FIL-CANADIAN ALEX PAGULAYAN defeated Mika Immonen of Finland, 8-6, in the finals of 2008 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters Champion to emerge over-all champion in the front of a packed crowd at the Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas on Monday.
The Cabagan, Isabela native was 6-3 down at one stage and looking in severe trouble but the match turned on an illegal break by Immonen whereby he pocketed a ball but failed to carry two other balls past the headstring.
From there Pagulayan cleared to table to gain the necessary momentum and he became stronger over the closing stages to take victory.
"This was like winning the World Championship for me. I've always wanted it but I've finally broken the ice," said a jubilant Pagulayan, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports Stable
"This is 9 ball and I couldn't get too upset because I didn't get a chance. I thought if he runs the set, then he runs the set but I knew that if I got a chance I would need to focus and concentrate and do the best I can." He added.
"I really didn't think I'd won it until the last 9 ball dropped but there were lots of people who like me watching and that was good for me to have that support," last word of Pagulayan.
Pagulayan road's to the finals after beating stablemate former world No.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 8-4, in the semi-finals to arrange a titular showdown with Immonen, a similar 8-4 winner over reigning WPA World Junior Champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan.
In the finals, Pagulayan made two balls from the opening break of the final and although Immonen got to the table, the diminutive Filipino took the rack for the early lead.
In contrast to the earlier semi-finals, there was another break that produced three balls but Pagulayan could not capitalise as he missed the 2 ball. Immonen took advantage to run out and level it.
A golden break from Immonen, as the cue ball kicked the 9 ball home, saw Immonen take the lead and he almost did the same again in the fourth, as the 9 ball hung in the pocket. The Finn pocketed the 1 ball and then made an easy 2/9 combination to go 3-1 ahead.
The 1 ball rolled into the corner pocket off the next break but Immonen made a bad miss on the 3 ball as he seemed to hit it too hard.
Pagulayan over hit his shot as he ran out of position on the 4 ball but he redeemed the situation with an excellent cut, gaining good shape on the 5 ball. From there he ran out to take the score to 3-2 to Immonen.
The Filipino made a schoolboy error in the next as he hit the 4 ball prior to hitting the 2 and with ball in hand, Immonen ran out to restore his two rack lead at 4-2.
The Finn took the next rack to move to 5-2 and all the pressure was now on Pagulayan. He responded well as he ran the next rack to reduce arrears.
There was disappointment for Pagulayan though as he scratched off the break in the next. The balls were laid out nicely and Immonen completed an easy run out to take his lead to 6-3.
Immonen made an illegal break in the next as he pocketed a ball but did not bring the requisite two others past the headstring. The punishment of loss of visit allowed Pagulayan back to the table and he made a tidy run out to get within two of Immonen.
Now playing with renewed vigour, he delivered a good break that gave him a chance to get right back into it and he duly responded as a break and run took him to within a rack of Immonen. Now on a roll, Pagulayan broke and ran the 12th rack to draw level at 6-6.
Breaking from the centre of the table, Pagulayan deposited the 1 ball into the centre pocket and played a fine long reverse cut to down the 2 ball. In the zone now, Pagulayan completed his fourth rack in a row to move to the hill at 7-6.
Just when he needed some luck, Immonen returned to the table as Pagulayan scratched on the break as he drew the cue ball into the pocket.
There was disaster for Immonen as he drew the cue ball all the way down table and into the corner pocket as he went from the 1 ball to the 2.
With ball in hand, Pagulayan worked his way through the table and as he planted the 9 ball, he let out a yell of joy as he became 2008 PartyPoker.net
"It was brutal, why did it have to happen there?" said a disappointed Immonen.
"I was able to get a good lead but the illegal break was the real turning point as it gave him the opportunity to get back in it.
"He had some nice layouts but he played well and probably deserved to win. But that's the way it is sometimes. I'm getting more consistent and the No.1 spot will come sooner or later," he added.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Monday, May 12, 2008
ALEX ENTERS SEMIS IN WORLD POOL MASTERS
FILIPINO-CANADIAN Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan flashed his old fiery form to down American Rodney "Rocket" Morris, 8-6, and became the first semi-finalist at the PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters yesterday being at the Riviera Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
"I enjoyed that absolutely," said Pagulayan after the match in an interview of the organizing committee. "I was nervous and a bit shaky but I think I played well under the conditions and tried really hard to focus." he added.
