that they aim to recruit 10 (ten) class A players and 10 (ten) junior players to form the national training pool.
This early, Marlon Manalo, who placed third in the 2005 Taiwan World Pool Championships third placer, has signified his intention to support the foundation.
"Maganda 'yung adhikain ng PBDF, kasi malaking tulong sa mga bilyarista natin na may allowance sila pang araw-araw at may pagkakataon pa silang makapunta sa abroad na hindi babawasan ng komisyon," said Manalo, who is set to play in the coming 3rd IPT 8-Ball Challenge match.
Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica also supports the PBDF, "Gaya ni pareng Marlon (Manalo) ay full support ako sa PBDF kasi alam natin na walang sariling interes ang nagtayo ng grupo nito bagkus ay kapakanan ng mga billiard players natin. Isa na ang pagpapatunay dito na hindi sila kukuha ng komisyon ng mga players at bibigyan pa ng abogado," said Mistica, who beat Filipino legendary Jose "Amang" Parica in the mid 80's.
Meanwhile, the conditions of PBDF that will surely benefit to the local player with "no self interest" are monthly expense for each player, chargeable to future winnings; no cut or commission on winnings; must submit to training program; BSCP full support in entering tournaments (local or abroad) and won't hold your prize money and the important they will also provide free lawyer in case of any problems.
"Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) welcomes and endorses the program of the Philippine Billiards Development Foundation to recruit and train Pinoy pool players. This assures quality RP players for national and international tournaments." said in a text message from BSCP headed by its president Ernesto "Ernie" Fajardo.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
THE newly-formed Philippines Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) may be the answer fledging Pinoy pool players have been waiting for.
Jun Diokno and Willie "Hoops" Aldeguer, the main proponents of PBDF, said that they aim to recruit 10 (ten) class A players and 10 (ten) junior players to form the national training pool.
This early, Marlon Manalo, who placed third in the 2005 Taiwan World Pool Championships third placer, has signified his intention to support the foundation.
"Maganda 'yung adhikain ng PBDF, kasi malaking tulong sa mga bilyarista natin na may allowance sila pang araw-araw at may pagkakataon pa silang makapunta sa abroad na hindi babawasan ng komisyon," said Manalo, who is set to play in the coming 3rd IPT 8-Ball Challenge match.
Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica also supports the PBDF, "Gaya ni pareng Marlon (Manalo) ay full support ako sa PBDF kasi alam natin na walang sariling interes ang nagtayo ng grupo nito bagkus ay kapakanan ng mga billiard players natin. Isa na ang pagpapatunay dito na hindi sila kukuha ng komisyon ng mga players at bibigyan pa ng abogado," said Mistica, who beat Filipino legendary Jose "Amang" Parica in the mid 80's.
Meanwhile, the conditions of PBDF that will surely benefit to the local player with "no self interest" are monthly expense for each player, chargeable to future winnings; no cut or commission on winnings; must submit to training program; BSCP full support in entering tournaments (local or abroad) and won't hold your prize money and the important they will also provide free lawyer in case of any problems.
"Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) welcomes and endorses the program of the Philippine Billiards Development Foundation to recruit and train Pinoy pool players. This assures quality RP players for national and international tournaments." said in a text message from BSCP headed by its president Ernesto "Ernie" Fajardo.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Saturday, January 19, 2008
DJANGO VS. COREY DEUEL IN IPT CHALLENGE
DJANGO GOES FOR THE KILL
FILIPINO FRANCISCO "Django" Bustamante is aiming to sustain his winning ways facing American Corey "The Prince" Deuel in the forthcoming International Pool Tour (IPT) Challenge Match on January 23 in the United States.
Bustamante, one of the top players of Puyat Sports is fresh from winning the prestigious Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus Champion crown recently at the West Executive Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
The former No.1 player is a finalist in the 9-ball competition, a semi-finalist in the one pocket event and a quarter-finalist in the 9-ball bank competition in the 10th annual Derby City Classic which offers a total pot prize $100,000.
According to IPT news release sent to the Puyat Sports office yesterday, the live match will take place on January 23, 8 pm East Coast Time in the online IPT website. The game is 8-ball, and the first player to win fifteen games (15 racks) takes the match.
"Viewers can watch the live stream absolutely free by being a Basic Member of the IPT website." Said in a press statement of organizing IPT group. "We suggest registering early so that viewers don't miss the beginning of the live broadcast. Registration is simple and takes just a minute. There are no costs to become a Basic Member-This show is just pure pool for anyone who wants to watch two famous champions represent their respective countries." added the official IPT website.
Two years ago, IPT was mired in a controversy after failing to pay winner's prize moneys in the riches International Pool Tour (IPT) World 8-Ball in Nevada. Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes, topped the said event to receive the biggest pay check in his entire life of $500,000.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
FILIPINO FRANCISCO "Django" Bustamante is aiming to sustain his winning ways facing American Corey "The Prince" Deuel in the forthcoming International Pool Tour (IPT) Challenge Match on January 23 in the United States.
