We have received an updated list of participants for the upcoming World 8-Ball Championship in Fujairah on April 18th through 25th.
The field includes defending champion Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Chia-Ching Wu, Satoshi Kawabata, Shane Van Boening, Corey Deuel, Ronnie Wiseman, Ralf Souquet, Oliver Ortmann, Konstantin Stepanov, Jasmin Ouschan, Niels Feijen, Antonio Gabica and reigning World 9-Ball Champion Daryl Peach.
The US Squad has removed Mike Davis and Stevie Moore, but added Corey Deuel who has expressed hopes of playing in both the World 8-Ball Championship (Apr 18-25) and the UPA Desert Shootout (Apr 24-27).
Player List:
Ronnie ALCANO Philippines
Dennis ORCOLLO Philippines
Hung Hsiang Wang Chinese Taipei
Chia Ching WU Chinese Taipei
Satoshi KAWABATA Japan
Aoyuki OL Japan
Farhad SHAHVERDI Iran
Boon Tan TIONG Singapore
Fahad Mohammadi Qatar
Devendra JOSHI India
Bin Amir IBRAHIM Malaysia
Jianbo FU China
Haitao LIU China
Siu Wai Au Hong Kong
Sayeem HOSSAIN Bangladesh
Shane VAN BOENING United States America
Corey DEUEL United States America
Ronnie WISEMAN United States America
Francis Crevier Canada
Marcus WESTEN Germany
Kasper Kristoffersen Denmark
Karl HANSCHO Austria
Aristides DAMOYLAKIS Greece
Bruno Muratore Italy
Ralf SOUQUET Germany
Oliver ORTMANN Germany
Mark Gray England
Konstantin STEPANOV Russia
Huidji SEE Netherlands
Martin LARRSEN Denmark
Ruslan CHINAHOV Russia
Dimitri Jungo Switzerland
Bahram LOFTY Denmark
Radoslaw Babica Poland
Jasmin OUSCHAN Austria
Kaven ZARAKANI Iran
Naif Al Jeweni Saudi Arabia
Crown Prince HRH Prince Muhtadee Billah Brunei
Niels FEIJEN Netherlands
Gabriele Cimmino Italy
Antonio GABICA Philippines
Elvis CALASANG Philippines
Seung-Woo Ryu Korea
Daryl PEACH England
Carlos TALAVERA Guatemala
Matt EDWARDS New Zealand
Amine OUAHBI Morocco
Mohammed EL ASSAL Egypt
Viac ZYBNEK South Africa
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Saturday, March 29, 2008
BATA, DJANGO, AMIT JOINS BARRETTA IN UPCOMING AMERICAN MOVIE DUBBED AS 9-BALL
FILIPINO pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes, former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante and 2007 Women's Amway World Pool Championships Finalist Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit have been cast to star with lead role American female cue Jennifer Barretta in the upcoming motion picture "9-Ball."
The film is scheduled to begin principal photography June 15 at Universal Studios. This independent film will be directed, and produced by Anthony Palma of Main Street Productions, who also created the story, wrote/ the screenplay and will produce. Palma said in a press release yesterday, "It is a honor, and privilege to have these three great pool players now part of the cast of "9-Ball." Pool players, and fans of the sport everywhere can look forward to seeing the Best of the Best, and most exciting players in the World in "9-Ball."
In the movie "9-Ball.", an exciting story geared to be one suspenseful, dramatic and authentic pool movie.
"Isang malaking karangalan sa bayan natin na mapili sina Efren (Reyes), Django (Bustamante) at Rubilen (Amit) na mapasama sa American Film na 9-ball," said Rolly "Lando" Vicente of Puyat Sports Stable, long-time friend of the triumvirate.
Reyes and Bustamante are currently in Japan while Amit, the country's top women's pool player is aiming to improve her runner-up place finish as she competes in the forthcoming 2008 Amway Women's World Pool Championships on April 1 to 7 in Taipei,Taiwan.
"I will try my best to bring honor to our country just like what our men players are doing," said the 25-year-old Cebuana Amit in a recent interview, who lost to eventual winner Xiao-Ting Pan of China, 11-5, in the last year's finals. Pan pocketed the top purse of $20,000 while Amit went home the runner-up prize of $10,000.
Meanwhile, Reyes and Bustamante are two of the most respected pool champions in the history of the sport. In the film "9-Ball" the audience will get to see what makes these champions the Heroes they are.
"9-Ball" is about a young, up and coming pool player who breaks away from hustling pool in the back rooms of bars, to follow her dream of becoming the Women's 9 Ball Champion of the World. Palma is delighted to have World-renowned players cast in "9-Ball." Palma says, " I want "9-Ball" to show pool as the great sport it is and what better way to do that then have real life World Champions in the movie, these players represent what the movie "9-Ball" is all about."
Barretta who is cast in the lead role says, "This project is the most exciting thing happening in pool right now and I'm excited to be a part of it. "9 Ball" is destined to become a classic," The film has also garnered excitement from other greats such as Karren Corr and Julie Kelly who have already served as technical advisors on the script. They have also been cast to play themselves in the movie. World Champion Corr says, "After reading the screenplay for "9-Ball" I was more impressed than ever to be involved with this film. "9-Ball" is the first film produced that combines women's professional pool with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat…Gail is a young woman with a lot of guts, determination, and ambition to become the 9-Ball Women's World Champion. "9-Ball" is a film that you want to see, and after you see it to go shoot pool," Kelly is also excited to be a part of the movie. "I also like that it is about a woman pool player, we've seen great pool movies but nothing like "9-Ball." The film aims to inspire all up and coming pool players to take their craft seriously and follow their dreams professionally. said Kelly.
The "9-Ball" movie's Executive Producer is Ralph Clemente. For more information about the film, please visit the website at www.mainstreetproductions.com or call 215-764-6128.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
The film is scheduled to begin principal photography June 15 at Universal Studios. This independent film will be directed, and produced by Anthony Palma of Main Street Productions, who also created the story, wrote/ the screenplay and will produce. Palma said in a press release yesterday, "It is a honor, and privilege to have these three great pool players now part of the cast of "9-Ball." Pool players, and fans of the sport everywhere can look forward to seeing the Best of the Best, and most exciting players in the World in "9-Ball."
In the movie "9-Ball.", an exciting story geared to be one suspenseful, dramatic and authentic pool movie.
"Isang malaking karangalan sa bayan natin na mapili sina Efren (Reyes), Django (Bustamante) at Rubilen (Amit) na mapasama sa American Film na 9-ball," said Rolly "Lando" Vicente of Puyat Sports Stable, long-time friend of the triumvirate.
Reyes and Bustamante are currently in Japan while Amit, the country's top women's pool player is aiming to improve her runner-up place finish as she competes in the forthcoming 2008 Amway Women's World Pool Championships on April 1 to 7 in Taipei,Taiwan.
"I will try my best to bring honor to our country just like what our men players are doing," said the 25-year-old Cebuana Amit in a recent interview, who lost to eventual winner Xiao-Ting Pan of China, 11-5, in the last year's finals. Pan pocketed the top purse of $20,000 while Amit went home the runner-up prize of $10,000.
Meanwhile, Reyes and Bustamante are two of the most respected pool champions in the history of the sport. In the film "9-Ball" the audience will get to see what makes these champions the Heroes they are.
"9-Ball" is about a young, up and coming pool player who breaks away from hustling pool in the back rooms of bars, to follow her dream of becoming the Women's 9 Ball Champion of the World. Palma is delighted to have World-renowned players cast in "9-Ball." Palma says, " I want "9-Ball" to show pool as the great sport it is and what better way to do that then have real life World Champions in the movie, these players represent what the movie "9-Ball" is all about."
