Bustamante, Gomez set up title duel

BAGUIO CITY — Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Roberto Gomez posted similar hard-earned 10-8 victories on Sunday to forge a title clash in the Manny Villar Cup Panagbenga leg at the Events Center of SM City Baguio.

The 45-year-old Bustamante repulsed rising star Rene Mar David’s fiery rally while Gomez rallied from three racks down to subdue Warren Kiamco in a pair of thrilling semifinal duels.

Trailing 3-6, Gomez allowed Kiamco to win only two more racks the rest of the way as the 2007 World Pool Championship runner-up stood on the threshold of becoming the series’ first double leg titlist.

To do that, Gomez, winner of the Davao leg last August, has to get past the multi-titled Bustamante in the race-to-11, alternate break finals slated late Sunday.

Though Bustamante surged ahead at 4-1, he found David a tough customer as the 19-year-old conqueror of pool maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes in the second round managed to draw level at 8-8.

The wiry David, a two-time Junior World campaigner, even had the chance to reach the hill first, but got stymied when his break on the 17th rack went dry.

It was all Bustamante needed as he cleaned up the open layout and then sealed the win by running out the 18th frame.

Still, David, a prized find from Candon, Ilocos Sur, by Bugsy Promotions head Perry Mariano, left a lasting impression on Bustamante.

“This kid (David) is good and brave,” said Bustamante. “I won’t be surprised if he becomes a world champion someday.”

“I’ve been longing for a victory in the Villar Cup and now that I am this close I’m going to give everything that I’ve got,” added Bustamante, who advanced to the semifinals by besting Lee Vann Corteza, 9-6, in the quarterfinals Saturday night.

Kiamco made the semifinals after downing former double world champion Ronnie Alcano, 9-1, in the quarterfinal round.

‘Biggies’ in Villar Cup

Expect an even more exciting and more competitive pool action as the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup goes international for its fifth leg slated from November 13 to 16 at the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex in Bacolod City.

After four highly successful stops, where the cream of the country’s billiards’ crop battled for supremacy, the island-hopping series, presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports, has opened its door for some of the world’s top cue artists.

“We want to make this tournament even more competitive, more challenging to our top players, while giving our young players the experience of playing in the international level,” said Senate President Manny Villar during the press launch Wednesday at the Bacolod Goldenfields’ Garden Royal.

“This is part of my commitment of helping sports, especially those where we Filipinos can excel in and dominate, like billiards,” added Villar, now considered as the biggest benefactor of Philippine billiards.

Former World Cup of Pool titlist Fu Jianbo of China leads the visiting forces, who will mix it up with 24 local bets for the coveted title and the $15,000 top prize at stake in this four-day event, organized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the city government of Bacolod, led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, and the Negros Billiards Stable of businessman Jonathan Sy and sponsored by Camella Communities.

Besides Fu, the other foreign entries in this tournament, also dubbed as “the Bacolod International VILLARDS Festival,” are former Asian Games gold medalist Satoshi Kawabata of Japan and Christian Johannessen of Norway, among others.

“Mas mabigat nga ang laban ngayon, pero tingin ko kami-kami pa rin ang magkikita sa finals,” said pool icon Efren “Bata” Reyes, reprising one of his famous lines.

Reyes will once again lead the local charge, along with fellow former world champions Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, reigning world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Lee Van Corteza and previous Villar Cup leg winners Kiamco (Alabang), Gandy Valle (Cebu), Ramil Gallego (Bulacan) and Roberto Gomez (Davao).

Also in the 32-man field are Carlo Biado and Ricky Zerna. The rest of the slot will be filled through wild-card entries and a series of qualifying tournaments slated from November 8 to 11 at the Celebrity Billiards and Bar in Bacolod City.

Besides the international invitational division, there will also be the Executive Class and Amateur divisions for both men and women, where almost half-a-million pesos cash prize is at stake.

RP’s best pool players team up in battle vs. Best of the World

Philippines best cue masters will join forces to keep the nation’s status as the best billiards playing country.

Former world champions Alex Pagulayan, Efren “Bata” Reyes and Ronnie Alcano, current world No.1 Dennis Orcollo, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 2007 World Pool runnerup Roberto “Superman” Gomez, and Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Warren Kiamco and Lee Van Corteza are drawn together to form Team Quezon City-Philippines.

They will be cueing up against the collection of the best players who will be suiting up for the World Team; composed of newly-crowned US Open champion Mika Immonen of Finland, Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, Wu Chia Ching of Chinese-Taipei and Shane Van Boening of the United States.