Bustamante, one of the top players of Puyat Sports is fresh from winning the prestigious Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus Champion crown recently at the West Executive Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
The former No.1 player is a finalist in the 9-ball competition, a semi-finalist in the one pocket event and a quarter-finalist in the 9-ball bank competition in the 10th annual Derby City Classic which offers a total pot prize $100,000.
According to IPT news release sent to the Puyat Sports office yesterday, the live match will take place on January 23, 8 pm East Coast Time in the online IPT website. The game is 8-ball, and the first player to win fifteen games (15 racks) takes the match.
"Viewers can watch the live stream absolutely free by being a Basic Member of the IPT website." Said in a press statement of organizing IPT group. "We suggest registering early so that viewers don't miss the beginning of the live broadcast. Registration is simple and takes just a minute. There are no costs to become a Basic Member-This show is just pure pool for anyone who wants to watch two famous champions represent their respective countries." added the official IPT website.
Two years ago, IPT was mired in a controversy after failing to pay winner's prize moneys in the riches International Pool Tour (IPT) World 8-Ball in Nevada. Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes, topped the said event to receive the biggest pay check in his entire life of $500,000.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Sunday, January 13, 2008
DJANGO WINS MASTER OF THE TABLE CROWN
RECEIVES $30,000 PAYCHECK
FILIPINO Francisco "Django" Bustamante is this year's Master of the Table Crown Bonus champion.
Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports is a quarter-finalist in the 9-ball bank, a semi-finalist in the one pocket event and a finalist in the 9-ball competition, enough to pocket the All Around Title or The Master of the Table Crown to claim his pay check of $30,000 in the 10th annual Derby City Classic held at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Bustamante won over former US Open 9-Ball Champion Gabe Owen for the title. Owen finished second while another American Larry Nevel was third.
Bustamante will face former World 9-Ball Champion Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany in the 9-balls competition. A big task for Bustamante considering that he needs to defeat Souquet twice for the title.
Bustamante's early wins were over Ron Beard, Norman Mc Kinley, Josh Roberts, Curtist Dehart, Mika Immonen, Gus Briseno, Larry Nevel, compatriots Jose "Amang" Parica and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Mike Dechaine and Owen. His only loss to John Schmidt in the thirteenth round and was able to return to the table by using his Buy-In option.
Bustamante drew a bye and Souquet had to play Schmidt, Souquet won that match 7-6, but Schmidt had a buyback available and bought back into the event.
Bustamante had the luck of the draw again and drew the bye which forced Souquet to face Schmidt again. The score was 7-5 the second time, but it was still the same winner as Souquet eliminated Schmidt.
Souquet will now face Bustamante. Souquet has a buyback available, while Bustamante does not.
Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, another Filipino entry confirms the victory of Bustamante in the all around title race in a text message yesterday to Shirley Mananap of Puyat Sports then the latter's forward the message to this writer.
"Siya (Francisco Bustamante) na ang all around champion kahit naglalaro pa siya ng finals ng 9 ball kay (Ralf) Souquet. Kailangan na dalawang beses na talunin ni Django si Souquet.," Luat sent text message to Ms. Shirley of Puyat Sports.
Businessman/ sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, president of Puyat Sports is very happy with the impressive performance of his prize fighter.
"Ang tagumpay ni Django sa Kentucky ay magandang simula para sa bilyar sa pagbubukas ng taong 2008," He said.
Other Filipino cue artist who participated in the $100,000 total pot annual Derby are Santos "The Saint" Sambajon and 2007 Master of the Table Bonus champion Efren "Bata" Reyes.
RICKY ZERNA BEATS ROBERTO GOMEZ WINS P50,000 PURSE
RICKY "BAI" ZERNA demolished World Pool Championship finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 7-4, in the finals of the 8-ball division to receive the top purse of P50,000 in the just concluded Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) Ranking Tour on Saturday at the Queen Margaret Hotel in Lucena City.
Zerna, is the last replacement of fellow Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) bet Steve Villamil who begged off at the last minute.
Zerna was the lone none Bugsy player in the final four composed of Bugsy bets - Gomez, Dennis Orcollo and Jeffrey de Luna.
Zerna earlier defeated de Luna, 7-2, in the semi-finals to arrange a titular showdown with Gomez, who beat Orcollo, 7-5, in other semi-final paired.
It shall be recalled that Zerna, the pride of Dumaguete City defeated two Bugsy bets---Jundel "Jano" Mazon and Joven "The Shark" Bustamante to finish second with eventual winner American Charlie "The Korean" Williams in the 2007 Pro Tour Korea Championships last Nov.18 in Seoul, Korea.