Barretta who is cast in the lead role says, "This project is the most exciting thing happening in pool right now and I'm excited to be a part of it. "9 Ball" is destined to become a classic," The film has also garnered excitement from other greats such as Karren Corr and Julie Kelly who have already served as technical advisors on the script. They have also been cast to play themselves in the movie. World Champion Corr says, "After reading the screenplay for "9-Ball" I was more impressed than ever to be involved with this film. "9-Ball" is the first film produced that combines women's professional pool with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat…Gail is a young woman with a lot of guts, determination, and ambition to become the 9-Ball Women's World Champion. "9-Ball" is a film that you want to see, and after you see it to go shoot pool," Kelly is also excited to be a part of the movie. "I also like that it is about a woman pool player, we've seen great pool movies but nothing like "9-Ball." The film aims to inspire all up and coming pool players to take their craft seriously and follow their dreams professionally. said Kelly.
The "9-Ball" movie's Executive Producer is Ralph Clemente. For more information about the film, please visit the website at www.mainstreetproductions.com or call 215-764-6128.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Monday, March 24, 2008
ORCOLLO BEATS ALCANO TO WIN JAPAN 9-BALL OPEN TILT
In just two weeks time, world's no.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo raised his total earnings by $25,000 after winning a back-to-back title.
Orcollo received 1.5M yen (about $15,000) after winning the Japan 9-Ball Open over the weekend in Tokyo, Japan according to Matchroom forums sports website.
Orcollo needed to dispose of compatriot double world champion Ronato Alcano, 9-3, in the semi-final round and Japanese Ryuji Aoyuki, 9-2, in the finals to bring home the championship trophy.
He just won $10,000 the other week by beating 2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez in the finals of the SMB 1st Quezon City 9-Ball Open in Trinoma Mall, Quezon City.
Matchroom Sports Forums added that most of the leading Philippine players were here in Japan 9-Ball that included Gomez, last year's winner Alex Pagulayan, Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante, Nikoy Lining, Bebeng Gallego, Roel Esquillo, Warren Kiamco, Gomez, Gandy Valle, Lee Van Corteza and Dondon Razalan and several other Fil amateur players.
Joined by close to 600 professional and amateur pool players in Japan, as well as several Taiwanese and Philippine players according to famous Europe website.
Orcollo, Alcano, qualifiers Antonio Gabica and Elvis Calasang are also seeded in the main draw of Fujairah World 8-Ball in United Arab Emirates on April 19. Alcano and Orcollo, the top two finishers in the last year's world 8-ball edition.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Orcollo received 1.5M yen (about $15,000) after winning the Japan 9-Ball Open over the weekend in Tokyo, Japan according to Matchroom forums sports website.
Orcollo needed to dispose of compatriot double world champion Ronato Alcano, 9-3, in the semi-final round and Japanese Ryuji Aoyuki, 9-2, in the finals to bring home the championship trophy.
He just won $10,000 the other week by beating 2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez in the finals of the SMB 1st Quezon City 9-Ball Open in Trinoma Mall, Quezon City.
Matchroom Sports Forums added that most of the leading Philippine players were here in Japan 9-Ball that included Gomez, last year's winner Alex Pagulayan, Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante, Nikoy Lining, Bebeng Gallego, Roel Esquillo, Warren Kiamco, Gomez, Gandy Valle, Lee Van Corteza and Dondon Razalan and several other Fil amateur players.
Joined by close to 600 professional and amateur pool players in Japan, as well as several Taiwanese and Philippine players according to famous Europe website.
Orcollo, Alcano, qualifiers Antonio Gabica and Elvis Calasang are also seeded in the main draw of Fujairah World 8-Ball in United Arab Emirates on April 19. Alcano and Orcollo, the top two finishers in the last year's world 8-ball edition.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Sunday, March 23, 2008
MANALO, DE LUNA VYING IN FUJAIRAH WORLD 8-BALL ELIMS
MARLON "Marvelous" Manalo and Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, both eyeing slots to the tournament proper when the qualifying round of the 2008 World 8-Ball Championships gets going on April 12 to 16 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
"Ready na ako," said the Mandaluyong resident Manalo, who placed runner-up to eventual winner Efren "Bata" Reyes in the 2004 edition World 8-ball meet.
Defending World 8-ball champion Ronato Alcano, last year's runner-up Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and qualifiers Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica and Elvis Calasang are among the Filipino seeded in the main draw which begins on April 18 and will ends on April 25.
Manalo is fresh from successful US trip beating American Rodney "Rockets" Morris, 15-10, in the finals of 3rd International Pool Tour in Hollywood Studio in Los Angeles, California enroute the winner-take-all $5,000 purse.
De Luna, meanwhile, is one of the dozen Filipino participants who are campaigning in yesterday's ongoing 2008 Japan 9-Ball Open in Tokyo, Japan. Another Filipino ace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, is the defending Japan 9-Ball Open Champion.
Manalo, Gabica and De Luna are members of the newly-formed Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) along with Rene Mar David, 2006 Sydney World Junior Quarter-Finalist.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
"Ready na ako," said the Mandaluyong resident Manalo, who placed runner-up to eventual winner Efren "Bata" Reyes in the 2004 edition World 8-ball meet.
Defending World 8-ball champion Ronato Alcano, last year's runner-up Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and qualifiers Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica and Elvis Calasang are among the Filipino seeded in the main draw which begins on April 18 and will ends on April 25.
Manalo is fresh from successful US trip beating American Rodney "Rockets" Morris, 15-10, in the finals of 3rd International Pool Tour in Hollywood Studio in Los Angeles, California enroute the winner-take-all $5,000 purse.
De Luna, meanwhile, is one of the dozen Filipino participants who are campaigning in yesterday's ongoing 2008 Japan 9-Ball Open in Tokyo, Japan. Another Filipino ace Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, is the defending Japan 9-Ball Open Champion.
Manalo, Gabica and De Luna are members of the newly-formed Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) along with Rene Mar David, 2006 Sydney World Junior Quarter-Finalist.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Saturday, March 22, 2008
YNARES 9-BALL EXHIBITION MATCHES
CONQUEROR OF AMANG PARICA INVITED TO PLAY IN YÑARES 9-BALL
VETERAN campaigner Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica leads pool players invited to play in the forthcoming 1st Mayor Boyet Yñares 9-ball Exhibition matches on March 29 in Yñares, Plaza, Binangonan, Rizal.
Mistica, made big waves in the local billiard scene after shocking Filipino pool legend Jose "Amang" Parica in the mid 80's. He will join former Southeast Asian Games medalist Victor Arpileda, Rogelio Sotero, Paul Kenneth Arpilleda, Patrick Gonzales, Antonio Delpin, Sean Mark Malayan and Alex Lumpay to show their stuff in Binangonan, Rizal.
"Sana makapagbigay dulot kami ng kasiyahan sa mga taga Rizal Province at makapag-ambag kami ng aming dunong sa kanila na layunin nito na mapalaganap ang billiards sa grass roots level," said Mistica, who also won several tournaments in Canada and the United States.
In another news, Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, world's no.1 defeated 2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 13-9, in the finals to receive the top prize $10,000 in the just concluded 1st QC 9-Ball Open, held at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.
Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego filled up the top four spots. Other pool players seeing action in the Ynares exhibition matches are former world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes, Alex Pagulayan, Ronato Alcano and reigning national open champion Lee Vann Corteza.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
VETERAN campaigner Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica leads pool players invited to play in the forthcoming 1st Mayor Boyet Yñares 9-ball Exhibition matches on March 29 in Yñares, Plaza, Binangonan, Rizal.
Mistica, made big waves in the local billiard scene after shocking Filipino pool legend Jose "Amang" Parica in the mid 80's. He will join former Southeast Asian Games medalist Victor Arpileda, Rogelio Sotero, Paul Kenneth Arpilleda, Patrick Gonzales, Antonio Delpin, Sean Mark Malayan and Alex Lumpay to show their stuff in Binangonan, Rizal.
"Sana makapagbigay dulot kami ng kasiyahan sa mga taga Rizal Province at makapag-ambag kami ng aming dunong sa kanila na layunin nito na mapalaganap ang billiards sa grass roots level," said Mistica, who also won several tournaments in Canada and the United States.
In another news, Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, world's no.1 defeated 2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 13-9, in the finals to receive the top prize $10,000 in the just concluded 1st QC 9-Ball Open, held at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.
Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego filled up the top four spots. Other pool players seeing action in the Ynares exhibition matches are former world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes, Alex Pagulayan, Ronato Alcano and reigning national open champion Lee Vann Corteza.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
CORTEZA, KIAMCO, RAZALAN VYING IN JAPAN 9-BALL OPEN
REIGNING national champion Lee Vann Corteza, Warren Kiamco and Dondon Razalan will compete in the 2008 Japan 9-Ball Open in Tokyo, Japan on March 22.
Corteza won the 2006 All Japan Championships while Kiamco, on the other hand is 2005 Japan 9-Ball Open champ. Razalan on the other hand, won the 2008 Kyoto, Japan 9-Ball Open this year.
"Pagkatapos ng QC 9-Ball Open ay lalahok ako sa Japan 9-Ball Open." said the Calauag, Quezon native Razalan in a recent interview.
"Maraming kababayan natin na lalahok sa Japan 9-Ball Open." Added Razalan, also based in Lopez, Quezon and Japan.
Meanwhile, both Corteza and Kiamco are schedule to play in the 8th Annual Predator International 10-Ball Championship from May 12-17 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Joining them in the Japan 9-Ball Open were world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes (1999), Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (2004), former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano (2006), 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey de Luna, 2006 World Pool League winner Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, veteran campaigners Antonio "Nickoy" Lining, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Roel Esquillo and new comer Odon Antollin Cruz, son-in-law of Efren "Bata" Reyes.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
Corteza won the 2006 All Japan Championships while Kiamco, on the other hand is 2005 Japan 9-Ball Open champ. Razalan on the other hand, won the 2008 Kyoto, Japan 9-Ball Open this year.
"Pagkatapos ng QC 9-Ball Open ay lalahok ako sa Japan 9-Ball Open." said the Calauag, Quezon native Razalan in a recent interview.
"Maraming kababayan natin na lalahok sa Japan 9-Ball Open." Added Razalan, also based in Lopez, Quezon and Japan.
Meanwhile, both Corteza and Kiamco are schedule to play in the 8th Annual Predator International 10-Ball Championship from May 12-17 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Joining them in the Japan 9-Ball Open were world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes (1999), Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (2004), former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano (2006), 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey de Luna, 2006 World Pool League winner Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, veteran campaigners Antonio "Nickoy" Lining, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Roel Esquillo and new comer Odon Antollin Cruz, son-in-law of Efren "Bata" Reyes.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
Monday, March 17, 2008
BANARES BEATS CERNA WINS RP JUNIOR OF POOL
Final Standings and Prizes (55 players field, 19-year-old and below, born 1989)
1st-Jericho Banares (Scooter plus trophy)
2nd-John Carlo Cerna (Aircon plus, Mountain Bike plus trophy)
3rd-Jordan Legaspi (TV plus DVD plus trophy)
4th-Rayner Espejo (TV plus DVD plus trophy)
5th-Alexander Aquino (Aircon)
6th-Zoren Bantayan (TV)
7th-Michael Mengorio (Mountain Bike)
8th-Rene Mar David (Mountain Bike)
JERICHO BANARES defeated John Carlo Cerna, 13-8, in the finals to emerge over-all champion in the just ended 2nd Philippines Junior Pool Championships qualifying round at the No.46 Joy St., Grace Village in Quezon City on Sunday.
"Masayang-masaya po ako kasi talagang pinaghandaan ko ito (RP Junior of Pool)," said the Tanauan, Batangas native Banares but raise in Antipolo City.
On the way to the finals, Banares needed to disposed of last year's runner-up and former undefeated player Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-8, in the cross-over semi-final round (single knock-out) while Cerna trounced Rayner Espejo of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, 11-8.
Banares receive the top purse Scooter plus trophy while Cerna went home the runner-up prize of Aircon, Mountain Bike plus trophy in this event hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua and supported by Ambassador Francis Chua, the special Philippine envoy on China trade and investments.
Banares and Cerna, both will represent the country in the forthcoming 2008 WPA World Junior Pool Championships slated this year in the United States.
In the battle for third, Legaspi beat Espejo, 11-5.
No less than Raya Sports president and BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta, BSCP president Ernie Fajardo and national coach Ramon Ancaja led the closing rites in this Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, Raya Sports and Events, Philippine Billiards Development Foundation and Star Billiards Center league.
Note for added info: Tournament director Sol Gueco said that another undefeated player Boots Augusto of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu failed to play in the final four after the former (Gueco) verified the birth certificate of the latter's (Augusto). According to Gueco, Augusto admitted to him that Augusto born in Nov.6, 1988 that automatic him to disqualified in the four-day (March 13-16) event, open to all 19-year-old and below pool players which born in 1989.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
1st-Jericho Banares (Scooter plus trophy)
2nd-John Carlo Cerna (Aircon plus, Mountain Bike plus trophy)
3rd-Jordan Legaspi (TV plus DVD plus trophy)
4th-Rayner Espejo (TV plus DVD plus trophy)
5th-Alexander Aquino (Aircon)
6th-Zoren Bantayan (TV)
7th-Michael Mengorio (Mountain Bike)
8th-Rene Mar David (Mountain Bike)
JERICHO BANARES defeated John Carlo Cerna, 13-8, in the finals to emerge over-all champion in the just ended 2nd Philippines Junior Pool Championships qualifying round at the No.46 Joy St., Grace Village in Quezon City on Sunday.
"Masayang-masaya po ako kasi talagang pinaghandaan ko ito (RP Junior of Pool)," said the Tanauan, Batangas native Banares but raise in Antipolo City.
On the way to the finals, Banares needed to disposed of last year's runner-up and former undefeated player Jordan Legaspi of Bocaue, Bulacan, 11-8, in the cross-over semi-final round (single knock-out) while Cerna trounced Rayner Espejo of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, 11-8.
Banares receive the top purse Scooter plus trophy while Cerna went home the runner-up prize of Aircon, Mountain Bike plus trophy in this event hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua and supported by Ambassador Francis Chua, the special Philippine envoy on China trade and investments.
Banares and Cerna, both will represent the country in the forthcoming 2008 WPA World Junior Pool Championships slated this year in the United States.
In the battle for third, Legaspi beat Espejo, 11-5.
No less than Raya Sports president and BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta, BSCP president Ernie Fajardo and national coach Ramon Ancaja led the closing rites in this Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, Raya Sports and Events, Philippine Billiards Development Foundation and Star Billiards Center league.
Note for added info: Tournament director Sol Gueco said that another undefeated player Boots Augusto of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu failed to play in the final four after the former (Gueco) verified the birth certificate of the latter's (Augusto). According to Gueco, Augusto admitted to him that Augusto born in Nov.6, 1988 that automatic him to disqualified in the four-day (March 13-16) event, open to all 19-year-old and below pool players which born in 1989.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
BEST YOUNG CUE ARTISTS CLASH TODAY FOR WORLD JUNIOR TILT
YOUNG CUE artists will clash each other to determine the country's representative in this year's World Junior Pool Championships when the 2nd Philippines Junior Pool Championships begins its first rack today, Thursday, March 13 with no less than Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapuz slated to open hostilities at #46 Joy Street, Grace Village in Quezon City.
Taking time out from his busy schedule, Secretary Lapuz will perform the traditional ceremonial rack against defending Philippines Junior Pool champion Mark Mendoza and 2006 Sydney World Junior Quarter-Finalists Rene Mar David during the 5:00 p.m. ceremony to be attended by top billiards officials, invited guests and the pool players.
The DepEd Secretary will be joined by Raya Sports and Events president and BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta, BSCP president Ernesto Fajardo, BSCP secretary-general Julius Nidea, BSCP treasurer Sebastian Chua, BSCP directors Amado Diokno and Tony Baranda, Willie Caballes and tournament director Sol Gueco among others.
It's all system's go," said tournament director Sol Gueco. "Pero nag desisyon kami na ang laro ngayong Huwebes at Biyernes ay 5:30 pm dahil may pasok ang mga bata at 2:00 pm naman sa Sabado,"
Up for grabs a national title, two spots in the World Junior Pool Championship slated this year in the United States in the four-day (March 13-16) event hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua, a local distributor of Brunswick Billiards Table.