"In the end I had a bit more luck than him. Out there, under the gun, the table played tough but race to eight, with the TV and crowd, everything is tough," he added.
Another Filipino entry and former World No.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante is schedule to face Imram Majid of England in the Final Eight, who beat Shane Van Boening of the United States.
The winner of the match between Bustamante and Majid will meet Pagulayan in the semi-final round.
In other matches saw, reigning WPA World Junior Champion Ko Pin-Yi of Taiwan defeated ex-world titlist Ralf Souquet of Germany, 8-3, to meet Tony Drago of Malta, who brought down Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 8-7.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
"I enjoyed that absolutely," said Pagulayan after the match in an interview of the organizing committee. "I was nervous and a bit shaky but I think I played well under the conditions and tried really hard to focus." he added.
"In the end I had a bit more luck than him. Out there, under the gun, the table played tough but race to eight, with the TV and crowd, everything is tough," he added.
Another Filipino entry and former World No.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante is schedule to face Imram Majid of England in the Final Eight, who beat Shane Van Boening of the United States.
The winner of the match between Bustamante and Majid will meet Pagulayan in the semi-final round.
In other matches saw, reigning WPA World Junior Champion Ko Pin-Yi of Taiwan defeated ex-world titlist Ralf Souquet of Germany, 8-3, to meet Tony Drago of Malta, who brought down Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 8-7.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
ALEX, DJANGO WIN OPENERS IN WORLD POOL MASTERS
FILIPINOS Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan lived up to expectations by hurdling their respective rivals at the start of the 2008 PartyPoker.com World Pool Masters being held at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, Las Vegasin United States on Saturday.
Bustamante, the former World No.1 blasted Bruno Muratore of Italy, 8-1, to face the winner of the matches between Shane Van Boening of the United States or Imram Majid of United Kingdom in the quarter-final round.
Pagulayan, meanwhile nipped Mark Gray of England, 8-7, to meet Rodney "Rocket" Morris of the United States, winner over defending champion Thomas Engert of Germany, 8-3.
"Everyone in this tournament is tough but really, I don't care who I play. Muratore was so nervous but I was too with the crowd and the TV."Commented Bustamante in the official website.
"I only made two run outs from the break but a lot of the time he had no shot and also missed lots of balls." He added. "It's a good table though, the pockets are tight and you've got to play exact shots. If you hit it too hard, the balls come out."
Pagulayan, on the other hand said, "Rodney has always been a good friend and we're going to have some fun. We'll kick it!"
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Bustamante, the former World No.1 blasted Bruno Muratore of Italy, 8-1, to face the winner of the matches between Shane Van Boening of the United States or Imram Majid of United Kingdom in the quarter-final round.
Pagulayan, meanwhile nipped Mark Gray of England, 8-7, to meet Rodney "Rocket" Morris of the United States, winner over defending champion Thomas Engert of Germany, 8-3.
"Everyone in this tournament is tough but really, I don't care who I play. Muratore was so nervous but I was too with the crowd and the TV."Commented Bustamante in the official website.
"I only made two run outs from the break but a lot of the time he had no shot and also missed lots of balls." He added. "It's a good table though, the pockets are tight and you've got to play exact shots. If you hit it too hard, the balls come out."
Pagulayan, on the other hand said, "Rodney has always been a good friend and we're going to have some fun. We'll kick it!"
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
GABICA BEATS MANALO, WINS MANDALUYONG CUP
ANTONIO "Ga'Ga" Gabica scored a long-awaited victory this year when he beat compatriot and fellow PBDF player Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, 13-8, in the finals of tough Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup Ten Ball Championship dubbed as inauguration of Philippine Pool Tour (PPT) at the Mandaluyong Hall Auditorium in Mandaluyong City, on Sunday.
Gabica who failed to bagged any single local and international title this year, also the 2007 San Miguel Beer Philippine 9-Ball Open Champion, appeared to regain his best form in the time of World Ten Ball Championships slated on September.
Gabica received the top prize of $10,000 and slot for this year's World Ten Ball.
He raced a 3-1 to 5-2 lead and took four of the seven racks for a 9-5 lead. However, Manalo came back in the game close the match at 9-8 winning three straight racks before Gabica never looked backed for a 13-8 victory.