Other members of Team World are World Cup of Pool winner Rodney Morris and Charlie Williams of the US and Jianbo Fu of China, and newly-crowned Guinness 9-Ball Tour Grand Finals champion Ching Shun Yang of Chinese Taipei.

The two teams will play for the $40,000 top prize of the Q.C. Invasion: Quezon City-Philippines vs. the World Grand Billiards Showdown on Dec. 2 to 4 at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

The two teams will play singles, doubles and team events patterned after the famous Mosconi Cup, an annual contest between the best pool players of the US and Europe.

ACKDO Supports QC Vs The World Grand Billiards Showdown

The QC-Philippines vs the World Grand Billiards Showdown received another boost with the Association of Clubs, Karaoke and Disco Operators (ACKDO) throwing its all-out support to the much-anticipated event slated December 2 to 4 at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City .

With promoting Quezon City as the country’s sports tourism capital, ACKDO did not think twice in backing the project when approached by its chief proponent, City Council Majority Floor Leader Ariel Inton.

“We are very happy to be part of this big event. Entertainment is one of the premier tourist attractions here in Quezon City, so we in the industry are giving our all-out support to this project, which in more than one way will also benefit us,” said ACKDO secretary-general Amil Yap.

ACKDO has been supporting a number of sports events, including the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP)'s Search for the New Billiards Idol series.

Also known as the “City of Stars ”, Quezon City boasts of having the biggest and liveliest entertainment spots in the country.

Already home to major television broadcasting networks, including giants ABS-CBN and GMA-7, Quezon City also houses dozens of restaurants, bars, night clubs, massage parlors, KTVs and the likes.

Pool icon Efren “Bata” Reyes banners the eight-man Team Q.C.-Philippines, which will pit prowess against a selection of topnotch cue artists from other countries in this three-day competition supported by the Quezon City Government led by Mayor Sonny Belmonte, QC Tourism Council headed by chairman Raffy Chico, and BMPAP with Solar Sports, RPN and the Philippine Star as media partners.

Besides Reyes, the other members of the Team QC Philippines are fellow former world champions Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, reigning world no.1 Dennis Orcollo, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto Gomez, Lee Van Corteza and Warren Kiamco.

They will go up against a foreign team also led by three former world titlists in Chia-Ching Wu of Chinese-Taipei, Mika Immonen of Finland and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany. The other players of Team World are 2006 Asian Games gold medalist Satoshi Kawabata of Japan , Ching-Shun Yang of Chinese-Taipei, and Charlie William and Rodney Morris of the United States and another top European player.

They will compete for the $40,000 winner purse.

Gomez, 2 Others Vie in Fujairah Tilt

Newly-crowned Villar Cup champion Roberto “Superman” Gomez, along with fellow Bugsy boys Ronnie Alcano and Gandy Valle left the country yesterday to compete in the Ramadan 9-Ball Invitational Championship starting today in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

After breaking out from a string of runner-up finishes with that title romp in the Davao leg of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup, Gomez hopes to sustain his topnotch form, reap more crowns and affirm his tag as one of the country’s best cue artists today.

“I hope to continue the momentum I’ve got from my Villar Cup victory.” said the 29-year-old Gomez, who rose to prominence with his runner-up finish in the 2007 World Pool Championship.

The three Filipinos, whose campaign is supported by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines and Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports, were personally invited by the organizers to compete against some of the world’s top players for the $10,000 top purse in this five-day event.

Like Gomez, Valle is also looking to sustain his good performance this year, which started after he ruled the Villar Cup Cebu Leg in June.

“I want this 2008 to become a bounce back year for me, and I hope I could win more tournaments before it ends,” said Valle, who was the runner-up to Gomez in the Villar Cup Davao Leg.

Alcano, on the other hand, will break into the tournament looking to snap a long title drought.

The former double world champion has not won a title since reigning in the 2007 World 8-Ball Championship held in Fujairah.

“It was there in Fujairah where I last won a title. So I hope it will also be there where I will start winning again,” said Alcano.

Gomez, Alcano, Valle launch campaign at Ramadan 9-Ball

Filipino cue artists Roberto Gomez, Ronnie Alcano and Gandy Valle opens their campaign Tuesday for the Ramadan 9-Ball Invitational Championship in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

A report on AzBilliards.com said Gomez is hoping to ride on his momentum following his successful stint at the Davao leg of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup.

“I hope to continue the momentum I’ve got from my Villar Cup victory,” said the 29-year-old Gomez, who rose to prominence with his runner-up finish in the 2007 World Pool Championship.