It will be a Ten Ball format in a bid to bring out the best of young cue artists in the country according to tournament director Sol Gueco in this event which is open to all players 19-year-old and below.
In addition to trophies, prizes in kind will be awarded to top placers in the tournament. Among these are a scooter, appliances and gift certificates.
Entry is free in the event which the BSCP is staging in cooperation with Raya Sports, Star Billiards Center and the Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF).
Meanwhile, the qualifying round of 2008 Guinness 9-Ball Tour on April 4-6 in Penang, Malaysia gets going yesterday at the Star Billiards Center.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Taking time out from his busy schedule, Secretary Lapuz will perform the traditional ceremonial rack against defending Philippines Junior Pool champion Mark Mendoza and 2006 Sydney World Junior Quarter-Finalists Rene Mar David during the 5:00 p.m. ceremony to be attended by top billiards officials, invited guests and the pool players.
The DepEd Secretary will be joined by Raya Sports and Events president and BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta, BSCP president Ernesto Fajardo, BSCP secretary-general Julius Nidea, BSCP treasurer Sebastian Chua, BSCP directors Amado Diokno and Tony Baranda, Willie Caballes and tournament director Sol Gueco among others.
It's all system's go," said tournament director Sol Gueco. "Pero nag desisyon kami na ang laro ngayong Huwebes at Biyernes ay 5:30 pm dahil may pasok ang mga bata at 2:00 pm naman sa Sabado,"
Up for grabs a national title, two spots in the World Junior Pool Championship slated this year in the United States in the four-day (March 13-16) event hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua, a local distributor of Brunswick Billiards Table.
It will be a Ten Ball format in a bid to bring out the best of young cue artists in the country according to tournament director Sol Gueco in this event which is open to all players 19-year-old and below.
In addition to trophies, prizes in kind will be awarded to top placers in the tournament. Among these are a scooter, appliances and gift certificates.
Entry is free in the event which the BSCP is staging in cooperation with Raya Sports, Star Billiards Center and the Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF).
Meanwhile, the qualifying round of 2008 Guinness 9-Ball Tour on April 4-6 in Penang, Malaysia gets going yesterday at the Star Billiards Center.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
VILLONES, CHUA DOMINATES BACOLOD 9-BALL ELIMS
ROMAR VILLONES of Bacolod City and William Chua of Cebu City topped their respective division in the 9-ball qualification tournament was held late Sunday at the Celebrity Bar and Billiards in Negros Occidental, Bacolod City.
The duo (Villones and Chua) pocketed P5,000 each according to tournament director Christoper "Toper" Palses in the qualification event which attracted 30 players in the knock-out system, alternate break format.
Both of them also book their seat in the main draw of the San Miguel Beer-Quezon City 9-Ball Championship on March 17 at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.
Palses, coach of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) added that Villones post four straight wins in bracket B by beating Noel Caro, 9-6, Antonio Cusi, 9-6, Marvin Gentapa, 9-7 and national team karambola king Rey Grandea, 9-1, in order.
Chua, meanwhile whose stint here is supported by Hilton Cues also won four straight wins to dominates bracket A. He beat Kenvin Gellesana, 9-1, Beben Jabien, 9-5, Art Publico Jr., 9-7, and Ryan Cimafranca, 9-7, respectively.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
The duo (Villones and Chua) pocketed P5,000 each according to tournament director Christoper "Toper" Palses in the qualification event which attracted 30 players in the knock-out system, alternate break format.
Both of them also book their seat in the main draw of the San Miguel Beer-Quezon City 9-Ball Championship on March 17 at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.
Palses, coach of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) added that Villones post four straight wins in bracket B by beating Noel Caro, 9-6, Antonio Cusi, 9-6, Marvin Gentapa, 9-7 and national team karambola king Rey Grandea, 9-1, in order.
Chua, meanwhile whose stint here is supported by Hilton Cues also won four straight wins to dominates bracket A. He beat Kenvin Gellesana, 9-1, Beben Jabien, 9-5, Art Publico Jr., 9-7, and Ryan Cimafranca, 9-7, respectively.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Sunday, March 9, 2008
ALEX, DJANGO VYING WORLD POOL MASTERS TILT IN VEGAS
ONCE again Filipino billiards masters Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and Francisco "Django" Bustamante are aiming to bring honor and glory to the country when they compete in the upcoming 2008 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters slated on May 9 to 11 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
It shall be recalled that Pagulayan failed to advance in the knock-our stage in the inauguration leg of 2008 Guinness 9ball tour last Feb. 29 to March 2 in Taipei, Taiwan while Bustamante defeated American Corey Deuel in the One-on-One match, $5,000 winner take all 2nd IPT 8-Ball Challenge in United States last January.
The Filipino celebrities duo also schedule to play in the 1st QC 9-Ball Open and Japan 9-Ball Open this month before the World Pool Masters.
Barry Hearn, chairman of event promoters Matchroom Sports said that Pagulayan, the 2004 WPA World Pool Champion and 2005 US Open 9-Ball Champion will square off giant killer Mark Gray of England, while the former world no.1 Bustamante goes up against up-and-coming Italian player Bruno Muratore of Italy in the first round.
"With four World 9 Ball Champions, six US Open Champions and a host of other title-holders in the field, I believe this will be the toughest ever World Pool Masters," said Hearn in a press statement.
This is the first time in the competition's 16-year history that it will be staged in America and 16 of the world's best players will be vying for the $62,000 prize fund.
"We will have winner breaks, race-to-eight matches on the toughest equipment and it will take a series of fantastic performances over the three days to lift this prestigious trophy." he added.
Luke Riches, spokesman for Matchroom Sport commented. "This is fantastic, the fact that the event is coming to the USA for the first time. I'm sure there will be big crowds, lots of excitement and drama and it will be a great competition."
Also competing in the event are defending champion Thomas Engert and1999 WPA World Pool Champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, 2001 WPA World Pool Champion Mika Immonen of Finland, 2007 WPA World Pool Champion Daryl Peach and 2006 Mosconi Cup player Imran Majid of England, 2007 Derby City Classic 9-Ball Champion Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 2007 US Open 9-Ball Champion Shane Van Boening and Rodney Morris of the United States and 2007 WPA World Junior of Pool Champion Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei, who brought downed another Filipino ace Dennis Orcollo in a come from behind victory, 15-14, to snare the 2008 Thailand Brunswick 9-Ball Open tiara. MARLON BERNARDINO
Here's the complete schedule:
Schedule (seeded players in brackets)
Friday, May 9
Afternoon session.
Round One
1pm - (1) Thomas Engert (Germany) v Rodney Morris (USA)
2pm - Mark Gray (England) v Alex Pagulayan (Philippines) (8)
3pm - (5) Francisco Bustamante (Philippines) v Bruno Muratore (Italy)
Evening session
World Pool Trickshot Masters (featuring six players)
Saturday, May 10
Afternoon session
Round One
1pm - Imran Majid (England) v Shane Van Boening (USA) (4)
2pm - (3) Ralf Souquet (Germany) v Ko Pin-yi (Chinese Taipei)
3pm - Tony Drago (Malta) v Niels Feijen (Holland) (6)
Evening session
Round One
7pm - (7) Corey Deuel (USA) v Christian Reimering (Germany)
8pm - Mika Immonen (Finland) v Daryl Peach (England (2)
Quarter-final
9pm - Engert or Morris v Gray or Pagulayan
Sunday, May 11
Afternoon session
Quarter-finals
1pm - Bustamante or Muratore v Majid or Van Boening
2pm - Souquet or Ko PY v Drago or Feijen
3pm - Deuel or Reimering v Immonen or Peach
Evening session
7pm - Semi-final 1
8pm - Semi-final 2
9pm - Final
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
It shall be recalled that Pagulayan failed to advance in the knock-our stage in the inauguration leg of 2008 Guinness 9ball tour last Feb. 29 to March 2 in Taipei, Taiwan while Bustamante defeated American Corey Deuel in the One-on-One match, $5,000 winner take all 2nd IPT 8-Ball Challenge in United States last January.