"Suwerte lamang talaga kasi kahit nakauna tayo kay Marlon (Manalo) ay talagang lumaban siya at dumikit pa sa bandand huli."said Gabica, who teaming up with Manalo to went home the gold medal in the doubles competition in the last year's Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
" Buti di tayo bumigay sa bandang huli," added Gabica, the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist and 8-ball silver medallist.
The tournament, jointly organized by Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) and Raya Sports aired lived through ABS Studio 23 and the Filipino Channel. The event was hosted by mayor Benhur Abalos in close cooperation with League Cities of the Philippines. World Class Brunswick Billiard Table is the official billiard table.
Actually, it was a third straight victory of Gabica over Manalo in their head to head duel after the former (Gabica) beat the latter's (Manalo) twice recently in the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) qualifying tournament for the Guinness 9-ball tour and World 8-Ball slots.
Gabica trounced national junior champion Jericho Banares, 11-3, yesterday to arrange a titular showdown with Manalo, who earlier booked his semi-finalist seat by beating Leonardo Andam, 11-7.
"Inaasahan kong gaganti si Marlon (Manalo) at tiyak bentahe siya kasi sa teritoryo niya ang venue, I mean y'ung home crowd support sa kanya, " Commented the Lapu-Lapu City native Gabica before the race-to-13 finals.
Interestingly, Gabica and Manalo, both top player of the Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) under the tutelage of Amado "June" Diokno and Willie "Hoots" Aldeguer.
Gabica's road to the race-to-13, winner's break format came from wins over Richard Rollo, 9-5, Silverio Tulabing, 9-4, Courtent Symons of England, 9-4, and Tomoo Takano of Japan, 9-4.
Manalo, on the other hand beat Luis Saberdo, 9-6, James Al Ortega, 9-7, Gerald Carbonera, 9-4, and Allan Soliman, 9-5, respectively.
Meanwhile, Banares and Andam, both advance into the Final Four via back door. Banares, 18, beat
Leonardo Didal, 9-7,and take 7-0 lead to frustrate ex-world titlist Thorsten Hohmann of Germany into a 9-4 victory.
Andam on his part bested Chien-Te Chung of Taiwan, 9-2, after taking a 3-0 lead then ousted compatriot Mario Tolentino via 9-7 wins.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Gabica who failed to bagged any single local and international title this year, also the 2007 San Miguel Beer Philippine 9-Ball Open Champion, appeared to regain his best form in the time of World Ten Ball Championships slated on September.
Gabica received the top prize of $10,000 and slot for this year's World Ten Ball.
He raced a 3-1 to 5-2 lead and took four of the seven racks for a 9-5 lead. However, Manalo came back in the game close the match at 9-8 winning three straight racks before Gabica never looked backed for a 13-8 victory.
"Suwerte lamang talaga kasi kahit nakauna tayo kay Marlon (Manalo) ay talagang lumaban siya at dumikit pa sa bandand huli."said Gabica, who teaming up with Manalo to went home the gold medal in the doubles competition in the last year's Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
" Buti di tayo bumigay sa bandang huli," added Gabica, the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist and 8-ball silver medallist.
The tournament, jointly organized by Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) and Raya Sports aired lived through ABS Studio 23 and the Filipino Channel. The event was hosted by mayor Benhur Abalos in close cooperation with League Cities of the Philippines. World Class Brunswick Billiard Table is the official billiard table.
Actually, it was a third straight victory of Gabica over Manalo in their head to head duel after the former (Gabica) beat the latter's (Manalo) twice recently in the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) qualifying tournament for the Guinness 9-ball tour and World 8-Ball slots.
Gabica trounced national junior champion Jericho Banares, 11-3, yesterday to arrange a titular showdown with Manalo, who earlier booked his semi-finalist seat by beating Leonardo Andam, 11-7.
"Inaasahan kong gaganti si Marlon (Manalo) at tiyak bentahe siya kasi sa teritoryo niya ang venue, I mean y'ung home crowd support sa kanya, " Commented the Lapu-Lapu City native Gabica before the race-to-13 finals.
Interestingly, Gabica and Manalo, both top player of the Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) under the tutelage of Amado "June" Diokno and Willie "Hoots" Aldeguer.
Gabica's road to the race-to-13, winner's break format came from wins over Richard Rollo, 9-5, Silverio Tulabing, 9-4, Courtent Symons of England, 9-4, and Tomoo Takano of Japan, 9-4.