Like Gomez, Valle is also looking to sustain his good performance this year, which started after ruling the Villar Cup Cebu Leg in June.

“I want this 2008 to become a bounce back year for me, and I hope I could win more tournaments before it ends,” said Valle, who was the runner-up to Gomez in the Villar Cup Davao Leg.

Alcano, on the other hand, will break into the tournament looking to end a long title drought.

The former double world champion has not won a title since reigning in the 2007 World 8-Ball Championship held in Fujairah.

“It was there in Fujairah where I last won a title. So I hope it will also be there where I will start winning again,” said Alcano.

Gomez ends title drought in Davao

DAVAO CITY—There was no denying Roberto Gomez this time.

Gomez, best remembered for winding up runner-up in the 2007 World Pool Championship, routed local pool idol Gandy Valle, 11-4, Saturday night to rule the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Davao leg at the Atrium of Gaisano Mall here.

“Finally!” screamed Gomez, after Valle threw in the towel even with two balls left in the final rack, handing Zamboanga’s pride the crown and the P300,000 that goes with it.

The 29-year-old Gomez, who faltered in the crucial stages of the WPC finals against Englishman Darryl Peach, breezed to a 7-2 lead and was never threatened by Valle, the Cebu leg winner of the island-hopping series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports in partnership with the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

Valle settled for second and P120,000 in the tournament backed by Camella Communities.

“I’m so sick and tired of always being a runner-up, which I’ve been almost a dozen of times,” said Gomez, admitting that the World Pool defeat continues to haunt him.

Gomez lost the lag but won the opening rack after Valle missed a tough-angled shot on the red-3, sparking the runaway win that somewhat disappointed the nearly 7,000 fans.

“I really wanted to win this for my fellow Davaoeños, but breaks didn’t come my way,” said Valle, a former Asian Games gold medalist.

En route to the finals, Gomez beat two-time World Juniors campaigner Rene Mar David, 9-4, in the opener; rising star Elmer Haya, 9-6, in the second round; former double world champion Ronnie Alcano, 9-7, in the quarterfinals; and world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo, 10-7, in the semifinals.

Pool Players Welcome NBL

The soon-to-be-launched National Billiards League (NBL) has received an overwhelming support from the local pool community, particularly the players who are all excited to begin what they call “the new era of Philippine billiards.”

“We’re all very happy with this development as we know that having this professional league will really lift (Philippine) billiards to new heights, and this will be the start of a new era of Philippine billiards,” said former world champion Alex Pagulayan.

After finding a television partner – Solar Sports – that would broadcast the games for the league’s inaugural season, NBL’s main proponents Philippine billiards godfather Aristeo “Putch” Puyat and fellow managers Perry Mariano and Jonathan Sy are now negotiating with several companies for sponsorship to the teams to be formed.

Last Saturday, they met with the players from the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) to formally inform them of the development and invite them to join the league. They also introduced the newly-appointed NBL commissioner in businessman Martin Misa.

“We’re formally inviting you to join the NBL, a dream that we all share for a long time, which is now coming into reality,” said Puyat during the gathering attended by the country top cue artists, led by Efren “Bata” Reyes, as well as the sport’s up-and-coming stars.

“NBL will be exclusive for you BMPAP members, who have been with us in our crusade to put out sport in the right direction,” added Puyat.

The NBL is slated to start late this year with eight teams of six players each in the fold.

Meanwhile, the players present in the meeting reiterated their stand of not joining any event “that has anything to do with Mr. Yen Makabenta” and his Raya Sports, including the planned World 10-Ball Championship, until all the issues that caused them to break away from the groups affiliated with him are resolved.

“The main reason why BMPAP bolted away from the groups affiliated with Mr. Makabenta is because of his dual role as chairman of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) and President of Raya Sports, which clearly constitutes conflict of interest,” the players said in a statement.

Besides Reyes and Pagulayan, also in the meeting were former double world champion Ronnie Alcano, 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto Gomez, Warren Kiamco, Rodolfo Luat and Joven Bustamante, among others. Reigning world no.1 Dennis Orcollo and Francisco “Django” Bustamante, who are campaigning in the United States, sent their representatives.

They said that having nothing against BSCP and they are willing to reestablish their ties with the association “if all the issues are resolved.

Villar Cup Davao Leg

DAVAO CITY – The biggest names in Philippine billiards – and in the world as well – invade the country’s largest city when the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup, now the nation’s leading pool series, holds its fourth leg on August 21 to 23 at the Atrium of Gaisano Mall here.