The Filipino celebrities duo also schedule to play in the 1st QC 9-Ball Open and Japan 9-Ball Open this month before the World Pool Masters.
Barry Hearn, chairman of event promoters Matchroom Sports said that Pagulayan, the 2004 WPA World Pool Champion and 2005 US Open 9-Ball Champion will square off giant killer Mark Gray of England, while the former world no.1 Bustamante goes up against up-and-coming Italian player Bruno Muratore of Italy in the first round.
"With four World 9 Ball Champions, six US Open Champions and a host of other title-holders in the field, I believe this will be the toughest ever World Pool Masters," said Hearn in a press statement.
This is the first time in the competition's 16-year history that it will be staged in America and 16 of the world's best players will be vying for the $62,000 prize fund.
"We will have winner breaks, race-to-eight matches on the toughest equipment and it will take a series of fantastic performances over the three days to lift this prestigious trophy." he added.
Luke Riches, spokesman for Matchroom Sport commented. "This is fantastic, the fact that the event is coming to the USA for the first time. I'm sure there will be big crowds, lots of excitement and drama and it will be a great competition."
Also competing in the event are defending champion Thomas Engert and1999 WPA World Pool Champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, 2001 WPA World Pool Champion Mika Immonen of Finland, 2007 WPA World Pool Champion Daryl Peach and 2006 Mosconi Cup player Imran Majid of England, 2007 Derby City Classic 9-Ball Champion Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 2007 US Open 9-Ball Champion Shane Van Boening and Rodney Morris of the United States and 2007 WPA World Junior of Pool Champion Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei, who brought downed another Filipino ace Dennis Orcollo in a come from behind victory, 15-14, to snare the 2008 Thailand Brunswick 9-Ball Open tiara. MARLON BERNARDINO
Here's the complete schedule:
Schedule (seeded players in brackets)
Friday, May 9
Afternoon session.
Round One
1pm - (1) Thomas Engert (Germany) v Rodney Morris (USA)
2pm - Mark Gray (England) v Alex Pagulayan (Philippines) (8)
3pm - (5) Francisco Bustamante (Philippines) v Bruno Muratore (Italy)
Evening session
World Pool Trickshot Masters (featuring six players)
Saturday, May 10
Afternoon session
Round One
1pm - Imran Majid (England) v Shane Van Boening (USA) (4)
2pm - (3) Ralf Souquet (Germany) v Ko Pin-yi (Chinese Taipei)
3pm - Tony Drago (Malta) v Niels Feijen (Holland) (6)
Evening session
Round One
7pm - (7) Corey Deuel (USA) v Christian Reimering (Germany)
8pm - Mika Immonen (Finland) v Daryl Peach (England (2)
Quarter-final
9pm - Engert or Morris v Gray or Pagulayan
Sunday, May 11
Afternoon session
Quarter-finals
1pm - Bustamante or Muratore v Majid or Van Boening
2pm - Souquet or Ko PY v Drago or Feijen
3pm - Deuel or Reimering v Immonen or Peach
Evening session
7pm - Semi-final 1
8pm - Semi-final 2
9pm - Final
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
GABICA, DE LUNA VYING JAPAN 9-BALL OPEN
FILIPINO POOL MASTERS ANTONIO "Ga-Ga" Gabica and Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna will go up against the world's best when they compete in the forthcoming 2008 Japan 9-Ball Open on March 22 in Tokyo, Japan.
Gabica and De Luna, both members of the newly-formed Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) brought home gold and silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games in Qatar, also fresh from a Guinness 9ball tour campaign over the weekend in Taipei, Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Other member of PBDF were Marlon Manalo and Rene Mar David, the 2006 Sydney World Junior Quarter-Finalist.
Gabica failed to advance in the knock-out stage of Guinness 9 ball tour while De Luna make it to the quarter-final round which topped by Taiwanese Yang Ching-shun, who beat another Filipino entry Joven Bustamante in the finals.
"Medyo minalas tayo sa Guinness 9 ball tour at hope makabawi tayo sa Japan 9-ball Open, said Gabica, the 2007 SMB-Solar Sports RP 9-Ball Open Champion yesterday in a luncheon meeting hosted by BSCP, Raya Sports, PBDF and Star Billiards Center regarding the inauguration of World Ten Ball slated on Sept. 29 to Oct.5.
"Medyo kinapos tayo sa Guinness 9 ball tour pero gaya ni Ga-Ga (Gabica) umaasa tayo dito sa Japan 9-Ball Open na magiging maganda ang performance natin," added De Luna, the 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open Champion.
Joining them in the Japan 9-Ball Open were Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco, Antonio Lining, Roel Esquillo, Eduardo Saracho, Dondon Razalan, and Odon Antollin Cruz, son-in-law of pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes .
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Gabica and De Luna, both members of the newly-formed Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) brought home gold and silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games in Qatar, also fresh from a Guinness 9ball tour campaign over the weekend in Taipei, Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Other member of PBDF were Marlon Manalo and Rene Mar David, the 2006 Sydney World Junior Quarter-Finalist.
Gabica failed to advance in the knock-out stage of Guinness 9 ball tour while De Luna make it to the quarter-final round which topped by Taiwanese Yang Ching-shun, who beat another Filipino entry Joven Bustamante in the finals.
"Medyo minalas tayo sa Guinness 9 ball tour at hope makabawi tayo sa Japan 9-ball Open, said Gabica, the 2007 SMB-Solar Sports RP 9-Ball Open Champion yesterday in a luncheon meeting hosted by BSCP, Raya Sports, PBDF and Star Billiards Center regarding the inauguration of World Ten Ball slated on Sept. 29 to Oct.5.
"Medyo kinapos tayo sa Guinness 9 ball tour pero gaya ni Ga-Ga (Gabica) umaasa tayo dito sa Japan 9-Ball Open na magiging maganda ang performance natin," added De Luna, the 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open Champion.
Joining them in the Japan 9-Ball Open were Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco, Antonio Lining, Roel Esquillo, Eduardo Saracho, Dondon Razalan, and Odon Antollin Cruz, son-in-law of pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes .
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
RP WILL HOST WORLD TEN BALL FOR 5 YEARS
IF Fujairah has a World 8-Ball and England was known for staging the World 9-ball, the Philippines will introduce the inauguration of the World Ten Ball that will put the country in the World Pool map and boost the tourism industry.
This was after World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) president Ian Anderson and Raya Sports and Events Manager president and BSCP chair Yen Makabenta sealed a five-year contract at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila.
At least three famous venue are eyeing to stage the event---the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), and the World Trade Center in Pasay and Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
A whopping $400,000 total pot prize at stakes to the 88th placers with the champion pocketed $100,000 top purse. In addition, the Philippine organizers plan to offer special prizes to players with the most number of golden breaks and consecutive run-outs in the WTBC.
" This gives our country the opportunity to brand this major pool championship as our own," said Makabenta in a press statement, who cited by "Man of the Year" in 2006 of Billiards Digest Magazine after he brought the World 9-Ball Championships here in two consecutive years. " As a vehicle for national promotions and sports development, the possibilities and opportunities are limitless," added Makabenta.
Anderson and Makabenta, both attended in a luncheon meeting yesterday at the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila along with BSCP president Ernie Fajardo, BSCP secretary-general Julius Nidea, BSCP tresurer Sebastian Chua, BSCP spokes person Amado Diokno, BSCP directors Tony Baranda and Willie Caballes.
Also in the luncheon meeting yesterday are some of the country's local media together with pool players headed by Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey de Luna, Rene Mar David, Leonardo Andam and Leonardo Didal, who gave the support to the BSCP, Raya Sports, PBDF and Star Billiards Center.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
This was after World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) president Ian Anderson and Raya Sports and Events Manager president and BSCP chair Yen Makabenta sealed a five-year contract at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila.
At least three famous venue are eyeing to stage the event---the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), and the World Trade Center in Pasay and Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
A whopping $400,000 total pot prize at stakes to the 88th placers with the champion pocketed $100,000 top purse. In addition, the Philippine organizers plan to offer special prizes to players with the most number of golden breaks and consecutive run-outs in the WTBC.