Zerna's local and international campaign is fully backed up by Vis-Min billiards patron Jonathan Sy, also the president of the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) under the watchful eye of coach/ manager Christopher Palses.
Meanwhile, Antonio Gabica, also of Bugsy and gold medalist in the 9-ball competition of the 2006 Doha Asian Games, ruled the first leg of the tour supported by the San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
FILIPINO Francisco "Django" Bustamante is this year's Master of the Table Crown Bonus champion.
Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports is a quarter-finalist in the 9-ball bank, a semi-finalist in the one pocket event and a finalist in the 9-ball competition, enough to pocket the All Around Title or The Master of the Table Crown to claim his pay check of $30,000 in the 10th annual Derby City Classic held at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Bustamante won over former US Open 9-Ball Champion Gabe Owen for the title. Owen finished second while another American Larry Nevel was third.
Bustamante will face former World 9-Ball Champion Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany in the 9-balls competition. A big task for Bustamante considering that he needs to defeat Souquet twice for the title.
Bustamante's early wins were over Ron Beard, Norman Mc Kinley, Josh Roberts, Curtist Dehart, Mika Immonen, Gus Briseno, Larry Nevel, compatriots Jose "Amang" Parica and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Mike Dechaine and Owen. His only loss to John Schmidt in the thirteenth round and was able to return to the table by using his Buy-In option.
Bustamante drew a bye and Souquet had to play Schmidt, Souquet won that match 7-6, but Schmidt had a buyback available and bought back into the event.
Bustamante had the luck of the draw again and drew the bye which forced Souquet to face Schmidt again. The score was 7-5 the second time, but it was still the same winner as Souquet eliminated Schmidt.
Souquet will now face Bustamante. Souquet has a buyback available, while Bustamante does not.
Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, another Filipino entry confirms the victory of Bustamante in the all around title race in a text message yesterday to Shirley Mananap of Puyat Sports then the latter's forward the message to this writer.
"Siya (Francisco Bustamante) na ang all around champion kahit naglalaro pa siya ng finals ng 9 ball kay (Ralf) Souquet. Kailangan na dalawang beses na talunin ni Django si Souquet.," Luat sent text message to Ms. Shirley of Puyat Sports.
Businessman/ sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, president of Puyat Sports is very happy with the impressive performance of his prize fighter.
"Ang tagumpay ni Django sa Kentucky ay magandang simula para sa bilyar sa pagbubukas ng taong 2008," He said.
Other Filipino cue artist who participated in the $100,000 total pot annual Derby are Santos "The Saint" Sambajon and 2007 Master of the Table Bonus champion Efren "Bata" Reyes.
RICKY ZERNA BEATS ROBERTO GOMEZ WINS P50,000 PURSE
RICKY "BAI" ZERNA demolished World Pool Championship finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 7-4, in the finals of the 8-ball division to receive the top purse of P50,000 in the just concluded Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) Ranking Tour on Saturday at the Queen Margaret Hotel in Lucena City.
Zerna, is the last replacement of fellow Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) bet Steve Villamil who begged off at the last minute.
Zerna was the lone none Bugsy player in the final four composed of Bugsy bets - Gomez, Dennis Orcollo and Jeffrey de Luna.
Zerna earlier defeated de Luna, 7-2, in the semi-finals to arrange a titular showdown with Gomez, who beat Orcollo, 7-5, in other semi-final paired.
It shall be recalled that Zerna, the pride of Dumaguete City defeated two Bugsy bets---Jundel "Jano" Mazon and Joven "The Shark" Bustamante to finish second with eventual winner American Charlie "The Korean" Williams in the 2007 Pro Tour Korea Championships last Nov.18 in Seoul, Korea.
Zerna's local and international campaign is fully backed up by Vis-Min billiards patron Jonathan Sy, also the president of the Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) under the watchful eye of coach/ manager Christopher Palses.
Meanwhile, Antonio Gabica, also of Bugsy and gold medalist in the 9-ball competition of the 2006 Doha Asian Games, ruled the first leg of the tour supported by the San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Friday, January 11, 2008
FROM SIX DOWN TO THREE IN DERBY'S ONE POCKET
PUYAT SPORTS BETS STILL KICKING!
FROM six, it is down to three after Puyat Sports bets Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan post their third consecutive wins to stay in the title hunt in the ongoing 10th annual Derby City Classic 'One Pocket' division yesterday being held at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the hometown of American boxing legend and former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
Compatriots Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Santos "The Saint" Sambajon followed Jose "Amang" Parica who was ousted earlier in this total $100,000 annual tournament where the player with the most wins in the three divisions---9 ball bank, one pocket and 9-ball event will be declared this year's Master of the Table Bonus Champion. Reyes won the 2007 Master of the Table Bonus Champion enroute to a $20,000 purse.