Manalo, on the other hand beat Luis Saberdo, 9-6, James Al Ortega, 9-7, Gerald Carbonera, 9-4, and Allan Soliman, 9-5, respectively.
Meanwhile, Banares and Andam, both advance into the Final Four via back door. Banares, 18, beat
Leonardo Didal, 9-7,and take 7-0 lead to frustrate ex-world titlist Thorsten Hohmann of Germany into a 9-4 victory.
Andam on his part bested Chien-Te Chung of Taiwan, 9-2, after taking a 3-0 lead then ousted compatriot Mario Tolentino via 9-7 wins.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
FOUR PINOYS IN SEMIS OF MANDALUYONG CUP
MANDALUYONG CITY---After five days of intense, exciting action, four players remained standing in the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup of the Philippine Pool Tour. And they were, interestingly and surprisingly, all Filipinos.
Philippine junior champion Jerico Banares and veteran Leonardo Andam notched two critical wins each in Day 5 to join Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica in the Final Four. Manalo and Gabica had booked their places in the semifinals in Day 4.
Former world champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany and Chung Chien-Te of Taiwan, the remaining foreign players in the field, failed in their respective bids to stay in contention for the $10,000 top prize.
The inaugural tournament of the PPT moved Saturday from the Kaban ng Hiyas Auditorium to the Mandaluyong City Hall Atrium for the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The event has been reduced to one Brunswick table. And it is now being broadcast live on ABS Studio 23 nationwide in the Philippines, and worldwide on the Filipino Channel. A live Webcast is also being provided on this Raya website.
Banares, easily the sensation of the tournament at 18 years of age, began the day by edging Leonardo Didal, 9-7, in an exciting contest. Trailing 8-7, Didal had a chance to forge a hill-hill climax. But having to stretch over balls with the mechanical bridge proved too much for him. He muffed his chance. Banares closed the deal immediately afterwards.
The eighteen-year-old then went up against Hohmann, who had been in good form throughout the tournament and had lost a hill-hill thriller to Manalo for his only loss. Banares quickly showed that he could already play with the big boys. He raced to a 7-0 lead before yielding a rack to Hohmann.
Hohmann gamely tried to make a match of it as Banares briefly faltered in his shotmaking. But with a chance to close the count to 8-5, he bungled overshot his position on the 10-ball in the 14th rack and had to settle for a bank shot. He missed and Banares closed out the match.
Andam's march to the Final Four was just as thrilling. Facing first the formidable Chung, who had been solid throughout the tournament, he raced to a 3-0 lead, only to muff position and his shot on the 10-ball in the 4th rack.
Chung closed the count to 3-2 and had a chance to tie in the 6th rack. But he missed a shot on the 8-ball and Andam got the breathing room he needed. Feeling more confident, the veteran stormed ahead to a 7-2 lead and then coasted to victory.
Andam's next match with Mario Tolentino began in reverse fashion. He had to battle back to contend. Tolentino quickly raced to a 5-0 lead and was looking invincible. But then Andam took the 6th rack with a good runout of the table. And that started a remarkable roll of seven straight racks, punctuated by fine shotmaking, great position play and smooth runouts.
With the score at 8-7 and a chance to tie, Tolentino failed in a long cross-table bank shot of the 7-ball. Andam closed the deal.
The tournament now enters the final day of action on Sunday (May 12) with the cross-over semifinals. Manalo will face Banares in the first match. And Gabica will face Andam in the other semifinal.
The winners will then clash for the championship – and the trophy and check of $10,000 that go with it.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Philippine junior champion Jerico Banares and veteran Leonardo Andam notched two critical wins each in Day 5 to join Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica in the Final Four. Manalo and Gabica had booked their places in the semifinals in Day 4.
Former world champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany and Chung Chien-Te of Taiwan, the remaining foreign players in the field, failed in their respective bids to stay in contention for the $10,000 top prize.
The inaugural tournament of the PPT moved Saturday from the Kaban ng Hiyas Auditorium to the Mandaluyong City Hall Atrium for the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The event has been reduced to one Brunswick table. And it is now being broadcast live on ABS Studio 23 nationwide in the Philippines, and worldwide on the Filipino Channel. A live Webcast is also being provided on this Raya website.