Led by no less than the sport’s icon Efren “Bata” Reyes, the who’s who in the local pool circuit will showcase their wizardry before the Davaoenos, who will be celebrating their much-anticipated Kadayawan Festival.

“I’m very honored to bring here in Davao our world-class cue artists and take part in your celebration of life and thanksgiving to the Almighty,” said Senate President Manny Villar during the tournament’s press launch Thursday at Gerry’s Grill in Gaisano Mall.

“Again, this is part of my commitment to help promote the sport, which we Filipinos are the no.1 in the world. I hope that by bringing the Villar Cup here, it would encourage our people, especially the youth, not only here in Davao but in the entire Mindanao as well, to take the sport and stay out of trouble,” he added.

Villar was joined in the special forum of the Davao Sportswriters Association by Reyes, along with fellow former world champions Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto Gomez, former Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle and three-time Southeast Asian Games titlist Warren Kiamco.

All of them, along with other established and up-and-coming pool stars, are seeing action in the tournament presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports in cooperation with the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) and sponsored by Camella Communities.

Valle and Kiamco are two of the previous Villar Cup winners with the former winning the Cebu leg last June and the latter ruling the inaugural Alabang leg in May. Ramil Gallego bagged the Bulacan edition last month and will be defending the crown here.

Besides the Pro Elite division, the Villar Cup Davao leg will also have the Sipag at Tiyaga category and the “Villards sa Barangay” edition.

The Sipag at Tiyaga division, which will be held on August 18 and 19 at the B3 Billiards Center of the NCCC Mall, is open to all non-elite professional players from all over the country, while the Villards sa Barangay, slated on August 17 at the same venue, is a tournament exclusive for Davaoeno amateur players.

Sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the Villar Cup is also supported by Puyat Sports, Bugsy Promotions and Negros Billiards Stable.

RP pool masters off to Qatar for 9-ball tournament

Manila, Philippines – Former World Pool champs Efren "Bata" Reyes, Alex Pagulayan, and Ronnie Alcano will lead the Philippine contestants going to Doha for the 2008 Qatar 9-Ball Championship, which starts on Friday, June 27, at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall.

The other contestants are current world no.1 Dennis Orcollo, former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto Gomez, defending national champion Lee Van Corteza, veterans Warren Kiamco and Ramil Gallego, upcoming stars Joven Bustamante and Benjie Guevarra, and recent Villar Cup Cebu leg champ Gandy Valle.

The tournament offers total prizes worth $150,000, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

"I hope I could carry a momentum from my Villar Cup triumph," Valle said.

Reyes, Francisco Bustamante, Orcollo, and Corteza are all seeded to the main draw. But Valle, Pagulayan, Alcano, Gomez, Kiamco, Gallego, Guevarra, and Bustamante still need to earn their spots in the 96-person main draw through the two-day qualifying tilt starting on Friday.

Roberto Gomez boots Fong Pang-Chao out of WPC

Chinese Taipei's Fong Pang-Chao, two-time winner of the World Pool Championship (WPC), got booted out Thursday night by relative newcomer Roberto Gomez of the Philippines, in an emphatic 10-2 match in 2007 edition of the tournament.

Fong was the 1993 and 2000 WPC titleholder. Gomez won this year's Norway Cup and Manny Pacquiao Cup, but this is only his second time to join the WPC. Last year, he got as far as the last-64 stage. This year he has advanced to the last-16 stage.

Gomez, a native of Zamboanga City, will next face Niels Feijen of The Netherlands, who had earlier dispatched of Ralf Souquet, the 1996 WPC champ.

Roberto Gomez became the second Pinoy WPC Qualifiers

Lu Hui-Chan of Chinese-Taipei (Qualifying 1)
Kenichi Ichigaki of Japan (Qualifying 2)
Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei (Qualifying 3)
Wu Yu-lun of Chinese-Taipei (Qualifying 4)
Alwi of Indonesia (Qualifying 5)
Leonardo Andam of the Philippines (Qualifying 6)
Roberto Gomez of the Philippines (Qualifying 7)
Chang Yau-Mau of Taiwan (Qualifying 8)

Roberto Gomez became the second Filipino in two days to qualify in World Pool Championship after beating Lee Kun-fang of Taiwan, 9-5, and topping the Qualifier 7 Tuesday at the Star Paper Billiards Hall in Quezon City.
The robust cue artist from Zamboanga City was the first to advance from the qualifying rounds last year, but late-round collapses doomed his chances in the first three days of competition.

