Tuesday, July 31, 2007

ALEX "THE LION" PAGULAYAN HITS AT BSCP BIAS PLANS TO FORM UNION

The Lion blasts BSCP's bias; threatens to form new NSA for pool and snooker

ALEX "The Lion" Pagulayan lambasted the current leadership of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) and described the group as the most disorderly National Sports Association (NSA).

Pagulayan, who is in Cebu for the 2007 Sun.Star Superbalita 9-Ball Challenge, alleged that BSCP is biased for some players and that he is deeply affected by their actions.

Aside from the bias, there is also a lack of program for the players. Because of these reasons, Pagulayan is now serious in his bid to put up an association for the billiards and snooker players, which he will try to work out once he returns to Manila.

"That's the first thing I would do once I'm back in Manila. I am already supported by 80 percent of the players, this includes Django (Francisco Bustamante and Efren (Reyes)," Pagulayan said.

Pagulayan had a good chance of making it to the 2007 Guinness 9-Ball Tour Grand Finals but was replaced by Jeffrey de Luna, who only has 40 points, going into the final leg of the tour in Beijing on Aug. 3 to 6.

Good chance

Only the top 10 will make it to the grand finals.

"I had a good chance of making it to the Grand Finals because I already had 70 points. Even if he will win the leg it is impossible for him to make it to the Finals because he needs at least 120 points to be in the top 10. The champion in each tour will earn only 70 points," Pagulayan said.

"Why don't they give chances to other players and keep the same lineup" Just like the Chinese Taipei team who are consistent in sending their team. Actually (what they had done) is unfair to the players and we (players) have to fix this problem," Pagulayan explained.

Antics

However, BSCP president Ernesto Fajardo defended their decision to replace Pagulayan with de Luna because allegedly of Pagulayan's antics during the semifinal round of the Guinness Singapore leg.

But according to Pagulayan, he was replaced because he turned down an offer to play in a tournament because he has prior commitments.

Pagulayan lamented that because he is already out of the Guinness tour, it would lessen his chances to make it to the World Pool Championships which will be held in Manila in November.

The Guinness Tour also serves as a qualifying event for the World Pool Championships.

"Aside from the date and the venue (of the WPC), there is no other information we get. We don't even know that they had changed the tournament format from round-robin to double-elimination. That is the job of the NSA to notify the players of the development of the tournament," Pagulayan said.

The other players who are not entered in the Guinness 9-Ball tour will have to wait for another qualifying tournament in order to get a spot for the 2007 WPC. (RCM)


The Lion takes on bigger 'prey'

AFTER winning the 2007 Sun.Star Superbalita 9-Ball Challenge Open Division title Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan will face a tougher challenge—uniting all pool and snooker players to form an organization.

The outspoken Pagulayan, who has become the subject of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines' (BSCP) rage when he allegedly refused to play for a pool tournament on TV. According to Pagulayan, that refusal led to his being replaced by Jefff de Luna in the final leg of the Guinness 9-Ball tour in Beijing.

However, BSCP said their reason for replacing Pagulayan from the tour, was because of his "unethical" behavior during the semifinal round during the Singapore leg, where he lost to Ibrahim Amir, 11-13.

According to BSCP, Pagulayan was "sharking" or was trying to intimidate Amir during a crucial point of the game.

However, Pagulayan insisted that he behaved well during his game.

"What they've done was unfair. It was unfair to me and unfair to the other deserving players. I had spent my own money for the Guinness tour but it went for naught because they replaced me with just anybody," Pagulayan told Sun.Star Cebu while having a break before he played Antonio "Gaga" Gabica in the finals.

It might be a hilly battle to convince his fellow players to put up an organization that would protect them, but Pagulayan is determined to lead billiard players and to have a voice inside the BSCP.

"It is safe that I already had 80 percent support from my fellow billiards and snooker players. This is a long overdue plan but it's never too late at all," Pagulayan said.

Pagulayan voiced his displeasure regarding the BSCP when he held a press conference together with the other Superbalita 9-Ball Challenge seeded players last Saturday at the Rajah Park Hotel.

(Reports from by Rommel Manlosa)



BUGSY BOSS BROKE THE SILENCE IN RP BILLIARDS ISSUE


BUGSY PROMOTIONS billiards boss Perry Mariano broke his silence regarding the situation of Philippine billiards today referring to 2004 Taiwan World 9-ball champion Alex Pagulayan and the officials of Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).

"It's the prerogative of BSCP to choose or remove players in the Asian Tour of Guinness. This was the practice now and even during the SMC tours. Alex Pagulayan also has the prerogative to ask for money as a Professional player." said Mariano yesterday in an interview at the Sulu Hotel along with sportsman and supporter of the youth Boy Umali, congressman of 2 nd district in Mindoro.

"But I will give you a general outlook on the Billiard's scene here in the country. Billiard here is not as lucrative as it looks as you can see there are few (tournaments) and some times none in a year. At this time if we want to serve the sport and create new champions, guarantee payments on appearance fee is not practical. If our known players insist on this we will remain low in tournaments and maybe someday be over-taken by other countries." Mariano added, manager of 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey De Luna, who replace Pagulayan, after the billiard federation saw Pagulayan clowning after his semi-final loss to Mindanao-born Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir in the fourth leg of Singapore Guinness 9-ball tour last July 16.

Mariano, director of the BSCP added. "I have met with players and have asked them what they want. They want more tournaments. Majority of our players cannot compete abroad and these players are the future of billiards in the country."
Mariano believes that when RP’s top players join local tournaments, this gives upcoming players a chance to hone their skills. "Tournament organizers want big name players to compete with new players in order to prepare the newbies for international events. With such a demand for local competitions, we can not afford to give the perception that local tournament organizers are exploiting the players. This will certainly discourage sponsors and promoters from local tournaments.”

He cited 1999 Cardiff World 9-ball champion Efren "Bata" Reyes, the Philippine pool idol. "Young and upcoming pool players can only play against internationally seasoned players thru local tournaments. Efren Bata will play without appearance fees."
Meanwhile, sportsman Umali brings a 13 years-old cue artists from Villa-Pag Asa, Bansod, Mindoro to Mariano.

"Nakita ko na may pag-asa 'yung 13 anyos na bilyarista na kababayan ko sa Mindoro sa larangan ng pool. Kaya nilapit ko kay Mr. Mariano (Perry) para mahinang ang kanyang angking talino. Naniniwala kasi ako sa kakayahan ng kaibigan kong si Perry." Said Umali, who cited the likes of Antonio Lining (Billiards), GM Joey Antonio Jr. (Chess) and Nelson Asaytono (Pro Basketball), are the world class players coming from Mindoro. (MARLON B).



ALEX PAGULAYAN IS AIMING TO PUT UP UNION
FOR THE WELFARE OF RP POOL PLAYERS

2004 World 9-ball champion and 2005 US Open 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan is now serious in his bid to put up an association for the billiards and snooker players. In fact, the 29-year-old Cagagan, Isabela native is already supported by 80 percent of the players, this includes 1999 World 9-ball champion Efren "Bata" Reyes and former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante. The association aims of be the voice of Filipino pool players.

"Isa sa posibleng plano ko ay magtatag ng union dito sa Pilipinas o bumalik na lamang sa Canada." Said Pagulayan, who is fresh from winning the 2007 Cebu Open last Sunday.

Pagulayan was hurt when he learned that he was replaced in the fifth and final leg of Guinness 9-ball tour that gets going on August 3 to 5 at the Shanghai Hotel in Shanghai, China.

"Hindi man lamang ako binigyan ng notice ng BSCP basta tinanggal na lang ako. Sabi nila hindi raw ako seryoso sa paglalaro ko para sa ating bayan. Everybody naman ay may laps eh."

In a text message from BSCP that was circulated throughout the country said "The BSCP has withdrawn Alex Pagulayan as Filipino representative in Shanghai leg of the Guinness tour for conduct unbecoming in the Singapore leg. Jeffrey de Luna was named to replace him."

This writer received a text message from billiard fanatics who watched the intense game of Pagulayan and Bin Amir in Singapore leg, "I don't think his (Alex Pagulayan) being funny is negative. In fact, mas ok nga yun eh. Sobrang crowd pleaser si Alex. They loved him in Singapore. Kaya nga having him is good for the fans, the sports and the organizers. Ang labo kung yung ang dahilan ng conduct unbecoming."