Banares, easily the sensation of the tournament at 18 years of age, began the day by edging Leonardo Didal, 9-7, in an exciting contest. Trailing 8-7, Didal had a chance to forge a hill-hill climax. But having to stretch over balls with the mechanical bridge proved too much for him. He muffed his chance. Banares closed the deal immediately afterwards.
The eighteen-year-old then went up against Hohmann, who had been in good form throughout the tournament and had lost a hill-hill thriller to Manalo for his only loss. Banares quickly showed that he could already play with the big boys. He raced to a 7-0 lead before yielding a rack to Hohmann.
Hohmann gamely tried to make a match of it as Banares briefly faltered in his shotmaking. But with a chance to close the count to 8-5, he bungled overshot his position on the 10-ball in the 14th rack and had to settle for a bank shot. He missed and Banares closed out the match.
Andam's march to the Final Four was just as thrilling. Facing first the formidable Chung, who had been solid throughout the tournament, he raced to a 3-0 lead, only to muff position and his shot on the 10-ball in the 4th rack.
Chung closed the count to 3-2 and had a chance to tie in the 6th rack. But he missed a shot on the 8-ball and Andam got the breathing room he needed. Feeling more confident, the veteran stormed ahead to a 7-2 lead and then coasted to victory.
Andam's next match with Mario Tolentino began in reverse fashion. He had to battle back to contend. Tolentino quickly raced to a 5-0 lead and was looking invincible. But then Andam took the 6th rack with a good runout of the table. And that started a remarkable roll of seven straight racks, punctuated by fine shotmaking, great position play and smooth runouts.
With the score at 8-7 and a chance to tie, Tolentino failed in a long cross-table bank shot of the 7-ball. Andam closed the deal.
The tournament now enters the final day of action on Sunday (May 12) with the cross-over semifinals. Manalo will face Banares in the first match. And Gabica will face Andam in the other semifinal.
The winners will then clash for the championship – and the trophy and check of $10,000 that go with it.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
MANALO, GABICA ENTERS SEMIS IN MANDALUYONG CUP
LOCAL BET Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica, both top player of Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) hurdle their respective rivals after Day 4 to advance in the semi-final round of the $30,000 Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup Ten Ball Championship dubbed as inaugural event of the Philippine Pool Tour late Friday held at the Kaban ng Hiyas Building in Mandaluyong City.
Manalo, who is seeking another title to tucked under his belt edges former WPA World 9-Ball Champion Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany, 9-8, while Gabica, reigning 2007 San Miguel Beer Philippine Open champion nipped compatriot Mario Tolentino in a similar 9-5 victory.
"Malayong factor 'yung suporta na pinakikita ng mga kababayan ko, sila ang naging ispirasyon ko at s'yempre ang pamilya ko na laging sumusuporta sa akin," said the 30-year-old Manalo, who sealed the deal with a crafty safety play on the four ball in the last rack but Hohmann managed to hit the 4-ball, however the latter's (Hohmann) gave Manalo a golden opportunity as the former (Manalo) take a left open shot to runout the table and escaped a 9-8 decision wins in the event presented by San Miguel Beer.
"Hope pumabor 'yung bola sa atin bukas (ngayon), said Manalo, fondly called "Marvelous" in international pool thus his victory was a revenge of sorts when he lost to Hohmann in the finals of the IPT North America 8-Ball Championship – also a hill-hill thriller two years ago.
On the way to the final four Manalo defeated Luis Saberdo, 9-6, James Al Ortega, 9-7, Gerald Carbonera, 9-4, and Allan Soliman, 9-5, respectively while Gabica beat Richard Rollo, 9-5, Silverio Tulabing, 9-4, Courtney Symons of England, 9-4 and Tomoo Takano of Japan, 9-4.
"Gagawin ko ang best ko na manalo muli tayo," commented the 35-year-old Lapu-Lapu City ace Gabica.
Hohmann and Tolentino also had a chance in contention in the $10,000 top prize, double elimination format , both looking for the last two slots in the loser's brackets to catch up the last bus in the semis.
On the losers' bracket, Chung Chien-Te of Taiwan tronced James Al Ortega (9-5), Junbert Ogang (9-5), and Kenji Taguchi of Japan (9-2), to stay in course.
18-year-old Jerico Banares, reigning Philippine Junior Champion continued to impress pool aficionados and the media. In a match between a junior and a senior, he downed 58-year-old Gerry Watson of Canada, 9-6, to book himself a place in the last eight.