Dubbed "Superman" for his well-built figure, the 29-year-old Gomez, member of the star-studded Bugsy Promotion will be making his second straight appearance in the 128-man main event. He joins Group 16 and will meet the top seed, Niels Feijen of Holland on Nov. 6 in the event will be aired on ESPN Star Sports and ABS-CBN 2.

In the third qualifier, Gomez missed a potential game-tying shot on the 9-ball to lose against 2006 Sydney World Pool Junior runner-up Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 5-7. Leonardo "Dodong" Andam broke the ice for the Filipinos Monday by sweeping the Qualifier 6. He capped his run with a 9-4 win over compatriot Jharome Peña.

Gomez wrecked havoc in the preliminary round of the main draw last year, sweeping his group that included former US Open champion Corey Deuel. But he ran out of steam in the knockout round, losing by a mile to eventual champion Ronnie Alcano in the first round. "Mas maganda ang focus at kumpiyansa ko ngayon," said Gomez, one of the rising players from Bugsy Promotion. "Mahaba ang laban sa WPC kaya mahalaga ang consistency. Focus ang key ingredient sa consistency."

Later in the day, Chang Yau-Mau of Taiwan downed compatriot Chu Hung-ning, 9-6, to become the fourth Taiwanese qualifier and eighth overall. Chang has the fortune of drawing newly-crowned US Open champion Shane Van Boening, seeded first in Group 13, also on Nov. 6. Van Boening, who vanquished Alcano for the US Open championship, is scheduled to arrive tonight.

The country already had a 15 Filipino pool sharks in the main draw of WPC on November 3 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Gomez and Andam will join Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Alex Pagulayan, Ronato Alcano, Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo, Marlon Manalo, Antonio Lining, Ramil Gallego, Rodolfo Luat, Joven Bustamante, Jeffrey de Luna and Antonio Gabica.

Gomez, De Luna Take charge in Shanghai Guinness 9-Ball Tour

Two of the Philippines' hottest young cue masters won their opening matches to take charges the Filipinos campaign at the start of fifth and final leg of Guinness 9-ball tour in Shanghai, China yesterday.

Jeffrey De Luna, the 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball silver medallist who replaced 2004 Taiwan World 9-ball champion Alex Pagulayan, edged Indon Ricky Yang, 9 – 7, while Roberto Gomez moved one step closer to clinching a Grand Final slot by crushing Singapore's standout cuiest Bernard Tey, 9 – 3.

Racing to an early 4 – 2 advantage against Yang, the 24-year-old De Luna was able to dictate the tempo of the match and frustrated his opponent with precise positional plays and consistent potting. But midway through the contest, the Indonesian finally began to heat up which allowed him to get back in the game via break and run outs at the 7th, 9th and 11th racks to close within one at 5 – 6.

Rattled by the sudden shift in momentum, De Luna momentarily lost his concentration and bungled a simple four ball approach at the 13th rack and a foul on a counter safety attempt on the blue 2 in the next. The two consecutive errors breathed life into Yang's campaign as he managed to capitalize on the Filipino's miscues and level the score at 7 racks a-piece.

Breaking next, Yang, the 2006 POBSI National champion, could have retaken the lead but unfortunately his stroke betrayed him on the one ball pot off the break causing him to fluke the shot. Reluctantly, Yang trudged back to his seat as he watched De Luna effortlessly clean up his mess to sit on the hill 8 – 7.

It was the last time the Sungei Brambang native would see action in the Group C opener as De Luna, already able to recover from his earlier mistakes attacked the table – utilizing his patented power break to give him a clear path towards victory.

It was a different story over at the Group B preliminaries. While De Luna had to struggle versus Yang, his compatriot, the 28-year-old Divisoria, Zamboanga City native Gomez, encountered little resistance from the Tour's eighth seeded competitor Tey.

It was a matchup that had serious implications for the campaigns of the two players as Gomez and Tey both needed to produce remarkable performances in Shanghai in order to ensure a slot for Bali where only the Top Ten will qualify.

Although the Singaporean was already occupying a slot in the Top Ten with 100 aggregate points, bowing down in the preliminaries was not a desired option as a poor performance could jeopardize his Grand Final ticket given the myriad of challengers just outside the cut-off margin. On the other hand, Gomez, with 60 points through his stints in the Genting Highlands and Singapore legs, needed to reach at least the finals to have a shot at the US$70,000.00 rich Grand Final. For the Filipino, losing at this stage of the three day tournament was not an option.