BSCP president Ernie Fajardo said the decision to change the RP lineup was a prerogative of the BSCP executive committee.

While admitting there were some complaints regarding Pagulayan's behavior in his semifinal loss in the Singapore leg, Fajardo said the executive committee did not use it as reason for removing him from the RP team.

"Changing the lineup is a prerogative of the executive committee," Fajardo said.

Pagulayan, a multiple gold medalist in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games and the 2006 BSCP National Open champion, was seen clowning in his semifinal loss to Mindanao-born Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir in Singapore last July 16.

( Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO).

Sunday, July 29, 2007

MIKE TAKAYAMA LANDS IN FINAL FOUR OF CEBU 9-BALL OPEN

FILIPINO rising star Mike "Choke" Takayama barely had a year of pool experience when the prestigious Cebu Open started in 2002.

He's a semifinalist in the event this year.

The 18-year-old Bugsy promotions stalwart stunned lone Cebuano survivor Bebien Jabien (10-3) in the quarter-final round to assure himself of a P20,000 paycheck yesterday at the at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City with the champion taking home P160,000.

"I still can’t believe that I made it to the final four, but thank God," said Takayama, who learned to play pool five years ago. "I just play my very best." added Takayama who needed to go through a gruelling qualifying round to make it to the main draw.

Takayama, who beat former Southeast Asian Games medallist and Jakarta based Victor Arpilleda (9-3) in the "Sweet 16" will face top seed Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan in the final four.

Takayama also the 2006 Solar Fil-9 Ball Open semi-finalist who upset Japanese Yuse Kuruda, 2006 Asian 9-ball tour champion Gandy Valle, and 2007 BCA enjoypool.com winner Dennis Orcollo.

The 29-year-old Pagulayan on the other hand, the 2004 World 9-ball champion and 2005 US Open champion defeated unheralded Reymar Naraiso (9-2) in the round-of-16 and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball winner Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez (10-4) in the round-of-8, respectively.

Meanwhile, 2004 Fil-9 Ball Open ruler Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica and reigning national open champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza beat their respective rivals to complete the final four.

The 38-year-old Gabica, a former Cebu Open winner defeated 2007 Puyat 9-ball champ Ricky "Bai" Zerna (9-3) and 2006 POC Olympic Festival runner-up Johann "Bubwit" Chua (10-4), in order to arrange a final four showdown with the 28-year-old Corteza, top ace of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS), winner over Romeo Silvano (9-3) and Reynaldo Campana (10-5), respectively.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Friday, July 27, 2007

MARLON MANALO, JEFFREY DE LUNA, ALEX PAGULAYAN

MARLON MANALO TOPS FLORIDA PRO TOUR RANKINGS LIST


MARLON "MARVELOUS" MANALO, the 2005 World Pool Championships semi-finalist tops the 2007 Florida Pro Tour rankings list posted in a website by American Tony Crosby.

The 30-year-old Manalo from Mandaluyong City, a Jose Rizal University AB economics graduate accumulated 360 points, 80 points ahead of runner-up American Corey "The Prince" Deuel, a former US Open champion with 280 points.

Manalo topped the Semi Florida Pro Tour Stop last April 28 to 29 at the Strokers Billiards in Palm Harbor, Florida and the Semi Florida Pro Tour Stop last June 2 to 3 at the Capones Billiards in Springhill, Florida. Manalo, the former Asian snooker champion also settled third in the Semi Florida Pro Tour Stop last May 5 to 6 at the New Wave Billiards in Miami, Florida.

However, Manalo’s name does not appear among the top 20 in the 2007 Player Money list which is dominated by compatriot RP money game king Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo with total winnings of US$55,950.


DE LUNA IN, PAGULAYAN OUT IN GUINNESS CHINA LEG


JEFFREY "The Bull" De Luna, the 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball silver medalist will replace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan as the last member of the four man Philippine contingent in the fifth and final leg of Guinness 9-ball tour that gets underway on August 3 to 5 at the Shanghai Hotel in Shanghai, China.

The other Philippine representatives to the tournament are: double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, reigning national open and all Japan championship ruler Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball winner Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez.

This was bared in an exclusive interview yesterday with Dux Carvajal, chief of Pro Solution, a local PR company representing ESPN Star Sports. " Sabi ng ESPN, pinalitan ni Jeff (De Luna) si Alex (Pagulayan).”

Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo in a separate interview confirmed this matter thru a text message, "Si Jeffrey (De Luna) will play instead of Alex Pagulayan."

Last Thursday, Bugsy Promotions boss Perry Mariano, who is seeking to be a director of the BSCP already informed this writer that his ward De Luna will compete in the last leg in China.

This writer tried to get the comment of BSCP president Fajardo last Thursday but the latter refused to comment and said, "" Hindi pa ako makapag comment sa pagkalahok ni De Luna sa last leg pero mamyang gabi (Thursday) ay may meeting ang BSCP at pag-uusapan iyan."

Pagulayan, the 29-years-old Toronto, Ontario Canada Filipino cue master who hails from Cabagan, Isabela was surprised when he learned from this writer that he is not included in the Philippine contingent for the Guinness Shanghai leg.

"Hindi ko pa alam na pinalitan ako sa listahan." said Pagulayan, one of the favorite participants in the 2007 Cebu Open which started yesterday at the SM City-Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City.

"Buti ka pa alam mo." added in jest by Pagulayan, the 2004 World 9-ball and 2005 US Open champion.

This writer failed to get the side of De Luna who is in Thailand for a short business trip and will fly back home next week for the Asian tour.

After the tournament’s four city-leg, four Taiwanese are on top the order of merit namely: No 1. Yang Ching-shun (175 points), No 2. Chang Jung-lin (170 points), No. 3. Chao Fong-pang (150 points) and No.4. Wu Chia-ching (120 points).

So far, no Filipino has yet won any single leg after the four legs so far, unlike in last year's edition of the tournament sponsored by San Miguel, where Filipinos swept the four legs of the competition; Efren "Bata" Reyes won twice while Ramil Gallego and Rodolfo Luat each won one apiece.

SMC endorser Reyes and former world No.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante skipped the Guinness 9-ball tour, a direct competitor of San Miguel Beer.

Aside from the slot to this year's World Pool Championships, the top 10 players in the Guinness circuit will advance to the Grand Finale on August 31 to September 2 in Bali, Indonesia where a whopping US$36,000 awaits the champion.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Thursday, July 26, 2007

DE LUNA TO ALSO PLAY IN THE GUINNESS CHINA LEG

The Philippines will be represented by five cue masters with the inclusion of Jeffrey de Luna, the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist, when the fifth and final leg of Guinness 9-ball tour gets going on August 3 to 5 in Shanghai Hotel in Shanghai, China.
This was bared yesterday by Bugsy Promotions stable boss Perry Mariano, "Ayon kay Yen (Makabenta), kasali sa last leg si Jeff (De Luna)."

"Pero hindi ko pa alam ang kumpletong detalye bakit nakasali si Jeff (De Luna)," insisted Mariano, who is being sought as director of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines.

De Luna who decided to skip the 2007 Cebu Open which starts today is now in Thailand for a business trip but will be back next week for the Guinness 9-ball tour.

The 24-years-old De Luna, is in joint 25th place together with two others after accumulating 40 points in the order tour of merit (see list below).

BSCP president Ernie Fajardo refused to comment on the matter and said " Hindi pa ako makapag comment sa pagkalahok ni De Luna sa last leg pero mamyang gabi (Thursday) ay may meeting ang BSCP at pag-uusapan iyan."

According to Dux Carvajal of ESPN, in a recent interview, it will be a big factor for at least four Filipinos to barge into this final leg of the Guiness 9-Ball Circuit specially with the possibility of a Taiwanese boycott due to government conflict with mainland China.

In fact, four slots will be vacated if the Taiwanese boycott the coming tournament in Shanghai thus giving a chance for other players seeking to advance in the Grand Finale on August 31 to September 2 in Bali, Indonesia. The Grand champion takes away US$36,000.

It shall be recalled, China did not send their player in the second leg of the tournament held in Kaohsiung, Chinese-Taipei last May 18-20 that gave reigning three-time world junior champion Wu Yu-lun a slot to play.