" This gives our country the opportunity to brand this major pool championship as our own," said Makabenta in a press statement, who cited by "Man of the Year" in 2006 of Billiards Digest Magazine after he brought the World 9-Ball Championships here in two consecutive years. " As a vehicle for national promotions and sports development, the possibilities and opportunities are limitless," added Makabenta.
Anderson and Makabenta, both attended in a luncheon meeting yesterday at the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila along with BSCP president Ernie Fajardo, BSCP secretary-general Julius Nidea, BSCP tresurer Sebastian Chua, BSCP spokes person Amado Diokno, BSCP directors Tony Baranda and Willie Caballes.
Also in the luncheon meeting yesterday are some of the country's local media together with pool players headed by Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey de Luna, Rene Mar David, Leonardo Andam and Leonardo Didal, who gave the support to the BSCP, Raya Sports, PBDF and Star Billiards Center.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
RP ELIMS FOR WORLD JUNIOR POOL GETS GOING
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---A NATIONAL title and two spots for the World Junior Pool Championships are up for grabs in the 2nd Philippine Junior Pool Championship on March 13-16 at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City.
The world championship for 19-under players is slated late this year in Los Angeles, California.
Mark Mendoza, the stocky teen-aged pool sensation from Mandaluyong City, will try to defend his crown under a different set-up. The 10-ball format will be used this time in a bid to enhance the skills and improve the table management of the young cue artists.
Two-time world junior championship contender Rene Mar David, who will try to underline his status as the country's top 19-under player, believes the new format will give better chances to better players.
"Bihira ang tsamba sa 10-ball," David said. "Puspusan ang ginagawa kong paghahanda rito. Maraming magagaling na mas bata pa sa akin kaya walang nakakasiguro rito."
Registration is free in the event organized by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) in cooperation with Raya Sports, Star Billiards Center and the Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF).
A scooter, appliances and gift certificates await the winners in the double elimination tournament.
Aside from Mendoza and David, the other fancied players in the competition are Johann Chua, Mike Takayama, Jordan Legaspi, Alvin Punzalan, Sean Mark Malayan, Patrick Gonzales and Jonas Magpantay.
Registration form is available at the Raya Sports Office and Star Billiards Center. For details, call or text 0910-8875216 or 0928-7441740.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
The world championship for 19-under players is slated late this year in Los Angeles, California.
Mark Mendoza, the stocky teen-aged pool sensation from Mandaluyong City, will try to defend his crown under a different set-up. The 10-ball format will be used this time in a bid to enhance the skills and improve the table management of the young cue artists.
Two-time world junior championship contender Rene Mar David, who will try to underline his status as the country's top 19-under player, believes the new format will give better chances to better players.
"Bihira ang tsamba sa 10-ball," David said. "Puspusan ang ginagawa kong paghahanda rito. Maraming magagaling na mas bata pa sa akin kaya walang nakakasiguro rito."
Registration is free in the event organized by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) in cooperation with Raya Sports, Star Billiards Center and the Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF).
A scooter, appliances and gift certificates await the winners in the double elimination tournament.
Aside from Mendoza and David, the other fancied players in the competition are Johann Chua, Mike Takayama, Jordan Legaspi, Alvin Punzalan, Sean Mark Malayan, Patrick Gonzales and Jonas Magpantay.
Registration form is available at the Raya Sports Office and Star Billiards Center. For details, call or text 0910-8875216 or 0928-7441740.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
MARLON MANALO BEATS RODNEY MORRIS IN IPT CHALLENGE
EARNS $5,000
MARLON "MARVELOUS" MANALO kept Philippine flag high and redeemed his status as the country's brightest hope by beating American Rodney "Rocket" Morris, 15-10, in their One-on-One winner-take-all $5,000 showdown dubbed as 3rd International Pool Tour (IPT) 8-Ball Challenge, Philippines versus United States yesterday (Tuesday night in West Coast time) in Hollywood Studio (venue of the annual Oscar Award) in Los Angeles, California.
The 31-year-old Manalo, prize fighter of Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) needed four straight racks to get an upperhand, 9-7, from a 5-7 deficit in favor of Morris and never looked back to enroute a tremendous 15-10 victory.
" I would like to thank the officials of PBDF, BSCP, Raya Sports and Star Billiards Center who help to fund my international soujurn this year," said Manalo, the 2005 WPA World Pool Championships 3rd placer in a long distance interview with this writer yesterday.
" A couple of tournament here in the United States before I will going back home to join the prestigious 2008 WPA Fujairah World 8-ball in United Arab Emirates," Manalo revealed his next plan, who teaming up with Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica to snare the gold medal in the 9-ball pool doubles event in the last year's Thailand Southeast Asian Games.
It shall be recalled that Manalo failed to advance in the knock-out stage of the kick off leg 2008 Guinness 9ball tour over the weekend in Taipei, Gymnasium in Taiwan.
He bowed to Aaron Koh of Singapore, 9-6, and 2007 WPA World Junior of Pool Champion Ko Pin-yi, 9-3, respectively in their three-man preliminaries group D stage match last Friday.
Johnny Archer defeated fellow American Earl Strickland in the 1st IPT match last December while Francisco "Django" Bustamante crushed another American ace Corey Deuel in the 2nd IPT match last January.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
MARLON "MARVELOUS" MANALO kept Philippine flag high and redeemed his status as the country's brightest hope by beating American Rodney "Rocket" Morris, 15-10, in their One-on-One winner-take-all $5,000 showdown dubbed as 3rd International Pool Tour (IPT) 8-Ball Challenge, Philippines versus United States yesterday (Tuesday night in West Coast time) in Hollywood Studio (venue of the annual Oscar Award) in Los Angeles, California.
The 31-year-old Manalo, prize fighter of Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF) needed four straight racks to get an upperhand, 9-7, from a 5-7 deficit in favor of Morris and never looked back to enroute a tremendous 15-10 victory.
" I would like to thank the officials of PBDF, BSCP, Raya Sports and Star Billiards Center who help to fund my international soujurn this year," said Manalo, the 2005 WPA World Pool Championships 3rd placer in a long distance interview with this writer yesterday.
" A couple of tournament here in the United States before I will going back home to join the prestigious 2008 WPA Fujairah World 8-ball in United Arab Emirates," Manalo revealed his next plan, who teaming up with Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica to snare the gold medal in the 9-ball pool doubles event in the last year's Thailand Southeast Asian Games.
It shall be recalled that Manalo failed to advance in the knock-out stage of the kick off leg 2008 Guinness 9ball tour over the weekend in Taipei, Gymnasium in Taiwan.
He bowed to Aaron Koh of Singapore, 9-6, and 2007 WPA World Junior of Pool Champion Ko Pin-yi, 9-3, respectively in their three-man preliminaries group D stage match last Friday.
Johnny Archer defeated fellow American Earl Strickland in the 1st IPT match last December while Francisco "Django" Bustamante crushed another American ace Corey Deuel in the 2nd IPT match last January.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
RUBILEN AMIT WANTS TO WIN 2008 AMWAY WOMEN'S WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
2008 AMWAY WOMEN'S WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS SET NEXT MONTH
RUBILEN AMIT, the country's top women's pool player is aiming to improve his runner-up place finish as she competes in the forthcoming 2008 Amway Women's World Pool Championships in Taipei, Taiwan.
"I will try my best to bring honor to our country just like what our men players are doing," said the 25-year-old Cebuana Amit, who lost to eventual winner Xiao-Ting Pan of China, 11-5, in the last year's finals. Pan pocketed the top purse of $20,000 while Amit went home the runner-up prize of $10,000.
"Pero alam ko po na mahirap muli ang daraanan ko," said Amit, who took the 9-ball gold and a bronze medal in the 8-ball pool competition in the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games.
On the way to the last year's finals, Amit needed to dispose of Allison Fisher of England, 5-3, and two-time (2004-2005) world champion Ga Young-Kim of Korea, 7-5, before facing Pan for the crown.
Unlike Amit, who is already seeded into the main draw, compatriot Mary-Ann Basas will have to go through the qualifying round slated on March 29 to 31, also in Taiwan according to national women's coach Boyet Asonto.