Reyes, top player of businessman/ sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat downed Mark Jarvis in the seventh then nipped Gerald Slivka in the eight and crushed Allen Hopkins in the ninth while Puyat Sports stablemate Bustamante defeated Mitchell Ellerman and Charles Bryant then eliminated Luat, in order.
Not to be outdone is Pagulayan, another Puyat ace who smashed Rafael Martinez, Ryan Stone and American hopeful Shane Van Boening, respectively.
Sambajon, on the other hand who hails from Macalelon, Quezon province suffered his second loses to Charles Bryant in the seventh round.
Meanwhile, Reyes already advanced in the eleventh round after luckily got a bye in yesterday's tenth round.
In other marquee matches in the tenth round, Bustamante takes on Shannon Daulton; Pagulayan opposite Darren Appleton; Larry Nevel versus Gabe Owen and Tony Mougey versus Ryan Stone.
Nevel, Daulton and Stone scored biggest upsets in the ninth round by eliminating heavyweights Neils Feijen of the Netherlands, Thorsten Hohmann and Ralf Souquet of Germany, respectively.
In the 9-ball event simultaneously held along with one pocket event, defending 9-ball champion Feijen of the Netherlands open his retention title bid by beating Valerie Graham.
Luat who is aiming to surpass his runner-up finish in the last year's 9-ball division trounced Eric Peterson, while last year's third place Bustamante demolished Ron Beard. In other matches saw, Sambajon walloped Joe Gay, Reyes dealt Melinda Huang, Pagulayan beat George Bone Jr. and Parica nipped Tom Fryer.
Mixed results in the second round of 9-ball division being held yesterday.
Reyes beat Mark Boros but Parica bowed to Huidji See.
Still playing as of presstime in the 9-ball event between Sambajon versus Dexter Audain; Luat versus John Smith; Bustamante versus Norman Mc Kinley and Pagulayan versus George Mc Lanahan.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
FROM six, it is down to three after Puyat Sports bets Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan post their third consecutive wins to stay in the title hunt in the ongoing 10th annual Derby City Classic 'One Pocket' division yesterday being held at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the hometown of American boxing legend and former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
Compatriots Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Santos "The Saint" Sambajon followed Jose "Amang" Parica who was ousted earlier in this total $100,000 annual tournament where the player with the most wins in the three divisions---9 ball bank, one pocket and 9-ball event will be declared this year's Master of the Table Bonus Champion. Reyes won the 2007 Master of the Table Bonus Champion enroute to a $20,000 purse.
Reyes, top player of businessman/ sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat downed Mark Jarvis in the seventh then nipped Gerald Slivka in the eight and crushed Allen Hopkins in the ninth while Puyat Sports stablemate Bustamante defeated Mitchell Ellerman and Charles Bryant then eliminated Luat, in order.
Not to be outdone is Pagulayan, another Puyat ace who smashed Rafael Martinez, Ryan Stone and American hopeful Shane Van Boening, respectively.
Sambajon, on the other hand who hails from Macalelon, Quezon province suffered his second loses to Charles Bryant in the seventh round.
Meanwhile, Reyes already advanced in the eleventh round after luckily got a bye in yesterday's tenth round.
In other marquee matches in the tenth round, Bustamante takes on Shannon Daulton; Pagulayan opposite Darren Appleton; Larry Nevel versus Gabe Owen and Tony Mougey versus Ryan Stone.
Nevel, Daulton and Stone scored biggest upsets in the ninth round by eliminating heavyweights Neils Feijen of the Netherlands, Thorsten Hohmann and Ralf Souquet of Germany, respectively.
In the 9-ball event simultaneously held along with one pocket event, defending 9-ball champion Feijen of the Netherlands open his retention title bid by beating Valerie Graham.
Luat who is aiming to surpass his runner-up finish in the last year's 9-ball division trounced Eric Peterson, while last year's third place Bustamante demolished Ron Beard. In other matches saw, Sambajon walloped Joe Gay, Reyes dealt Melinda Huang, Pagulayan beat George Bone Jr. and Parica nipped Tom Fryer.
Mixed results in the second round of 9-ball division being held yesterday.
Reyes beat Mark Boros but Parica bowed to Huidji See.
Still playing as of presstime in the 9-ball event between Sambajon versus Dexter Audain; Luat versus John Smith; Bustamante versus Norman Mc Kinley and Pagulayan versus George Mc Lanahan.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Thursday, January 10, 2008
MORE ON THE DERBY CLASSIC
BATA BOUNCES BACK AFTER A SORRY LOSS TO ALEX IN DERBY'S ONE POCKET
EFREN "Bata" Reyes, bowed to Puyat Sports stablemate Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan in the fifth but he returned to the table using his Buy-In option, smashed Jamie Farrell in the sixth to keep his hopes alive in the ongoing 10th annual Derby City Classic 'One Pocket' division yesterday at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Reyes, who is looking for his fifth consecutive One Pocket crown, earlier beat Graig Canady in the fourth and is schedule to face 'a must win situation' over Mark Jarvis in the seventh round.