" Pag hindi sumali 'yung mga Taiwanese sa last leg ay malaki ang pag-asa ng Pilipinas at least for player na makapasok sa Grand Finale sa Bali, Indonesia sa Aug. 31-Sept. 2" "Dahil maiiwasan na magkakasama sila sa isang group at maghihiwalay."

Like De Luna, reigning national open champion Lee Vann Corteza and 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex Pagulayan are BSCP entries while double world champion Ronato Alcano and Roberto Gomez are organizer's top choice.

After the four city-leg, four Taiwanese remains at top 4 standings were No 1. Yang Ching-shun (175 points/ Chinese-Taipei), No 2. Chang Jung-lin (170 points/ Chinese-Taipei), No. 3. Chao Fong-pang (150 points/ Chinese-Taipei) and No.4. Wu Chia-ching (120 points/ Chinese-Taipei). Ricky Yang of Indonesia shared Wu for 4 to 5th place with identical 120 points apiece. Alcano, the 34-years-old lanky cue from Calamba City at solo 6th with 110 points, 5 points ahead with Filipino-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir with 105 points.

Bernard Tey (Singapore) and Dharminder Singh Lilly (India) occupied at No.7 to 8 with 100 points each while Naoyuki Oi of Japan, Au Chi Wai of Hongkong and Lee Vann Corteza of the Philippines was tied at No. 10 to 12 with 80 points.

Top 20 Individual Standings after four city-leg:
1. Yang Ching-shun (175 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
2. Chang Jung-lin (170 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
3. Chao Fong-pang (150 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
4. Wu Chia-ching (120 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
5. Ricky Yang (120 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
6. Ronato Alcano (110 points/ Philippines)
7. Ibrahim Bin Amir (105 points/ Philippines)
8. Bernard Tey (100 points/ Singapore)
9.Dharminder Singh Lilly (100 points/India)
10.Naoyuki Oi (80 points/Japan)
11.Au Chi Wai (80 points/ Hongkong)
12. Lee Vann Corteza (80 points/ Philippines )
13. Jimmy Jusman (75 points/Indonesia)
14. Chan Ken Kwang (70 points/ Singapore)
15.Patrick Ooi (70 points/Malaysia)
16.Alex Pagulayan (60 points/Philippines)
17.Roberto Gomez (60 points/ Philippines)
18. Nitiwat Kanjanasri (60 points/ Thailand)
19.Ryu Seung Woo (60 points/ Korea)
20. Li He Wen (55 points/ China)...

(A Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

News on Biado, Bustamante, Zerna

BIADO, BUSTAMANTE VYING KOREAN OPEN TOUR TODAY

CARLO "Cool" Biado and Joven "The Giant" Bustamante, are two of the country's representatives to the 4th annual Korea International 9-Ball Championships. The tournament gets going today at the Seoul Palace Hotel in Seoul, Korea.

Biado and Bustamante, who left the country yesterday, are two of the rising stars from Bugsy promotion, will play against some of the world's best cue artists that include former world champions Thorsten Hohmann and Ralf Souquet of Germany and Mika Immonen of Finland and Charlie Williams of the United States where tournament organizer Dragon Promotions put up a prize of US$7,000 to the champion.

The 25-year-old Biado is looking to improve on his performance in the Japan Open with his participation in the annual Korean Open.

"Nabigo akong makapasok sa knock-out stage sa Japan Open sa taong ito kaya babawi ako sa Korean Open." said Biado, whose part of his preparation for the Korean Open is doing 50 racks a day at the Bugsy Lair's Billiard hall in Quezon City.

"Kung sakali tayong palaring manalo sa Korea ito na ang first major tournament title natin." added Biado, who was also invited to play in the Php1 Million Manny Pacquiao pool tournament this October.

While the 28-years-old Bustamante, distant relative of former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante settled for third place in the 2007 World 8-Ball Championships in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates early this year, his Bugsy stablemate Ronato Alcano won the title beating Dennis Orcollo who settled for second.
"Gagawin ko ang best para makapagdala ng karangalan sa bansa." Said Joven, who ousted Alcano in the 2nd BSCP Open this year.

Joven also known as the "Shark" in the pool world is the 2004 Abu Dhabi 8-ball Open champion.

Biado and Bustamante are also scheduled to compete in the first-ever country's Poker Pool Tour dubbed as Sargo's Pool Classics to be held on Bugsy Lair's Pool Haus in Quezon City and the initial telecast will start on August 11 on RPN-9 " Pare" from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, every Saturday in close cooperation with Solar Entertainment Corporation.



RICKY ZERNA WILL DEFEND HIS 9-BALL CROWN

NEGROS BILLIARD STABLE (NBS) ace Ricky "Bai" Zerna will defend his title when the 9-ball tournament gets underway on August 8-9 at the Bowling Inn in Taft Avenue, Manila.

It shall be recalled that the Dumaguete City ace Zerna captured the 9-ball plum after beating John "Ramram" Rebong, a prodigy of 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex Pagulayan, in a come from behind victory in the finals, 11-9, after posting nine straight racks in this race-to-11, winner's break format.

"Muli kong paghahandaan 'yung 9-ball tour sa Bowling Inn kasi tayo ang defending champion. Pero sa ngayon ay focus muna ako sa Cebu 9-ball Open." said Zerna, playing under the banner of NBS boss Jonathan Sy and coach Christopher Palses and schedule to compete in the 2007 Cebu Open today at the SM City-Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City.

At stake in the Bowling Inn 9-ball event which will feature 32 Class B player is top prize P60,000 in this event organize by Ish Caparras and Rolly Vicente of Puyat Sports in close cooperation with Bugsy Promotions.

According to NBS coach Christopher Palses, other NBS cue masters who will see action are Panfilo "Abu Lintok" Damuag, Jarry "Putol" Pelayo, Jech-Jech "Lemon" Lemen, Troy "Guwapito" Danao and Godofredo "Boy Cotabato" Ducanes.

"This tournament is aimed at finding the rightful successor to our aging pool masters. These are considered second tier players only in the Philippines.... But, believe me, Boy!, They are the cream of the crop, the best there is nowadays and they can wallop any opposition from all over the world!" said tournament organizer Rolly Vicente in an interview of Filipinopool.com.

For inquiries, please contact Vicente at mobile no. (0915) 570-7908 for complete Tournament details.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO).

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

ORCOLLO 3RD IN OLATHE 10-BALL BUT TOPS IN MONEY LIST

ORCOLLO SETTLES FOR THIRD IN OLATHE 10-BALL;
CLIMBS TO NO.1 IN AZ BILLIARDS MONEY LIST


FILIPINO Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo finished third over-all in the just concluded Shooter of Olathe 10-ball extravaganza last July 18-20, held in Olathe, Kansas USA.

This tournament is played using oversized Valley bar tables and was dominated by hometown locals Shane McMinn and Mike Banks, Jr. This event featured 32 players that included 2007 Predator World 8-ball champion Shane Van Boening of the USA, 2007 US Bar Table 9-ball and 8-ball champion Warren Kiamco and Blaze 9-ball tour stop winner Jose "Amang" Parica.

The 28-year-old Orcollo, top player of Bugsy Promotion, earned the third prize worth US$11,000, causing him to claim the top spot in the 2007 AZ Billiards Player Money List with winnings accumulating to a total of US$ 55,950 that includes US$300 for finishing fifth in the Blaze 9-ball tour stop last July 14-15 at the Skyline Billiards hall in Brookyln, New York that was ruled by Parica. Orcollo also won the 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com tournament this year in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bugsy boss Perry Mariano was elated with Orcollo's latest triumph in the US. "Orcollo is still one of the most bankable cue artists in the country today. He plays from within compensating his lack of tournament experience with his fearless determination." said Mariano, soon to be director of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).

Former No.1 2007 Amway Women's World 9-ball champion Xiao Ting-pan of China dropped to No.2 in the money list with US$54,600 while former No.2 Johnny Archer of the United States landed No.3 list with US$52,440.

Other Money List notables are: Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan (US$40,000), Efren "Bata" Reyes (US$39,350.00) and double world champion Ronato Alcano (US$35,900) stayed at No.4 and No. 6 respectively. (Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

KIAMCO, ORCOLLO CRASH OUT OF PREDATOR TILT

Warren Kiamco and Dennis Orcollo of the Philippines saw their
respective campaign in the 2007 Predator World Straight Pool
Championship in New Jersey come to an abrupt end when they both
dropped their quarterfinal matches.