"Who is this guy?" Watson declared with good humor afterwards. "He didn't miss a shot!"
Leonardo Didal took perhaps the biggest scalp in the tournament. He ousted Johnny Archer of the United States, 9-7. He scored two other victories: against Gilbert Carbonera 9-5, and against Tomoo Tanaka of Japan, 9-5,
The final name in the Last Eight is talented veteran Leonardo Andam. He began Day 4 with a nail-biting thriller against Raymond Faraon (9-8), and then mowed down Courtney Symons of England (9-4) and Allan Soliman (9-2).
The six players in the Losers Bracket – Thorsten Hohmann, Mario Tolentino, Chun Chien-Te, Jerico Banares, Leonardo Didal and Leonardo Andam – will see action Saturday (May 10) to decide who will be the two players to enter the Final Four in Sunday's finale.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Manalo, who is seeking another title to tucked under his belt edges former WPA World 9-Ball Champion Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany, 9-8, while Gabica, reigning 2007 San Miguel Beer Philippine Open champion nipped compatriot Mario Tolentino in a similar 9-5 victory.
"Malayong factor 'yung suporta na pinakikita ng mga kababayan ko, sila ang naging ispirasyon ko at s'yempre ang pamilya ko na laging sumusuporta sa akin," said the 30-year-old Manalo, who sealed the deal with a crafty safety play on the four ball in the last rack but Hohmann managed to hit the 4-ball, however the latter's (Hohmann) gave Manalo a golden opportunity as the former (Manalo) take a left open shot to runout the table and escaped a 9-8 decision wins in the event presented by San Miguel Beer.
"Hope pumabor 'yung bola sa atin bukas (ngayon), said Manalo, fondly called "Marvelous" in international pool thus his victory was a revenge of sorts when he lost to Hohmann in the finals of the IPT North America 8-Ball Championship – also a hill-hill thriller two years ago.
On the way to the final four Manalo defeated Luis Saberdo, 9-6, James Al Ortega, 9-7, Gerald Carbonera, 9-4, and Allan Soliman, 9-5, respectively while Gabica beat Richard Rollo, 9-5, Silverio Tulabing, 9-4, Courtney Symons of England, 9-4 and Tomoo Takano of Japan, 9-4.
"Gagawin ko ang best ko na manalo muli tayo," commented the 35-year-old Lapu-Lapu City ace Gabica.
Hohmann and Tolentino also had a chance in contention in the $10,000 top prize, double elimination format , both looking for the last two slots in the loser's brackets to catch up the last bus in the semis.
On the losers' bracket, Chung Chien-Te of Taiwan tronced James Al Ortega (9-5), Junbert Ogang (9-5), and Kenji Taguchi of Japan (9-2), to stay in course.
18-year-old Jerico Banares, reigning Philippine Junior Champion continued to impress pool aficionados and the media. In a match between a junior and a senior, he downed 58-year-old Gerry Watson of Canada, 9-6, to book himself a place in the last eight.
"Who is this guy?" Watson declared with good humor afterwards. "He didn't miss a shot!"
Leonardo Didal took perhaps the biggest scalp in the tournament. He ousted Johnny Archer of the United States, 9-7. He scored two other victories: against Gilbert Carbonera 9-5, and against Tomoo Tanaka of Japan, 9-5,
The final name in the Last Eight is talented veteran Leonardo Andam. He began Day 4 with a nail-biting thriller against Raymond Faraon (9-8), and then mowed down Courtney Symons of England (9-4) and Allan Soliman (9-2).
The six players in the Losers Bracket – Thorsten Hohmann, Mario Tolentino, Chun Chien-Te, Jerico Banares, Leonardo Didal and Leonardo Andam – will see action Saturday (May 10) to decide who will be the two players to enter the Final Four in Sunday's finale.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
MANALO BEATS HOHMANN
MANDALUYONG CITY, PHILIPPINES---Hometown favorite Marlon Manalo bested German ace Thorsten Hohmann in a duel of the undefeated in Day 4 of the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup, and booked himself a seat in the Final Four of the inaugural event of the Philippine Pool Tour.
The exciting match went down to the last rack and the last ball before it was settled with Manalo on top, 9-8. He sealed the deal with a crafty safety play on the four ball. Although Hohmann managed to hit the 4-ball, he left Manalo an open shot, which he promptly turned into a runout.