Pagulayan, on the other hand beat Danny Harriman in the sixth and will meet Rafael Martinez in the seventh. The Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan, bowed to Charlie Williams in the fourth round of this annual $100,000 total pot tournament.
Another Puyat Sports ace Francisco "Django" Bustamante twice beat Robert Zack in the fourth and fifth but failed to sustain his winning run losing to Gabe Owen in the sixth. Bustamante's next assignment is Mitchell Ellerman.
Still in contention is Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat who posted three consecutive wins against Grady Mathews, Buddy Hall and Brian Gregg, in order to face John Brumback.
Another Filipino entry Santos "The Saint" Sambajon beat Fabio Petroni and Danny Harriman but collapsed to Ron Wiseman. The Macalelon, Quezon province native goes up against Charles Bryant in the next round.
Not as fortunate were Jose "Amang" Parica who suffered back to back loses over Rafael Martinez and Chris Szuter in the fourth and fifth.
Meanwhile, the 9-ball event gets underway where defending champion Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands open his title defense against Valerie Graham.
Luat is aiming to surpass his runner-up finish in the last year's 9-ball division as he goes up against Eric Peterson, while last year's third placer Bustamante takes on Ron Beard.
Other marquee matches pits Sambajon versus Joe Gay, Reyes versus Melinda Huang, Pagulayan opposite George Bone, Jr. and Parica versus Tom Fryer.
The most winningest player in the three divisions, namely -9 ball bank, one pocket and 9-ball event will be declared this year's Master of the Table Bounus Champion. Reyes won the 2007 Master of the Table Bonus Champion enroute to a $20,000 purse.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
EFREN "Bata" Reyes, bowed to Puyat Sports stablemate Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan in the fifth but he returned to the table using his Buy-In option, smashed Jamie Farrell in the sixth to keep his hopes alive in the ongoing 10th annual Derby City Classic 'One Pocket' division yesterday at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Reyes, who is looking for his fifth consecutive One Pocket crown, earlier beat Graig Canady in the fourth and is schedule to face 'a must win situation' over Mark Jarvis in the seventh round.
Pagulayan, on the other hand beat Danny Harriman in the sixth and will meet Rafael Martinez in the seventh. The Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan, bowed to Charlie Williams in the fourth round of this annual $100,000 total pot tournament.
Another Puyat Sports ace Francisco "Django" Bustamante twice beat Robert Zack in the fourth and fifth but failed to sustain his winning run losing to Gabe Owen in the sixth. Bustamante's next assignment is Mitchell Ellerman.
Still in contention is Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat who posted three consecutive wins against Grady Mathews, Buddy Hall and Brian Gregg, in order to face John Brumback.
Another Filipino entry Santos "The Saint" Sambajon beat Fabio Petroni and Danny Harriman but collapsed to Ron Wiseman. The Macalelon, Quezon province native goes up against Charles Bryant in the next round.
Not as fortunate were Jose "Amang" Parica who suffered back to back loses over Rafael Martinez and Chris Szuter in the fourth and fifth.
Meanwhile, the 9-ball event gets underway where defending champion Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands open his title defense against Valerie Graham.
Luat is aiming to surpass his runner-up finish in the last year's 9-ball division as he goes up against Eric Peterson, while last year's third placer Bustamante takes on Ron Beard.
Other marquee matches pits Sambajon versus Joe Gay, Reyes versus Melinda Huang, Pagulayan opposite George Bone, Jr. and Parica versus Tom Fryer.
The most winningest player in the three divisions, namely -9 ball bank, one pocket and 9-ball event will be declared this year's Master of the Table Bounus Champion. Reyes won the 2007 Master of the Table Bonus Champion enroute to a $20,000 purse.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Monday, January 7, 2008
DERBY CLASSIC ROUND 8
ALEX, DJANGO WINS; BATA FALTERS
ALEX "The Lion" Pagulayan and Francisco "Django" Bustamante continued their winning ways to keep the Philippine hopes high, however Puyat Sports stablemate Efren "Bata" Reyes yielded in the eight round of 2007 Derby City Classic ' 9-ball Bank' Division yesterday at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Pagulayan, the 2004 Taiwan World 9-Ball Champion and 2005 US Open 9-Ball kingpin demolished John Schmidt, Bustamante nipped Jonathan Demet while Reyes, bowed to Tony Fergerson. Reyes, who is seeking to surpass his runner-up finish in the last year's edition bowed out in this $100,000 annual series.