Kiamco, from Pasil,Cebu, lost to Huidji See of the Netherlands,
200-55, while Orcollo, the 28-year-old pride of Surigao del Sur, bowed
to Oliver Ortmann of Germany, 200-7.

Ortmann went on to win the title when he subdued See, 200-171 in the
finals to take the top prize of $12,500. See settled for $5500.

In the semi-finals, See bested Austrian Martin Kempter, 200-41 to set
up the final against Ortmann, a former world 9-ball champion, who beat
Danny Harriman of the US, 200-123.

Kempter and Harriman went home with $3,400 each while Orcollo, Kiamco,
Schmidt and Hohmann each received $2,450.

From a report of Marlon Bernardino

ALL EYES ON NATIONAL OPEN CHAMP LEE VANN CORTEZA

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---ALL eyes are focused on reigning national open champion Lee Vann Corteza when the 2007 Cebu 9-ball Open gets going on July 27 to 29 in SM City-Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City.

This after reigning WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion Ronato Alcano and 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com winner Dennis Orcollo skipped the richest event so far in Southern Philippines which offers a cash prize of PhP160,000 to the champion.

The 34-year-old Alcano will shoot his Guinness TV commercial before the end of the month in Jakarta, Indonesia while the 28-years-old Orcollo is busy competing in the US pool circuit in the United States.

Other big names in Philippines billiards who signified their intention to play in the Cebu Open were 2004 World 9-ball champion and 2005 US Open 9-ball ruler Alex Pagulayan, 2007 Oslo, Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball kingpin Roberto Gomez, 2006 Asian 9-ball tour champ Gandy Valle and 2004 Fil-9 ball Open ruler Antonio Gabica.
The 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) is looking to win his second major title this year after beating Marlon Manalo in the finals of the 2nd BSCP 9-Ball Open last March.

"Talagang pinaghandaan ko itong Cebu Open, magandang preparasyon ko na din ito para sa last leg ng Guinness sa Shanghai, China." said Corteza, playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) boss Jonathan Sy and Christopher Palses.
Corteza just arrived last week after competing in the Japan PBA 9-ball tournament where he landed in the semis.

Corteza, is the only Filipino cue master to reach a finals berth in the inauguration of Guinness 9-ball tour in Jakarta last April, is also aiming for a crack in the top 10 order tour of merit for the Grand Finale on August 31 to September 2 in Bali, Indonesia with the champion getting the lion’s share of US$36,000.

Corteza, who hails from Davao City, together with Pagulayan, Alcano and Gomez are the official Philippines’ representative in the fifth and final leg of Guinness 9-ball tour in Shanghai, China on August 3 to 5.

Corteza and Alcano were also invited to play in the 2007 International Challenge of Champions’ US$50,000 winner take all on August 9-10 in Mohegan Suns Casino in Unscaville, Connecticut, USA and 2007 Turning Stone 9-ball on August 16-19 in Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New Jersey. (Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Monday, July 23, 2007

NEWS ON PARICA, CORTEZA, PAGULAYAN

JOSE “AMANG” PARICA WINS NEW YORK 9-BALL TILT

FILPINO legend Jose "Amang" Parica defeated Korean Shin Young-Park twice in the finals, 9-8, 7-4, to capture the Blaze 9-Ball Tour Stop last July 14-15, 2007 at the Skyline Billiards hall in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

Parica, the acknowledged leader of the Filpino invasion in the United States in the mid 80's won US$2,000 for topping the 47-man strong field that included Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco, Ginky, Chavez, Mike Davis, Nico Otterman, Sebastian Staab and Tony Rodriquez.

Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Parica with wins over Ray Lee 9-4, Marc Vidal 9-4, Rob Pole 9-4, George San Souci 9-8, and Warren Kiamco 9-7. He was relegated to the loser's bracket after yielding to Park, a native of Tae Jeon City, Korea in the hot seat-match, 9-7. Park earlier beat Matt Krah 9-4, Al Lapena 9-6, Nico Ottermann 9-5 and Ginky Chavez 9-5.

Parica forged a rematch with Park in the finals after beating Countryman Warren Kiamco, 7-1, in the loser's side. Park, the 1997 Malaysian Open champion and 2002 Taipei All Star invitation ruler had a twice-to-beat advantage in the championships round.



CORTEZA, PAGULAYAN HEADS RP CONTINGENT IN GUINNESS LAST LEG

REIGNING national open champion Lee Vann Corteza and 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex Pagulayan leads the Philippines contingent when the fifth and final leg of the Guinness 9-ball tour gets going on August 3 to 5 in Shanghai Hotel in Shanghai, China.

This was bared yesterday by Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernie Fajardo, " Yes, it's official, Lee Vann (Corteza) and Alex (Pagulayan) are the BSCP choice for the fifth and final leg of Guinness in Shanghai, China." Fajardo referring in the decision of BSCP in a meeting held last Friday with the following in attendance - BSCP chairman and Raya sports president Yen Makabenta, Brunswick Philippines distributor Sebastian Chua and soon to be director Bugsy boss Perry Mariano.

" Y'ung kaso ni Lee Vann ay nag agree ang board kasi mataas 'yung kanyang rankng points. Beside y'an din ang mungkahi ni Alex ng kami'y nasa Singapore leg." he added.
" Si Alex naman ay maganda ang kanyang peformance sa Singapore leg mataas makaabot sa semi-final round."

Two other entries, double world champion Ronato Alcano and Roberto Gomez are organizer's top choice.

After the four city-leg, four Taiwanese remains at the top 4 standings were No 1. Yang Ching-shun (175 points/ Chinese-Taipei), No 2. Chang Jung-lin (170 points/ Chinese-Taipei), No. 3. Chao Fong-pang (150 points/ Chinese-Taipei) and No.4. Wu Chia-ching (120 points/ Chinese-Taipei). Ricky Yang of Indonesia shared Wu for 4 to 5th place with identical 120 points apiece. Alcano, the 34-years-old lanky cue from Calamba City at solo 6th with 110 points, 5 points ahead with Filipino-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir with 105 points. Bernard Tey (Singapore) and Dharminder Singh Lilly (India) occupied at No.7 to 8 with 100 points each while Naoyuki Oi of Japan, Au Chi Wai of Hongkong and Lee Vann Corteza of the Philippines was tied at No. 10 to 12 with 80 points.

According to Dux Carvajal of ESPN, it's a big factor for at least four Filipinos to barge into the Grand Finale if Taiwanese players skip the last leg because of their government’s conflicts with the host country.

China did not send their players to the second leg of the tournament in Kaohsiung, Chinese-Taipei last May 18-20. " Pag hindi sumali 'yung mga Taiwanese sa last leg ay malaki ang pag-asa ng Pilipinas at least for players na makapasok sa Grand Finale sa Bali, Indonesia sa Aug. 31-Sept. 2.". "Dahil maiiwasan na magkakasama sila sa isang group."

Mariano, manager of Alcano and Gomez is not suprised if only one Filipino will reach the Grand Finale on August 31 to September 2 in Bali, Indonesia which offers a top prize of S$36,000 to the champion.

" Hindi naman nakapagtataka iyan eh. Si Ronnie (Alcano) ay may 110 points na, kahit hindi pa siya manalo sa elimination round ay may guarantee siyang 15 points, eh 120 points ang magic number kaya oks na si Ronnie. Ang hindi lamang maganda pag sinama sama sa isang grupo at bracket sina Lee Vann (Corteza), Roberto (Gomez) at Alex Pagulayan) dahil tiyak na may malalaglag sa kanila." he said.
Last year when SMB was the titled sponsor, Filipino cue master swept all four legs, two legs went to Efren "Bata" Reyes while Ramil Gallego and Rodolfo Luat each won one leg.

In this year's tournament, Guinness, famous Irish stout beer is the titled sponsor, only the 28-year-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) managed to reach the finals.

Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) president/ sportsman Jonathan "Bacolod" Sy will fly to Shanghai, China to give moral support for his ward Corteza. "Yes, manonood ako ng laban ni Lee Vann (Corteza) sa Shanghai, China." said Sy, also director of BSCP and famous billiard patron in Visayas-Mindanao. In fact, Sy will send Corteza to play in the 2007 Cebu Open on July 27-29 in SM Cebu, as a warm-up for the Guinness stint.

Sy will also bankroll Corteza's trip to two major United States tournaments next month. Sy along with NBS manager Christopher Palses, are aiming to produce a world 9-ball champion coming from the Visayas-Mindanao region.