The main draw, which will be led by Pan, Kim, Fisher, world's no.1 Jasmine Ouschan of Austria and Karen Corr of Ireland among others, on April 1 to 7 in Taiwan.
The two are in the middle of rigid training under coach Asonto. They train Mondays, Wednesdays, Friday, 2-7 pm at the Makati Cinema Square and physical work-out and training at the 2nd floor Medicine Building, Game Bowl in Rizal Memorial Coliseum from 3-6 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.
Irish Rañola, meanwhile failed to compete in the Amway Women's World Pool Championships according to Asonto, the former (Rañola) is currently based in Virginia, USA and schedule to compete in the US pool circuit.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
RUBILEN AMIT, the country's top women's pool player is aiming to improve his runner-up place finish as she competes in the forthcoming 2008 Amway Women's World Pool Championships in Taipei, Taiwan.
"I will try my best to bring honor to our country just like what our men players are doing," said the 25-year-old Cebuana Amit, who lost to eventual winner Xiao-Ting Pan of China, 11-5, in the last year's finals. Pan pocketed the top purse of $20,000 while Amit went home the runner-up prize of $10,000.
"Pero alam ko po na mahirap muli ang daraanan ko," said Amit, who took the 9-ball gold and a bronze medal in the 8-ball pool competition in the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games.
On the way to the last year's finals, Amit needed to dispose of Allison Fisher of England, 5-3, and two-time (2004-2005) world champion Ga Young-Kim of Korea, 7-5, before facing Pan for the crown.
Unlike Amit, who is already seeded into the main draw, compatriot Mary-Ann Basas will have to go through the qualifying round slated on March 29 to 31, also in Taiwan according to national women's coach Boyet Asonto.
The main draw, which will be led by Pan, Kim, Fisher, world's no.1 Jasmine Ouschan of Austria and Karen Corr of Ireland among others, on April 1 to 7 in Taiwan.
The two are in the middle of rigid training under coach Asonto. They train Mondays, Wednesdays, Friday, 2-7 pm at the Makati Cinema Square and physical work-out and training at the 2nd floor Medicine Building, Game Bowl in Rizal Memorial Coliseum from 3-6 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.
Irish Rañola, meanwhile failed to compete in the Amway Women's World Pool Championships according to Asonto, the former (Rañola) is currently based in Virginia, USA and schedule to compete in the US pool circuit.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
BILLIARDS NEWS (3-POSTS)
MARLON MANALO SETS SIGHTS ON IPT CHALLENGE
TAIPEI---AFTER failing to advance in the knock-out stage of the kick off leg 2008 Guinness 9ball tour, 2005 WPA World Pool 3rd placer Marlon Manalo sets sights to redeemed his status as the country's brightest hope when he face American Rodney Morris in a One-on-One winner-take-all $5,000 3rd International Pool Tour (IPT) 8-Ball Challenge on March 4 in Los Angeles, California.
The 31-year-old Manalo, bowed to Aaron Koh of Singapore, 9-6, and 2007 WPA World Junior of Pool Champion Ko Pin-yi, 9-3, respectively in their three-man preliminaries group D stage match last Friday at the Taipei, Gymnasium here.
"Babawi na lamang ako sa US tour ko, talagang minalas tayo sa Guinness tour lalu 'yung laro ko kay Aaron (Koh) dapat 7 all na sana kaso nag mintis ako sa 14th racks," explained Manalo, referring his missed tough right pocket long shot that should possible gave him a 7-all deadlock in the race-to-9, alternate break matches format.
Johnny Archer defeated fellow American Earl Strickland in the 1st IPT match last December while Francisco "Django" Bustamante crushed another American ace Corey Deuel in the 2 nd IPT match last January.
WORLD CHAMP PAGULAYAN, JEFF, ACTRESS HALILI MOB IN AIRPORT
TAIPEI---FORMER World 9-Ball Champion Alex Pagulayan, 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-Ball Silver Medallist Jeffrey de Luna and movie actress Katrina Halili, celebrities and famous in their different profession was caught the attention of their crazy fans and mob at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport here on Sunday.
The Filipino fans take a souvenir photos to the triumvirate, as a remembrance to them.
Pagulayan, who just arrived on Manila late Sunday is coming from a Guinness 9ball tour stint which dominated by Chinese-Taipei ace Chang Jun-lin, who beat lone Filipino survivor Joven Bustamante in the finals of in this nation six tour stop held at the Taipei, Gymnasium.
"Nakatutuwa 'yung mga kababayan natin, grabe ang pagmamahal nila sa mga atleta natin lalu na sa pool," said Pagulayan, who is schedule to defend his Japan 9-Ball crown on March 22 in Tokyo, Japan.
De Luna, meanwhile, a quarter-finalist in the Guinness tour added, "Sikat na talaga ang bilyar sa bansa natin,"
Halili on the other hand, who played the role of Angela in the tough Philippine drama "Marimar"also thanks his fans.
"Salamat sa patuloy nilang pagsuporta sa showbiz career ko," said Halili, whose real name is Maria Katrina Irene Halili.
JOVEN BUSTAMANTE VYING 1ST QC OPEN AFTER GUINNESS SOUJURN
TAIPEI---JOVEN BUSTAMANTE, a former house pro in Kuwait take a 7 or 8 days needed rest to prepare his next fight when the P1 million total cash prizes First Quezon City Open 9-Ball tournament gets going on March 12 to 16 in various billiards halls in the country's entertainment capital.
"Stay muna ako dito sa Taipei sa friend ko na si Shipang then balik sa atin (Pilipinas) sa March 10 para sa QC Open 9-Ball," said Bustamante, long distant relative of Django Bustamante. Shipang, a former pool owner in billiard hall in Quezon Avenue hosted the stay of Bustamante in Taiwan.
The 29-year-old Quezon City resident made prominence in the pool world after make it to the semi-finals of 2007 Fujairah WPA World 8-Ball and a quarter-finalists in the 2007 Manila WPA World 9-Ball.
Last Sunday, Joven failed to win his first major tournament after losing his final match to eventual Guinness 9-ball tour champion Taiwanese Chang Jun-lin, 11-5, also the reigning tour's grand champion at the Taipei, Gymnasium.
Joven topped Group A preliminaries match by beating 2004 WPA World Pool runner-up Taiwanese Chang Pei-wei, 9-4, and Alan Tan of Malaysia, 9-6, last Friday.
He beat Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia, 9-7, in the quarter-final round on Saturday and toppled 2007 WPA World Junior of Pool ruler Taiwanese Ko Pin-yi, 9-7, in the semi-final round on Sunday before losing to Chang, 11-5, in the finals to settled runner-up prize of $6,000.
articles contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
TAIPEI---AFTER failing to advance in the knock-out stage of the kick off leg 2008 Guinness 9ball tour, 2005 WPA World Pool 3rd placer Marlon Manalo sets sights to redeemed his status as the country's brightest hope when he face American Rodney Morris in a One-on-One winner-take-all $5,000 3rd International Pool Tour (IPT) 8-Ball Challenge on March 4 in Los Angeles, California.
The 31-year-old Manalo, bowed to Aaron Koh of Singapore, 9-6, and 2007 WPA World Junior of Pool Champion Ko Pin-yi, 9-3, respectively in their three-man preliminaries group D stage match last Friday at the Taipei, Gymnasium here.
"Babawi na lamang ako sa US tour ko, talagang minalas tayo sa Guinness tour lalu 'yung laro ko kay Aaron (Koh) dapat 7 all na sana kaso nag mintis ako sa 14th racks," explained Manalo, referring his missed tough right pocket long shot that should possible gave him a 7-all deadlock in the race-to-9, alternate break matches format.
Johnny Archer defeated fellow American Earl Strickland in the 1st IPT match last December while Francisco "Django" Bustamante crushed another American ace Corey Deuel in the 2 nd IPT match last January.
WORLD CHAMP PAGULAYAN, JEFF, ACTRESS HALILI MOB IN AIRPORT
TAIPEI---FORMER World 9-Ball Champion Alex Pagulayan, 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-Ball Silver Medallist Jeffrey de Luna and movie actress Katrina Halili, celebrities and famous in their different profession was caught the attention of their crazy fans and mob at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport here on Sunday.