Earlier, Pagulayan needed to beat Tiger Nail, Curtis Dehart, Shin Young Park and John Schmidt in round 4 to 7 (Schmidt use Buy-In option to force a rematch with Pagulayan in the eight round but loss), Bustamante, on the other hand crushed Michael Collins, Tiger Nail, Gerald Reichle and Jeremy Jones, in order. Pagulayan, the only Filipino with undefeated record while Bustamante who earlier lost to unheralded Tom Spencer in the opening round but used his Buy-In option to return to the table.
Compatriots Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, Santos "The Saint" Sambajon and Jose "Amang" Parica was also booted out in this event.
After losing his match to Edward Ames in the second round, Luat suffered his second loss to Tony Blankenship in the fourth round.
Sambajon back to back loses to Mark Tadd and Shawn Putnam in the sixth and seventh round while Parica, who surprised ex-world 9-ball champ Thorsten Hohman of Germany in the fifth round loss to Larry Nevel in the sixth round for his second loss. He also lost to Mark Slyle Jr. in the fourth round.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
ALEX "The Lion" Pagulayan and Francisco "Django" Bustamante continued their winning ways to keep the Philippine hopes high, however Puyat Sports stablemate Efren "Bata" Reyes yielded in the eight round of 2007 Derby City Classic ' 9-ball Bank' Division yesterday at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Pagulayan, the 2004 Taiwan World 9-Ball Champion and 2005 US Open 9-Ball kingpin demolished John Schmidt, Bustamante nipped Jonathan Demet while Reyes, bowed to Tony Fergerson. Reyes, who is seeking to surpass his runner-up finish in the last year's edition bowed out in this $100,000 annual series.
Earlier, Pagulayan needed to beat Tiger Nail, Curtis Dehart, Shin Young Park and John Schmidt in round 4 to 7 (Schmidt use Buy-In option to force a rematch with Pagulayan in the eight round but loss), Bustamante, on the other hand crushed Michael Collins, Tiger Nail, Gerald Reichle and Jeremy Jones, in order. Pagulayan, the only Filipino with undefeated record while Bustamante who earlier lost to unheralded Tom Spencer in the opening round but used his Buy-In option to return to the table.
Compatriots Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, Santos "The Saint" Sambajon and Jose "Amang" Parica was also booted out in this event.
After losing his match to Edward Ames in the second round, Luat suffered his second loss to Tony Blankenship in the fourth round.
Sambajon back to back loses to Mark Tadd and Shawn Putnam in the sixth and seventh round while Parica, who surprised ex-world 9-ball champ Thorsten Hohman of Germany in the fifth round loss to Larry Nevel in the sixth round for his second loss. He also lost to Mark Slyle Jr. in the fourth round.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Sunday, January 6, 2008
UPDATE ON DERBY CLASSIC
REYES, PAGULAYAN POST BACK TO BACK WINS; BUSTAMANTE BOUNCES BACK IN CONTENTION
ERFEN "Bata" Reyes, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and Francisco "Django" Bustamante blasted their respective opponents yesterday to remain in the title hunt of the 2007 Derby City Classic ' 9-ball Bank' Division being held at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Reyes, is aiming to improve his runner-up finish in the last year's edition of this tournament by beating Grady Matthews in the second round then subdued Dee Adkins in the third round. Pagulayan, on the other hand trounced Tinsley Johnson then nipped Shane Van Boening, while Bustamante crushed Jacob White and Dan Gregoire as he returned in the annual $100,000-plus series using his By-In option.
The 1999 Cardiff World Pool Champion Reyes, is looking to defend his One Pocket title and the Master of the Table Bonus tiara in this event.
The triumvirate of Bata, Alex, and Django is supported by businessman/ sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
"I hope magpatuloy ang kanilang pananalasa at mahawakan ang momentum," said businessman/ sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, under the banner of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable who bowed to Edward Ames in the second round, used his By-In option like Bustamante to play anew and beat Martin Wentzel. Bustamante, lost his opening match to unheralded Tom Spencer.
Meanwhile, two Filipinos based in the USA also had a good result yesterday. Jose "Amang" Parica, who is currently based in West Covina, California defeated Ron Howard and Robert Frost while the Chicago, Ilinois based Santos "The Saint" Sambajon who hails from Macalelon, Quezon province beat Tom Harris and Samuel Kirby, respectively.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
ERFEN "Bata" Reyes, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and Francisco "Django" Bustamante blasted their respective opponents yesterday to remain in the title hunt of the 2007 Derby City Classic ' 9-ball Bank' Division being held at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Reyes, is aiming to improve his runner-up finish in the last year's edition of this tournament by beating Grady Matthews in the second round then subdued Dee Adkins in the third round. Pagulayan, on the other hand trounced Tinsley Johnson then nipped Shane Van Boening, while Bustamante crushed Jacob White and Dan Gregoire as he returned in the annual $100,000-plus series using his By-In option.