Listed below is the Top 20 Individual Standings after the four city-leg:
1. Yang Ching-shun (175 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
2. Chang Jung-lin (170 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
3. Chao Fong-pang (150 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
4. Wu Chia-ching (120 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
5. Ricky Yang (120 points/ Chinese-Taipei)
6. Ronato Alcano (110 points/ Philippines)
7. Ibrahim Bin Amir (105 points/ Philippines)
8. Bernard Tey (100 points/ Singapore)
9.Dharminder Singh Lilly (100 points/India)
10.Naoyuki Oi (80 points/Japan)
11.Au Chi Wai (80 points/ Hongkong)
12. Lee Vann Corteza (80 points/ Philippines)
13. Jimmy Jusman (75 points/Indonesia)
14. Chan Ken Kwang (70 points/ Singapore)
15.Patrick Ooi (70 points/Malaysia)
16.Alex Pagulayan (60 points/Philippines)
17.Roberto Gomez (60 points/ Philippines)
18. Nitiwat Kanjanasri (60 points/ Thailand)
19.Ryu Seung Woo (60 points/ Korea)
20. Li He Wen (55 points/ China)

(From Reports by MARLON BERNARDINO)

Friday, July 20, 2007

San Miguel-Solar Philippine 9-Ball Open

THE 4th staging of the San Miguel Beer-Solar Philippine 9-ball Open promises to be the biggest event ever - now open to pool players of all ages and nationalities.

There will be five qualifying stages: two in Metro Manila and the other three in Davao, Bacolod and Baguio City.

The top four players of each qualifying leg will compete in the final leg in Manila on Sept. 14-16, 2007. To complete the 32-man field, the top eight players from last year will also be seeded including four invited players (to be announced later).

Last year's top 8 were No 1. Francisco Bustamante, No 2. Leonardo Didal, No 3. Dennis Orcollo, No 4. Mike Takayama, No 5. Carlo Biado, No 6. Ronnie Alcano, No 7. Japanese Yusuke Kuruda and No 8. Marlon Manalo

Here are the venues and dates for the qualifying legs:Aug. 4-5 Paeng's Skybowl, Robinson's Galleria (Metro Manila), Aug. 11-12 B3 Bowling Billiards and Bar, NCCC Mall (Davao City), Aug. 18-19 Celebrity Billiards and Bar (Bacolod City), Aug. 25-26 Puyat Sports@Baguio Center Mall (Baguio City), Sept. 1-2 AMF-Puyat Commonwealth Lanes, Ever Gotesco Comonwealth (Q.C). Finals: Sept. 14-16 (Venue TBA)

Matches for the qualifying legs will be played with a double elimination format, race to seven, alternate breaks.

The entry fee for the event is Php 1,500 inclusive of a free case of SMB Pale Pilsen.
Fans are also encouraged to come to the venue to enjoy the buy 2 get 1 free SMB promo.

Players must be at the venue by 10:00 a.m. on the first day of each qualifying leg. Entries will be accepted no later than 10:30 a.m. and the draw will follow immediately after.

The 2007 SMB Philippine 9-Ball Open is the joint initiative of Puyat Sports and Solar Sports with the continued patronage of San Miguel Beer.

For foreign participants who wish to join or for any inquiries,
Please email: ishpuyatsports@yahoo.com
Here's the PRIZE STRUCTURE:
Champion: Php 500,000
Runner-up: Php 250,000
2 semifinalists: Php 100,000 each (200,000)
5th and 6th: Php 40,000 each (80,000)
7th and 8th: Php 30,000 each (60,000)
9th-12th: Php 20,000 each (80,000)
13th-16th: Php 15,000 each (60,000)
17th-24th: Php 10,000 each (80,000)
25th-32nd: Php 5,000 each (40,000)

Total: Php 1,350,000

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

News on Double World Champ Ronnie Alcano

DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPION ALCANO AFFECTED BY LEGAL CASES;

Attorney Vic Rodriguez, admitted that his client double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano is very much affected by the cases filed against him by his own 14-year-old daughter before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office.

"Simula ng lumabas sa media 'yung mag-ina at naghain ng demanda laban kay Ronnie (Alcano) ay hindi na nanalo ng kahit anong major tournament si Ronnie." said Rodriguez.

" Masaklap pa nito ay yung posibleng pagputol ng kontrata ng Guinness kay Ronnie. S'yempre kaya nga kinuha ng Guinness si Ronnie bilang endorser dahil sa maganda niyang character."

Alcano signed a Php 1-million, 1-year contract as endorser of Guinness, an Irish stout beer. The 34-years-old lanky cue artists also signed a 1-year contract to endorse San Miguel Corporation’s food products in exchange for a brand new Toyota Innova.

Alcano defeated Ralf Souquet of Germany to rule the World 9-ball title last November held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City . With his feat, a Php1-million cash prize was also given to him by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the conferment of the Presidential "Lakandula-Champion For Life" merit in Malacañang.

"Bibihira lamang ang mabigyan ng Presidential Lakandula-Champion For Life ng ating butihing Presidente Arroyo, para makahilera ni Ronnie sina Efren "Bata" Reyes, Manny Pacquiao at y'ung isang Miss Universe." said Rodriguez.
Alcano settled for runner-up in the Korean Pro Tour Championship last February 10-13 in Incheon, Korea before topping the 2007 World 8-Ball Championships in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates last March 1-8.

Alcano, is the third cue player, to win both the WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball competition, to follow in the foot steps of compatriot Efren "Bata" Reyes and Taiwanese Wu Chia-ching.

Last April, the news on Alcano’s legal cases broke to local TV media while the 2nd BSCP National Pool Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium was ongoing. Since then, Alcano has not won a single major tournament, including the ongoing Guinness 9-ball tour (where he failed to reach the finals in the first four legs) and landed 9 th place in the World Pool Masters in Holland last June 8-10.

"Sino ba ang hindi apektado." Alcano said in a recent interview with this writer who just arrived last Monday from his Singapore stint.
Rodriguez also added "Kagabi (Lunes) lamang ni Ronnie nalaman 'yung pinaka latest sa kasong kinahaharap niya. Pero hindi niya pa alam ang buong detalye."



THE CAMP OF DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPION ALCANO WOULD FILE A MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---The camp of reigning double World champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano would file a motion for reconsideration before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office regarding the child abuse and rape charges against him.

This was bared to this writer in an exclusive interview yesterday with Atty. Vic Rodriguez, lawyer of Alcano.

"May apat na demanda kay Ronnie (Alcano), 2 counts of rape, kasama na ang RA 9262 (Act Defining Violence Against Women and their Children) at RA 7610 (the Anti-Child Abuse Law), 'yung dalawa dito ay na dismiss na at y'ung nalalabing dalawa ay mag file ako para sa kliyente ko ng motion for reconsideration."
In a resolution last week, Assistant City Prosecutor Corazon Romano recommended that Alcano be charged with one count of rape and another count for violation of Section 5 of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law. Romano recommended a total bail of P400,000.

"Hindi naman sinabi sa resolution na "the evidence of guilt is strong", insisted Rodriguez, who also happens to be the lawyer of Joanna Bacosa who filed a child-support case against Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao for failing to continue giving her and their two-year-old son financial aid.

"It's better to go to trial so the parties may avail of legal remedies. Saka 'yung appreciation ng Fiscall kung malakas ang ebidensiya ng complainant ay hindi dapat magbigay ng piyansa." added Rodriguez.

" Saka 'yung testimony lamang naman ng bata, wala naman silang pinang hahawakan ng real evidence kaya naniniwala ako na madi-dismiss ang isa sa dalawang demanda kay Ronnie, pero mas maganda kung dalawa ang madismis. Sa arraignment magkaka alaman naman yan eh."

Before the end of the month, Alcano will fly to Indonesia to shoot a TV commercial for Guinness then fly to the United States in the first week of August to compete in the International Challenge of Champion US$50,000 winner-take all along with compatriot Lee Vann Corteza at the Mohegan Sun’s Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Alcano is also set to defend his World 9-ball crown when the 2007 World 9-ball Pool Championships gets going this November at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City which was first reported by this writer.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO).