The Filipino fans take a souvenir photos to the triumvirate, as a remembrance to them.
Pagulayan, who just arrived on Manila late Sunday is coming from a Guinness 9ball tour stint which dominated by Chinese-Taipei ace Chang Jun-lin, who beat lone Filipino survivor Joven Bustamante in the finals of in this nation six tour stop held at the Taipei, Gymnasium.
"Nakatutuwa 'yung mga kababayan natin, grabe ang pagmamahal nila sa mga atleta natin lalu na sa pool," said Pagulayan, who is schedule to defend his Japan 9-Ball crown on March 22 in Tokyo, Japan.
De Luna, meanwhile, a quarter-finalist in the Guinness tour added, "Sikat na talaga ang bilyar sa bansa natin,"
Halili on the other hand, who played the role of Angela in the tough Philippine drama "Marimar"also thanks his fans.
"Salamat sa patuloy nilang pagsuporta sa showbiz career ko," said Halili, whose real name is Maria Katrina Irene Halili.
JOVEN BUSTAMANTE VYING 1ST QC OPEN AFTER GUINNESS SOUJURN
TAIPEI---JOVEN BUSTAMANTE, a former house pro in Kuwait take a 7 or 8 days needed rest to prepare his next fight when the P1 million total cash prizes First Quezon City Open 9-Ball tournament gets going on March 12 to 16 in various billiards halls in the country's entertainment capital.
"Stay muna ako dito sa Taipei sa friend ko na si Shipang then balik sa atin (Pilipinas) sa March 10 para sa QC Open 9-Ball," said Bustamante, long distant relative of Django Bustamante. Shipang, a former pool owner in billiard hall in Quezon Avenue hosted the stay of Bustamante in Taiwan.
The 29-year-old Quezon City resident made prominence in the pool world after make it to the semi-finals of 2007 Fujairah WPA World 8-Ball and a quarter-finalists in the 2007 Manila WPA World 9-Ball.
Last Sunday, Joven failed to win his first major tournament after losing his final match to eventual Guinness 9-ball tour champion Taiwanese Chang Jun-lin, 11-5, also the reigning tour's grand champion at the Taipei, Gymnasium.
Joven topped Group A preliminaries match by beating 2004 WPA World Pool runner-up Taiwanese Chang Pei-wei, 9-4, and Alan Tan of Malaysia, 9-6, last Friday.
He beat Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia, 9-7, in the quarter-final round on Saturday and toppled 2007 WPA World Junior of Pool ruler Taiwanese Ko Pin-yi, 9-7, in the semi-final round on Sunday before losing to Chang, 11-5, in the finals to settled runner-up prize of $6,000.
articles contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
REVO DAVID VYING IN R.P. JUNIOR POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
RENE MAR "REVO" DAVID, the 2006 Sydney World Junior Quarter-Finalist eyeing his first major crown this year when the 2008 Philippines Junior Pool Championship gets going on March 13 to 16 at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City.
"Talagang puspusan ang ginagawa kong paghahanda sa nalalapit na RP Junior of Pool," said the 18-year-old David yesterday, a sophomore student of the Quirino Highschool.
"Sa katunayan dumadayo pa ako sa Batangas para maglaro ng mga matches para sa preparasyon ko sa RP Junior of Pool bukod sa pag pa practice sa Star Billiards Center," added the Candon, Ilocos Sur native David, who currently based in Barangay Botocan, Quezon City.
Other expected to possible join in the elimination round where defending RP Junior of Pool Champion Mark Mendoza, Johann Chua, Mike Takayama, Jordan Legaspi, Alvin Punzalan, and Jonas Magpantay among others.
According to tournament director Sol Gueco, the top 2 finishers will represent the country in the 2008 World Junior Pool Championships slated this year in Los Angeles, California. The Ten Ball Double Elimination, Winner's Break Format is Open to all Filipino players 19-year-old and below.
Scooter, Appliances, Gift Certificates and other prizes awaits the said winners in the Billiards Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) organized tournament in close cooperation with Raya Sports, Star Billiards Center and Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF).
Free registration fee to all participants and you can get a registration form at the Raya Sports Office or Star Billiards Center. Call or text 0910-887-5216 or 0928-744-1740 for complete details.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
"Talagang puspusan ang ginagawa kong paghahanda sa nalalapit na RP Junior of Pool," said the 18-year-old David yesterday, a sophomore student of the Quirino Highschool.
"Sa katunayan dumadayo pa ako sa Batangas para maglaro ng mga matches para sa preparasyon ko sa RP Junior of Pool bukod sa pag pa practice sa Star Billiards Center," added the Candon, Ilocos Sur native David, who currently based in Barangay Botocan, Quezon City.
Other expected to possible join in the elimination round where defending RP Junior of Pool Champion Mark Mendoza, Johann Chua, Mike Takayama, Jordan Legaspi, Alvin Punzalan, and Jonas Magpantay among others.
According to tournament director Sol Gueco, the top 2 finishers will represent the country in the 2008 World Junior Pool Championships slated this year in Los Angeles, California. The Ten Ball Double Elimination, Winner's Break Format is Open to all Filipino players 19-year-old and below.
Scooter, Appliances, Gift Certificates and other prizes awaits the said winners in the Billiards Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) organized tournament in close cooperation with Raya Sports, Star Billiards Center and Philippine Billiards Development Foundation (PBDF).
Free registration fee to all participants and you can get a registration form at the Raya Sports Office or Star Billiards Center. Call or text 0910-887-5216 or 0928-744-1740 for complete details.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
RONERTO DY TOPS 2ND LEG OF SEARCH FOR NEW BILLIARDS IDOL
Veteran campaigner Roberto "Pasay" Dy defeated unheralded Manolo Tanasas, 9-6, in the finals to become the second winner of the Search for the New Billiards Idol held last Sunday night at the Bugsy's Lair in Quezon City.
With the win, the 53-year-old Dy pocketed the top prize of P10,000 cash and a cue stick for his effort in the 53 player's field.
Before making it to the title-match, Dy had to beat Robert Wang (7-2), first leg semifinalist Cris Bombita (7-2), Danny Tayo (7-5) and Japan-based Roel Esquillo (7-2).
Then against Tanasas, he needed a big erupt of pocketing six of the last seven racks to recover from two racks down at 3-5 before winning the crown.
Tanasas barged into the finals after trouncing two-time semifinalist Ricky Gamboa, 7-1. He had earlier defeated RJ Chua (7-1), Rudy Morta (7-4), Boy Ducanes (7-6) and Joey Pardales (7-1) during the preliminary rounds at the New Farmer Plaza in Cubao.
Sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), this yearlong series of tournaments is open to all cue artists except those who are already in the so-called "Class O" or all-star level.
The third leg will be held on March 24 also at the New Farmers Plaza with the semis and the finals the following day at the Bugsy's Lair.
Mark Mendoza, the reigning Philippine Junior of Pool Champion topped the first leg of the said event.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
With the win, the 53-year-old Dy pocketed the top prize of P10,000 cash and a cue stick for his effort in the 53 player's field.
Before making it to the title-match, Dy had to beat Robert Wang (7-2), first leg semifinalist Cris Bombita (7-2), Danny Tayo (7-5) and Japan-based Roel Esquillo (7-2).
Then against Tanasas, he needed a big erupt of pocketing six of the last seven racks to recover from two racks down at 3-5 before winning the crown.
Tanasas barged into the finals after trouncing two-time semifinalist Ricky Gamboa, 7-1. He had earlier defeated RJ Chua (7-1), Rudy Morta (7-4), Boy Ducanes (7-6) and Joey Pardales (7-1) during the preliminary rounds at the New Farmer Plaza in Cubao.
Sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), this yearlong series of tournaments is open to all cue artists except those who are already in the so-called "Class O" or all-star level.
The third leg will be held on March 24 also at the New Farmers Plaza with the semis and the finals the following day at the Bugsy's Lair.
Mark Mendoza, the reigning Philippine Junior of Pool Champion topped the first leg of the said event.
Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
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