The 1999 Cardiff World Pool Champion Reyes, is looking to defend his One Pocket title and the Master of the Table Bonus tiara in this event.
The triumvirate of Bata, Alex, and Django is supported by businessman/ sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
"I hope magpatuloy ang kanilang pananalasa at mahawakan ang momentum," said businessman/ sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat, under the banner of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable who bowed to Edward Ames in the second round, used his By-In option like Bustamante to play anew and beat Martin Wentzel. Bustamante, lost his opening match to unheralded Tom Spencer.
Meanwhile, two Filipinos based in the USA also had a good result yesterday. Jose "Amang" Parica, who is currently based in West Covina, California defeated Ron Howard and Robert Frost while the Chicago, Ilinois based Santos "The Saint" Sambajon who hails from Macalelon, Quezon province beat Tom Harris and Samuel Kirby, respectively.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Saturday, January 5, 2008
BATA, ALEX WINS OPENER IN DERBY CITY CLASSIC 'BANK' EVENT
FILIPINO POOL MAESTRO EFREN "BATA" REYES, and Alex Pagulayan lived up to expectations by hurdling their respective rivals at the start of the 2007 Derby City Classic 'bank pool' division yesterday at the Executive West Hotel sa Louisville, Kentucky, the hometown of American boxing legend and world champion Muhammad Ali.
However, former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante was upset by unheralded Tom Spencer. The triumvirate is the top player of RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
"Sana maganda ang resulta natin sa Kentucky (Derby Classic) para maganda ang simula ng taon sa pool competition," said Puyat.
The 53-year-old Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World Pool Champion winner clobbered David Williams, while Puyat Sports stablemate Pagulayan, the 2004 Taiwan World Pool Champion nipped Steve Hickman.
Rodolfo Luat, Santos Sambajon and Jose "Amang" Parica also won their matches. Luat, the pride of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable demolished Danny Smith, Sambajon trounced Mike Corbley while, Parica, the leader of the Filipino billiard invasion to the United States in the mid 80's shocked 2007 Derby City Classic 9-ball pool winner Niels Feijen of the Netherlands.
In the 2007 Derby City Classic bank pool event, Reyes finished second while Luat settled third. American Steve Moore took the title plus top purse $10,000.
Reyes is the most Filipino gainer in last years Derby, he won one pocket event plus the master of the table bonus enroute $20,000.
Luat and Bustamante finish second and third in the 9-ball competition topped by Feijen while a far 42nd place was Reyes.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
However, former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante was upset by unheralded Tom Spencer. The triumvirate is the top player of RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.
"Sana maganda ang resulta natin sa Kentucky (Derby Classic) para maganda ang simula ng taon sa pool competition," said Puyat.
The 53-year-old Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World Pool Champion winner clobbered David Williams, while Puyat Sports stablemate Pagulayan, the 2004 Taiwan World Pool Champion nipped Steve Hickman.
Rodolfo Luat, Santos Sambajon and Jose "Amang" Parica also won their matches. Luat, the pride of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable demolished Danny Smith, Sambajon trounced Mike Corbley while, Parica, the leader of the Filipino billiard invasion to the United States in the mid 80's shocked 2007 Derby City Classic 9-ball pool winner Niels Feijen of the Netherlands.
In the 2007 Derby City Classic bank pool event, Reyes finished second while Luat settled third. American Steve Moore took the title plus top purse $10,000.
Reyes is the most Filipino gainer in last years Derby, he won one pocket event plus the master of the table bonus enroute $20,000.
Luat and Bustamante finish second and third in the 9-ball competition topped by Feijen while a far 42nd place was Reyes.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
RP SENDS BATA, DJANGO TO COMPETE IN KENTUCKY 9-BALL CLASSIC
RP'S 1-2 PUNCH
EFREN "Bata" Reyes, along with his pal and former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante are scheduled to compete in the upcoming 2007 Derby City Classic on January 4-17, 2007 at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the hometown of American boxing legend and world champion Muhammad Ali.
The 53-year-old Reyes, prize fighter of Puyat Sports will play in the following events: The Derby City One Pocket Division, Derby City Bank Division, Derby City 9-ball Division, Derby City Ring Game and Derby City Master of the Table.
"I trained hard for this event, I know a lot of tough players in the world will compete in the annual and prestigious Derby City Classic in Kentucky," said Reyes in Filipino in an exclusive interview with this writer yesterday.
It shall be recalled that Reyes won the richer $20,000 by winning the Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus. Completing 1-2-3 finish in the last year's edition where Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Bustamante. Reyes also won the one pocket division.
Other Filipino campaigners in the annual Derby City Classic are Luat, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego and Warren Kiamco of the rising Negros Billiard Stable.
RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat is very confident that Filipino pool sharks will play very well in the said competition.