Monday, July 16, 2007

Corteza and Zerna

NATIONAL OPEN CHAMP CORTEZA IS BACK IN GUINNESS 9-BALL TOUR

REIGNING National Open champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza might compete in the final leg of the Guinness 9-ball tour on August 3-5 in Shanghai, China.

This was bared by the officials of Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) in an exclusive interview with this writer.

"Corteza should be in the last leg." said BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta last Saturday when this writer spotted him in the Bugsy Lair's billiard hall in Quezon City.

On the other hand, BSCP president Ernesto Fajardo who is in Singapore to give moral support for the RP cue master said in a long distance telephone interview last Sunday, "We (BSCP) will consider him (Corteza), saka minungkahi din sa akin ni Alex (Pagulayan) na paglaruin si Corteza kasi sayang naman ang kanyang ranking points."

However, the 28-years-old Corteza from Davao City was so dissapointed when BSCP replaced him twice, despite showing relatively good performance going to the final leg.
" Masyado nila (BSCP) akong na pressure, kailangan maka abot ako sa semis sa last leg sa Shanghai, China para sa posibleng pagpasok ko sa grand finale sa Bali, Indonesia." insisted Corteza, also the top player of Negros Billiards Stable.
" Nais ko lamang po na magdala ng karangalan sa bansa." added Corteza, multiple gold medallist in the Southeast Asian Games.
Corteza, also the 2006 All Japan Championship ruler is runner-up behind eventual winner Chang Jung-lin of Taiwan in the inauguration leg in Jakarta, Indonesia last April 20-22 after beating countrymen Ronato Alcano in the quarters and Dennis Orcollo in the semis.
The BSCP did not field Corteza in the 2nd leg in Kaohsiung, Chinese-Taipei last May 18-20, and again in the fourth leg that ended last Sunday in Singapore. Instead, Coteza was made to play in the 3rd leg in Genting Highlands Resort in Malaysia last June 15-17 where he reached the quarter-final round.
Despite playing only two of four legs, Corteza, manage to climb in Rank to No.2 in RP ranking Guinness 9-Ball Tour Order of Merit by amassing a total 80 points, while tour over-all Pinoy leader Alcano had a total of 110 points.
The only ranking tour in Asia for this year's World Pool Championships was dominated by Taiwanese Chang Jung-lin (1 st and 3rd leg winner) and Yang Ching-shun (2 nd and 4th leg). The top 10 in Rank after the five-city leg will advance to the Grand Finale on August 31 to September 2 in Bali, Indonesia.


NBS ACE RICKY ZERNA RULES PUYAT 9-BALL TOUR

NEGROS BILLIARD STABLE (NBS) ace Ricky "Bai" Zerna bagged the top prize worth PHP60,000 after topping the just concluded 2007 Puyat Sports 9-Ball Tournament late Sunday at the Bowling Inn in Taft Avenue, Manila.
Down from 2-9, Zerna, who hails from Dumaguete City clustered nine straight racks to beat John "Ramram" Rebong (11-9) in the come from behind victory in the finals to capture the title in the 32 man-field event in the race-to-11, winner's break format.
The event was organized by Ish Caparras and Lando Vicente under the guidance of RP billiards patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat in close cooperation with Bugsy promotion, aims to promote future world class players by opening the tournament to all Class "B" players in the country.
" Nagbunga din 'yung ginagawa naming pagsasanay nina coach Toper (Christoper Palses) at boss Jo (Jonathan Sy)." said Zerna, who is schedule to compete in the 2007 Cebu Open on July 26-29 at SM Mall in Cebu City.
Zerna, who is playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) coach/manager Christopher "Toper" Palses and sportsman/ businessman Jonathan "Bacolod" Sy earlier beat veteran campaigner Jojo Santos (9-3) in the winner's brackets before losing to 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist Renemar "Revo" David (9-2) in the second round that put him in the loser's side.
In the one loss-side, Zerna needed to dispose of national women's team member Iris Ranola (9-3), Roberto Dy (9-7) and Napoleon Labrador (9-4) to face John "Ramram" Rebong (11-9), in the finals. Rebong is a prodigy of 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan.
Aside from Zerna, other member of the fast-growing Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) that seeing in action in the Puyat Sports 9-ball were Panfilo "Abu Lintok" Damuag, Jarry "Putol" Pelayo, Jech-Jech "Lemond" Lemen, Troy "Guwapito" Danao and Godofredo "Boy Cotabato" Ducanes. Reigning national open champion Lee Van "The Slayer" Corteza and 2006 US Open runner-up Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat are the top guns of NBS.
According to NBS coach/ manager Palses, NBS aims to produce World 9-ball champions from Visayas-Mindanao.
Currently, the country’s World 9-ball champions are all from Luzon headed by Efren "Bata" Reyes of Angeles City, Pampanga (1999 Cardiff), Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan of Cabagan, Isabela (2004 Taiwan) and Ronato "Volcano" Alcano of Calamba City, Laguna (2006 Philippines).

(REPORTS FROM MARLON BERNARDINO)

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Reports on: World Straight Pool Crown; Putol Pelayo; Pagulayan

KIAMCO AND ORCOLLO'S CONQUEROR DISPUTES FINALS,
ORTMANN TAKES WORLD STRAIGHT POOL CROWN

IT was a sad day yesterday because not a single Filipino entry saw action in the championship round of the 2007 Predator World Straight Pool Championship dubbed as World 14.1 Straight Pool Championship held at the Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick , New Jersey , USA .

This was after Filipino bets Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo bowed to their respective quarter-final matches.

The 36-years-old Pasil, Cebu native Kiamco yielded to Huidji See of the Netherlands (200-55) while the 28-years-old Bislig, Surigao del Sur pride Orcollo lost to former World 9-ball champion Oliver Ortmann of Germany (200-7).

In the semi-final round, See stuns Martin Kempter of Austria (200-41) to arrange an All-European final against Ortmann, winner over Danny Harriman of the United States (200-123).

Ortmann beat See (200-171) in the finals to take away the top prize worth US$12,500. See settled for runner-up prize worth US$5,500.

Losing semi-finalist Kempter and Harriman went home with US$3,400 each while losing quarter-finalist---Orcollo, Kiamco, Schmidt and Hohman each received US$2,450.

In other quarter-final round results, Kempter upset defending World Straight Pool champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany (200-171) while Harriman nipped countryman 2006 US Open 9-ball champion John Schmidt (200-165).

Straight pool, also called 14.1 continuously, used to be the most popular event in championships competitions. It's popularly has since waned with the advent of faster-playing games like the 9-ball and 8-ball.

In straight pool, the shooter may attempt to pocket any ball on the table. One point is scored for each ball pocketed where no foul is made. How the ball reaches the pocket is irrelevant, as long as the called ball enters the called pocket.



PUTOL PELAYO UPSET AMIT, REIGNING WORLD WOMEN'S RUNNER-UP


JARRY "Putol" Pelayo of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) upset reigning Amway World Women's runner-up and 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games double gold medalist Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit, 9-7, to take charge at the start of 2007 Puyat Sports 9-ball tournament late Saturday at the Bowling Inn in Taft Avenue, Manila.

"Medyo sinuwerte lamang sa kalagitnaan ng laro, 'yung ang maganda sa winner's break format bagama't malamangan ka ng kalaban mo ay may pagkakataon ka pang makahabol." Said Pelayo, also known as "Fire Cracker Victim" in the event organized by Puyat Sports stable headed by Ish Caparras and Rolly Vicente in cooperation with Bugsy promotion.

The event is fully backed up by no less than Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, acknowledge Philippine God Father.

Actually, it's Amit who took a 4-1 lead at the start of race-to-9, double elimination, winner's break format. However, Pelayo clustered three straight racks after a miscue of Amit in the 8-ball in the 8 th frame to tie the game at 4-all.

After Pelayo manage to tie the game again at 5-all in the 10th frame, the top player of NBS manager Christopher "Topher" Palses and sportsman/ businessman Jonathan "Bacolod" never looked back after taking the next two racks to get the 7-5 upper hand before sealing a 9-7 victory.

Pelayo also subdued Napoleon Labrador to face Michael "Fighter Laguna" Feliciano of Bugsy in the round, winner over Boboy Rabe and 2006 POC Olympic Festival runner-up Johann "Bubwit" Chua.

Two NBS stalwarts Godofredo "Boy Cotabato" Ducanes and Troy "Guwapito" Danao, also advanced in the round.