The victory was a revenge of sorts for the guy they call "Marvelous". In 2006, he met and lost to Hohmann in the finals of the IPT North America 8-Ball Championship – also a hill-hill thriller.
The Mandaluyong field which started with 64 players was reduced Friday night to eight players – two in the winners' bracket, and six in the losers' bracket.
The other big winner on Day 4 was Antonio Gabica, reigning 2007 San Miguel Philippine Open champion. He downed another Filipino standout, Mario Tolentino, by the score of 9-5.
Trailing 3-1, Gabica came storming back by taking five straight racks before Tolentino could take another rack. From there, Gabica coasted to the finish line.
Hohmann and Tolentino are not out of the hunt. They now move to the losers bracket in Day 5, where they will try to book themselves seats in the Final Four.
On the losers' bracket, Chung Chien-Te of Taiwan remained in contention. He won three times yesterday, besting James Al Ortega (9-5), Junbert Ogang (9-5), and Kenji Taguchi of Japan (9-2).
18-year-old Jerico Banares, reigning Philippine Junior Champion continued to impress pool aficionados and the media. In a match between a junior and a senior, he downed 58-year-old Gerry Watson of Canada, 9-6, to book himself a place in the last eight.
"Who is this guy?" Watson declared with good humor afterwards. "He didn't miss a shot!"
Leonardo Didal took perhaps the biggest scalp in the tournament. He ousted Johnny Archer of the United States, 9-7. He scored two other victories: against Gilbert Carbonera 9-5, and against Tomoo Tanaka of Japan, 9-5,
The final name in the Last Eight is talented veteran Leonardo Andam. He began Day 4 with a nail-biting thriller against Raymond Faraon (9-8), and then mowed down Courtney Symons of England (9-4) and Allan Soliman (9-2).
The six players in the Losers Bracket – Thorsten Hohmann, Mario Tolentino, Chun Chien-Te, Jerico Banares, Leonardo Didal and Leonardo Andam – will see action Saturday (May 10) to decide who will be the two players to enter the Final Four in Sunday's finale.
contributed by Marlon Bernardino
The exciting match went down to the last rack and the last ball before it was settled with Manalo on top, 9-8. He sealed the deal with a crafty safety play on the four ball. Although Hohmann managed to hit the 4-ball, he left Manalo an open shot, which he promptly turned into a runout.
The victory was a revenge of sorts for the guy they call "Marvelous". In 2006, he met and lost to Hohmann in the finals of the IPT North America 8-Ball Championship – also a hill-hill thriller.
The Mandaluyong field which started with 64 players was reduced Friday night to eight players – two in the winners' bracket, and six in the losers' bracket.
The other big winner on Day 4 was Antonio Gabica, reigning 2007 San Miguel Philippine Open champion. He downed another Filipino standout, Mario Tolentino, by the score of 9-5.
Trailing 3-1, Gabica came storming back by taking five straight racks before Tolentino could take another rack. From there, Gabica coasted to the finish line.
Hohmann and Tolentino are not out of the hunt. They now move to the losers bracket in Day 5, where they will try to book themselves seats in the Final Four.
On the losers' bracket, Chung Chien-Te of Taiwan remained in contention. He won three times yesterday, besting James Al Ortega (9-5), Junbert Ogang (9-5), and Kenji Taguchi of Japan (9-2).
18-year-old Jerico Banares, reigning Philippine Junior Champion continued to impress pool aficionados and the media. In a match between a junior and a senior, he downed 58-year-old Gerry Watson of Canada, 9-6, to book himself a place in the last eight.
"Who is this guy?" Watson declared with good humor afterwards. "He didn't miss a shot!"
Leonardo Didal took perhaps the biggest scalp in the tournament. He ousted Johnny Archer of the United States, 9-7. He scored two other victories: against Gilbert Carbonera 9-5, and against Tomoo Tanaka of Japan, 9-5,
The final name in the Last Eight is talented veteran Leonardo Andam. He began Day 4 with a nail-biting thriller against Raymond Faraon (9-8), and then mowed down Courtney Symons of England (9-4) and Allan Soliman (9-2).
The six players in the Losers Bracket – Thorsten Hohmann, Mario Tolentino, Chun Chien-Te, Jerico Banares, Leonardo Didal and Leonardo Andam – will see action Saturday (May 10) to decide who will be the two players to enter the Final Four in Sunday's finale.
contributed by Marlon Bernardino
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