"I'm confident na magiging maganda ulit ang performance ng mga player natin sa Kentucky. "Y'ung one pocket event malaki pag-asa natin na mapanatili yan kasi si Efren (Reyes) ang pinakamagaling sa event na yan at forte niya yan," Puyat referring one pocket event where Reyes is the best player in the world.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
EFREN "Bata" Reyes, along with his pal and former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante are scheduled to compete in the upcoming 2007 Derby City Classic on January 4-17, 2007 at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the hometown of American boxing legend and world champion Muhammad Ali.
The 53-year-old Reyes, prize fighter of Puyat Sports will play in the following events: The Derby City One Pocket Division, Derby City Bank Division, Derby City 9-ball Division, Derby City Ring Game and Derby City Master of the Table.
"I trained hard for this event, I know a lot of tough players in the world will compete in the annual and prestigious Derby City Classic in Kentucky," said Reyes in Filipino in an exclusive interview with this writer yesterday.
It shall be recalled that Reyes won the richer $20,000 by winning the Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus. Completing 1-2-3 finish in the last year's edition where Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Bustamante. Reyes also won the one pocket division.
Other Filipino campaigners in the annual Derby City Classic are Luat, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego and Warren Kiamco of the rising Negros Billiard Stable.
RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat is very confident that Filipino pool sharks will play very well in the said competition.
"I'm confident na magiging maganda ulit ang performance ng mga player natin sa Kentucky. "Y'ung one pocket event malaki pag-asa natin na mapanatili yan kasi si Efren (Reyes) ang pinakamagaling sa event na yan at forte niya yan," Puyat referring one pocket event where Reyes is the best player in the world.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
GOMEZ SECOND PLACE ANEW
ROBERTO GOMEZ SETTLES FOR SECOND IN SUPER CUP
ROBERTO Gomez capped his breakout season with another strong performance, finishing second in the tough 2007 Super Cup.
The 29-year-old Divisoria, Zamboanga took the measures of fancied rivals on his way to the finals before falling to an 18-year-old upstart named Ko Pin Yi, 5-11, on New Year's Eve in Taiwan.
Ko, the reigning World Pool Junior champion, got off to a strong start, racing to a 9-3 lead and never looked back.
Gomez, dubbed as Pinoy Superman didn't exactly fare bad. Ko was just too hot to handle in the title match.
With the winner's break format in effect, Ko repeatedly scored via run outs to frustrate Gomez.
"Mahirap talaga kapag pinapaboran ng bola ang kalaban mo," said Gomez. "Hindi ka mananalo kung hindi ka masyadong tumitira."
The 2007 World Pool Championship runner-up turned back more illustrious foes in the earlier rounds.
After trouncing former world champion Ralf Souquet of Germany and Taiwan's top rated player Yang Ching-shun in the preliminary round, Gomez proceeded to beat former US Open winner Rodney Morris of the United States, 7-4, and local bet Fu Che-wei, 7-6.
Ko's road to the finals was also tricky. After a roller-coaster preliminary, Ko stunned former world champ and fellow teen-ager Wu Chia-ching, 7-4, and Yang, 7-5, who is the Super Cup champion in 2006.
Gomez, also the 2007 Oslo, Norway, Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball suffered two loses in the preliminary round against Ko, 7-5, and Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 7-3.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
ROBERTO Gomez capped his breakout season with another strong performance, finishing second in the tough 2007 Super Cup.
The 29-year-old Divisoria, Zamboanga took the measures of fancied rivals on his way to the finals before falling to an 18-year-old upstart named Ko Pin Yi, 5-11, on New Year's Eve in Taiwan.
Ko, the reigning World Pool Junior champion, got off to a strong start, racing to a 9-3 lead and never looked back.
Gomez, dubbed as Pinoy Superman didn't exactly fare bad. Ko was just too hot to handle in the title match.
With the winner's break format in effect, Ko repeatedly scored via run outs to frustrate Gomez.
"Mahirap talaga kapag pinapaboran ng bola ang kalaban mo," said Gomez. "Hindi ka mananalo kung hindi ka masyadong tumitira."
The 2007 World Pool Championship runner-up turned back more illustrious foes in the earlier rounds.
After trouncing former world champion Ralf Souquet of Germany and Taiwan's top rated player Yang Ching-shun in the preliminary round, Gomez proceeded to beat former US Open winner Rodney Morris of the United States, 7-4, and local bet Fu Che-wei, 7-6.
Ko's road to the finals was also tricky. After a roller-coaster preliminary, Ko stunned former world champ and fellow teen-ager Wu Chia-ching, 7-4, and Yang, 7-5, who is the Super Cup champion in 2006.
Gomez, also the 2007 Oslo, Norway, Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball suffered two loses in the preliminary round against Ko, 7-5, and Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 7-3.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)