Ducanes stuned Junbert Ogang and snooker specialist Benjie Guevarra to face 2006 Sydney World Junior quarter-finalist Renemar "Revo" David of Edwin Reyes Stable, who beat Rene Bata and Ricky "Bai" Zerna.

Danao, on the other hand, nipped national women's pool member Mary-Ann Basas and Mike "Choke" Takayama of Bugsy stable to meet Tony "Fidel" Punzalan, conqueror of double world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano of Bugsy in this year's 2 nd BSCP Open. Punzalan defeated another national women's mainstay Iris Ranola and Richard Pornelosa, respectively.

Other participant players were Panfilo "Abu Lintok" Damuag, Robert "Pasay" Dy, Al James Ortega, Rommy Vicente, Mac Malayan, Jech-Jech Limen, Edgie Geronimo and Elmer "Buddy" Kalaquian.



PAGULAYAN BOWED TO FIL-MALAYSIAN COUNTERPART IN SEMIS

THE possible first-ever Asian 9-ball tour crown halt yesterday after lone Filipino semi-finalist Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan succumbed to Filipino-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir (13-11) in the ongoing 4 th leg of Guinness 9-ball tour at the Orchid Country Club in Singapore.

Drawing first blood with an “8-9” combination shot, Pagulayan, who hails from Cabagan, Isabela was all business as he found the touch early to grab a 4-1 advantage. But uncharacteristic errors from the Filipino in the 6 th and 7th racks saw Amir, a native of Mindanao who migrated to Malaysia was able to bounce back with an impressive streak to equalize at four racks a-piece.

Flustered by his opponent's offensive onslaught, the normally consistent Pagulayan, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports was not his usual self as he lost his concentration that resulted in a bungled corner-pocket attempt at the 8 th and a scratch off the break in the 10th to allow Amir easy run-outs of the table and a commanding 7 - 4 edge.

Even so, "The Lion" refused to give up as the former world title-holder displayed his championship form to climb back with five unanswered racks to reclaim the lead, 9 - 7. But a break and run-out in the 17 th rack and a miss on the black eight from Pagulayan bolstered the confidence of the Malaysian as he surged once more to bring the match to a third deadlock at 9-9.

The two pool artists then showcased some of their best pool in the 3-day tournament as they traded racks to have the board show a riveting 10-all which meant they had to utilize the two-rack advantage needed to win if play went hill-hill in the semis and finals according to competition rules.

Unfortunately, the extended period did not benefit the struggling Pagulayan as the Filipino ran out of tricks to bail him out of the exceptional positional safety shots of Ibrahim, who shifted to the defensive in a bid to rattle the already demoralized Pagulayan. In the end, the Filipino ace committed several unforced errors and conceded defeat to the skilled Malaysian, 11 -13 who is entering the final round for the very first time in the Tour.

A visibly disappointed Pagulayan remarked: "It was a hard loss for me to take because I really wanted to make my country proud and produce our first win this year. But Ibrahim was performing well and giving me a hard-time with the safeties. At the same time, I was not really producing my best form which essentially is inexcusable in a tournament of this calibre. But still I did my best, It was only that Ibrahim was better. I am hoping I can make up for the loss in Shanghai next month"

Ibrahim's opponent for the finals will be the winner of the all Chinese Taipei semi-final between 2005's World Pool Champion Wu Chia-Ching and Kaohsiung leg winner Yang Ching-Shun who were still engaged in battle as of press time. With another guaranteed finalist for Chinese-Taipei, they remain odds-on favourites to notch another Guinness 9Ball Tour crown to boost their quest for a historic sweep of the annual nation-hopping event.

Last Saturday, Pagulayan defeated countryman Roberto Gomez (9-6) in the quarters to face Ibrahim Amir yesterday, who crushed Nitiwat Kanjanasri of Thailand (9-7).

In other quarter final results, Wu beat compatriot Chao Fong-pao (9-5) while Yang Ching-shun disposed Ricky Yang of Indonesia (9-7).

(Reports from Marlon Bernardino)

Kiamco wins, Orcollo tumbles in World Straight Pool

Warren Kiamco of the Philippines boosted his title drive in the ongoing Predator World Straight Pool Championship in East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA, by trouncing Americans Matt Tretrault, 150-85, and Bobby Hunter, 150-78. He will next face Radoslaw Babica of Poland.

Dennis Orcollo on the other hand could only split his matches and was relegated to the losers’ bracket in the round-of-32. Dennis beat Dennis Hatch of the US, 150-102, but faltered against Huidje See of the Netherlands, 150-126.

Orcollo and Kiamco are the only Filipinos in the event dubbed as World 14.1 Straight Pool Championship that features a 64-player open with round robin play.

They join an eight-group field, each composed of eight players in race-to-100 matches. Two players in each group will advance to the next round. The duo will play in a double-elimination, race-to-150 series in the round-of-32.

The 28-year old Orcollo booked himself a slot in the round-of-32 Wednesday when he beat Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands, 100-1, and Jerry Trantola, 100-37, of the US.

The former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur of the southern Philippine region of Mindanao, also downed Stuart Mattana of the US, 100-2, but bowed to Dennis Hatch, 100-5, also of the US, to finish with a 6-1 win-loss card, the same output of Van den Berg.

Orcollo, who is aiming to duplicate his victory in the 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Bill Staton Memorial in Virginia Beach, Virginia, earlier tripped Tony Rodriguez, 100-17, and Peter Burrows, 100-21, of the US, and Craig Riley of England,100-26.

The 36-year old Kiamco, a native of Pasil, Cebu,, on the other hand, trounced Ed Deska of the US, 100-63 to join compatriot Orcollo in the next round.

Kiamco, the 2007 US Bar Table Championship 9-ball and 8-ball ruler will face American Mike Davis in the round of 64. Kiamco’s only loss so far came from Radoslaw Babica of Poland, 55-100. The two are fighting for leadership in Group 5.

Other victims of Kiamco were Max Eberle of the US, 100-70, Nico Otterman of Germany, 100-96, Danny Kuykendall, 100-11 and Joey Kong, 100-50, both of the US.

Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, the defending champion, tops Group 1 with a 7-0 win-loss slate.

Fellow German ace Thomas Engert matched Hohmann’s unbeaten record by dominating Group 8 with a similar 7-0 win-loss card after beating Martin Kempter of Austria, 100-36, in his last assignment in the round-of-64. Kempter also advanced to the next round with a 6-1 slate.

Konstantin Stepanov of Russia is also doing well in Group 3 with a 6-0 scorecard to advance to the next round. His last matches will be against Yu-Ram Cha of Korea. European top female player Jasmin Ouschan of Austria (4-2) needs to win her game against Cha to advance to the next round.

Other participants who made it to the money round were Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann of Germany, Fabio Petroni of Italy, Allen Hopkins, Tony Robles and Ed Hodan of the US.

European No.1 player Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, is lording it over Group 7 with a 5-0 slate. At second place is 2006 US Open champion John Schmidt with 5-1, 2001 World 9-ball champion Mika Immonen of Finland (5-2) and Matt Terault of the US (5-2).

A total of 52 world-class players were invited to play in the tournament, while the other 12 got their slots after going through a series of qualifying tournaments that started as early as June 2.

From reports by Marlon Bernardino

Saturday, July 14, 2007

MANALO, ALCANO WAS OUSTED IN THE GUINNESS 9-BALL TOUR;

WPA 9-BALL AND WPA 8-BALL CHAMPION Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo cannot forget the "Friday the 13"day as the two Filipino campaigner was booted out in the ongoing 4 th leg of Guinness 9-ball tour being played at the Orchid Country Club in Singapore.

However, countryman 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball ruler Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez kept the Philippine flag fighting by topping their respective three-man field preliminaries group brackets.

Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, acknowledge Philippine God Father said yesterday, "Mabigat ang laban pero sana Filipino na ang magkakampeon."

Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto "Ernie" Fajardo who personally fly to Singapore to give moral support for the Filipino pool sharks is hoping that we can win this leg to end our drought in this five-city leg, the only ranking tour in Asia for the World Pool Championships.

The past three legs ( Jakarta , Kaohsiung and Genting Highlands) were dominated by the Taiwanese counterpart, a very shameful for us didn't win any single leg. Last year' bannered by pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes (2 leg), Rodolfo Luat (1 leg) and Ramil Galego 1 leg), team Philippines swept the four leg competition.

"Kaya ako pumunta dito (Singapore ) para magbigay ng suporta sa RP cue master natin." said Fajardo in a long distance interview of this writer yesterday.

Fajardo watch the performance of the Pinoy cue master. "Maraming error si Alex (Pagulayan) buti na lamang marami ding error si Chang Jung-lin. Si Roberto (Gomez) malakas ang loob, si Ronnie (Alcano) sa tingin ko ay hindi naman apektado sa kinahaharap niyang kaso (diumano'y child buse sa kanyang anak), talagang maganda lamang ang tinumbok ng Thailander (Nitiwat Kanjanasri) habang inalat lamang si Marlon (Manalo), actually siya pa nga agad ang nakauna laban niya kay Ricky (Yang)."

The 34-years-old Alcano, who is facing child abuse charge before the Quezon City Prosecutors office, beat Eric Tan of Singapore (9-2) but was upset by unheralded Nitiwat Kanjanasri of Thailand (9-5) in the three-man field Group D bracket. Kanjanasri also beat Tan (9-8) to advance in the knock-out stage.

The 30-years-old Manalo, on the other hand was got an ambush by "giant killer" Ricky Yang ng Indonesia (9-5) before crushing Ricky Chew of Singapore (9-3) in their Group F matches. Yang also stuns Chew (9-7) to progress.

Meanwhile, the 29-years-old Pagulayan smashed Muhammad Zulfikri of Indonesia (9-6) and Chang Jung-lin of Chinese-Taipei (9-8) to topped Group A matches. Unfortunately, the draw is not in our side as Pagulayan facing compatriot Gomez late Saturday in their quarter-final clash. The 28-years-old Gomez from Divisoria, Zamboanga City hammered Dharminder Singh Lilly of India (9-7) and Jimmy Jusman of Indonesia (9-3) to dominate Group B matches.

Actually because of the draw of Pagulayan and Gomez, one Filipino is already assured a semi-final seat. The winner of the match between Pagulayan and Gomez will takes on the survivor of Ricky Yang of Indonesia vs Yang Ching-Shun of Chinese-Taipei for the final four.

In other pang quarter-finals matches Saturday, Nitiwat Kanjanasri of Thailand vs Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia, a native of Mindanao and 2005 World 9-bal champion Wu Chia-Ching of Chinese-Taipei battles two-time world 9-ball champion Chao Fong-Pang ngofhinese-Taipei.

After five-city qualifying leg, the top ten finishers of Guinness 9-Ball Tour Order of Merit is automatically advance in the main draw of World Pool Championships aside playing in the Grand Finale on August 31-September 2 in Bali, Indonesia which offers top prize US$36,000. (MARLON BERNARDINO)

KIAMCO, ORCOLLO KEPT RP HOPE ALIVE IN WORLD STRAIGHT POOL

FILIPINO ace Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo hurdle their respective rivals to barge in the round-of-16 and kept Philippines hope alive for the title bid in the ongoing 2007 Predator World Straight Pool Championship dubbed as World 14.1 Straight Pool Championship yesterday at the Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.



The 36-years-old Pasil, Cebu bet Kiamco clobbered European top female player Jasmin Osuchan of Austria (200-81) to meet Huidje See of the Netherlands in the last 8, who surprise European top male player countryman Niels Feijen of the Netherlands (200-149).



The 28-years-old Orcollo, who hails from Bislig, Surigao del Sur stuns Danny Barouty of the United States (200-56) to arrange an exciting quarter-final matches against former world 9-ball champion Oliver Ortmann of Germany (200-56), who crushed Radoslaw Babica of Poland (200-44).



The winner of the Kiamco and See tussle will face the survivor between defending world straight pool champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany and Martin Kempter of Austria. Hohmann nipped Allen Hopkins of the United States (200-87) while Kempter trounced Nicolas Otterman of Germany (200-37).



Meanwhile, 2006 US Open 9-ball champion John Schmidt of the United States takes on compatriot Danny Harriman of the United States where the survivor meets either Orcollo or Ortmann.



Schmidt smashed Thomas Engert of Germany (200-174) while Harriman upset Nick Van Den Berg of the Netherlands (200-161).



The main draw was favorable for us because there is a possible All Filipino final if Orcollo and Kiamco sustain their winning ways.



Straight pool, also called 14.1 continuously, used to be the most popular event in championships competitions. It's popularly has since waned with the advent of faster-playing games like the 9-ball and 8-ball.



In straight pool, the shooter may attempt to pocket any ball on the table. One point is scored for each ball pocketed where no foul is made. How the ball reaches the pocket is irrelevant, as long as the called ball enters the called pocket. (MARLON BERNARDINO).

Friday, July 6, 2007

Latest News

Pagulayan tops World Summit of Pool

Alex Pagulayan flashed his old deadly form to beat Shane Van Boening of the US and win the World Summit of Pool Championship recently at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Called “The Lion” on the pool circuit, Pagulayan trounced the young American sensation in a fiercely contested finale by the score of 7-5.

It was sweet revenge for Filipino-Canadian who lost to Van Boening in the sicth round of the winners’ side of the event.

To get back to the contest, he had to fight the winner of the Warren Kiamco-FranciscoBustamante match. He made it to the finals by downing Bustamante, 7-5, in the losers’ bracket.

The win was worth $3200 for Pagulayan who won the World Pool Championship in 2004.



Happy day for Django
at Hard Times Tourney


Francisco “Django” Bustamante ruled the Hard Times Summer Jamboree 9-Ball Tournament late last week with a hard-fought win over reigning US Open Champion John Schmidt at the Hard Times Billiards in Sacramento, California.

Earlier in the tough 72-man tournament, the 44-year old Bustamante also tripped Schmidt, 9-6. He received the top prize of $3500.

Barely two months ago, Django won the WPA Pro Tournament, besting the former world 9-ball champion Johnny Archer of the United States at the Normandie Casino in Los Angeles,Caliornia.

That victory gave Bustamante an outright berth to the main draw of the World Pool Championship in Manila this coming November.


World Pool moves to the Big Dome

From the Philippine International Convention Center to the Big Dome. The 2007 World Championship will be moving over to the Araneta Coliseum, known among Filipinos as the Big Dome, in Quezon City, when it is held there on Nov. 3-11. Over 200 players from at least 50 countries will be seeing action.

Heading the entries from the Philippines is reigning titlist Ronato Alcano, who won last year’s edition at the PICC in Pasay City in an exciting battle with German ace Ralf Soquet.

The 34-year old Alcano went on to become a double world champion when he topped the WPC 8-ball championship held in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. He duplicated the feat of Hall of Famer Efren Bata Reyes who won the1999 Cardiff WPC, and Taiwanese sensation Chia-ChingWu, the 2005 double world champ.

The formidable Philippine contingent to the WPC includes Efren Reyes, Francisco Bustamante, 2004 Taiwan WPC champion Alex Pagulayan, 2005 WPC semifinalist Marlon Manalo, Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo, Antonio Lining, Jeffrey de Luna, Ramil Gallego and Rodolfo Luat.


Django moves up to top rank

Francisco “Django” Bustamante is on a roll. Recently, he breezed through the Hard Times Summer Jamboree 9-Ball tilt and later the one-pocket division finale, jumping from sixth place to the top of the AZ Billiards player rankings. In the latter fight, Django subdued Tony Chohan of the US, 5-4

Bustamante wins came without a single loss. He racked up a total of 14 victories, seven from the 9-ball event, and another seven from the One-Pocket division.

The American sensation, Shane van Boening, last week’s leader, slipped to third place.

Holding on to the third spot is Efren “Bata” Reyes, with veteran American pool superstar Johnny Archer breathing down his neck at fourth place.


Orcollo tops Bill Staton Memorial

Filipino money game king Dennis Orcollo recently won the Bill Staton Memorial Tour championship, outplaying Park Shin Young of South Korea, 11-6.

The tournament, held from June 22 to 24 at the Q Masters Billiards in Virginia Beach, US, earned for Orcollo the top prize of $3000. Park, the Busan Asian Games gold medallist, settled for $2000.

Just a few weeks back, Orcollo topped the 2007 Enjoypool.com BCA 9-ball tournament.

American Jeff Abernathy took third place and Larry Nevel ended up fourth. Former US Open champion Gabe Owen came in fifth, while US-based Al Lapena finished ninth.

[All Articles by MARLON BERNARDINO]