As such, winning the Shanghai opener in such an emphatic fashion could only prove to bolster Gomez' confidence and morale.

Right off the get go, the willpower to succeed was evident in the Filipino. From the way he approached the table to the way he observed his opponents play, Gomez was the epitome of determination and fortitude.

Also known as the "Superman" in the local circuit, Gomez showcased remarkable skill and pace control to steal the thunder from Tey right off the get go. Although it was obvious his form was on, Gomez never forced the issue as he remained patient and chose to pick his shots carefully.

This approach proved to be most effective and was the winning formula for the Filipino in his encounter with Tey who only managed to score in the 1st, 6th and 10th racks.

For the second wave of group matches, De Luna will be testing the pocketing prowess of China's Jian Bo Fu while Gomez will challenge He Wen Li, another Chinese bet who is also chasing Order of Merit points.

Two more Filipinos were seeing action as of press time. Lee Vann Corteza, the 28-year-old Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) ace was clashing with Thailander Nitiwat Kanjanasri and in the evening session, dueling with Chinese-Taipei's sentimental favourite two-time world pool champion Taiwanese Fong-Pang Chao. The reigning Philippine champion with 80 Order of Merit points needs to have a flawless execution of his game as well, as he is currently tied with Hong Kong's Chi Wai Au and Naoyuki Oi for the tenth spot. Meanwhile, reigning double world champion Ronato Alcano will have less pressure in his Group F draw against China's Shu Chun Zhang and Oi as he already has 110 accumulated points through his participation in the 2007 tour.

Gomez KOs Yang, Inches Closer to Guinness 9 Ball Tour Quarterfinals

Filipino Roberto Gomez outclassed former Asian 9-ball tour over-all champion Taiwanese Ching-Shun Yang, 9-2, to inch closer to the quarter-final round of Asia's premier pool competition, the 2007 Guinness 9-Ball Tour late Friday at the spacious Genting Highlands International Convention Center in Malaysia.

The 28-years-old Gomez, member of the star-studded Bugsy Promotion stable, surged ahead to a 5-1 lead to take control of the match. Yang, the winner of the 2nd leg in Taiwan, closed the match at 6-2 count after winning the 8th frame in their three-man group stage. However, Gomez didn't look back enroute the last two remaining racks to earn a devastating 9-2 victory.

Gomez, whose eyeing to duplicate his 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball crown will face a must win situation against William Ipaenen of Indonesia, who earlier beat Yang, two-time Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist, 9-8, in the morning session yesterday. Yang is already ousted in this event.

Meanwhile, compatriot reigning Philippine National Champion Lee Vann Corteza and 2006 Doha Asian games 9-ball silver medalist Jeffrey de Luna also hurdled their respective rivals.

The 28-years-old Corteza, top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS), survived Japan's number one ranked player, Naoyuki Oi, 9 – 7, in their group stage opener while the 24-years-old De Luna, another Bugsy stalwart, nipped Mohd Sapawi Bin Dan of Malaysia, 9-3.

Both, Corteza and De Luna must win their last remaining assignment in their group stage play to advance in the quarter-final round like Gomez.

Corteza playing under the guidance of businessman/ sportsman Jonathan " Bacolod" Sy will face Ryu Sueng Woo of Korea while de Luna takes on Bernard Tey Choon kiat of Singapore.

Meanwhile, Corteza jumped the gun early against his Japanese opponent as he successfully drove the stripped ball home via a 3 – 9 combo in the very first rack and then followed it up with a brilliantly orchestrated run out after Oi broke dry in the second rack to have the early advantage, 2 – 0.

Actually, everything seemed to be going for the Filipino during the early stages of the match as Oi had difficulty finding his stroke which resulted in a lot of miscues and exposed safeties. Not wanting to waste any opportunity, Corteza capitalized on his opponent's struggles, which saw the Negros billiard's stable bet steadily increase his lead to 5 – 2.

However, in the middle stages of the contest, Oi started to heat up as he broke and ran out in the eighth rack which fueled a three rack run highlighted by a superb 1 – 9 corner pocket combo off the break to level the score at 5 racks a-piece.

From there, the two cue artists showcased their best pool as both players traded scores till the 14th rack with the count still tied 7 racks all.

But another break and run out for Corteza in the 15th rack saw the Filipino advance his score to 8 – 7 to sit on the hill.

With pressure mounting, Japan 's number one ranked player bravely attempted a difficult 5 – 9 corner combo. The shot amazingly almost went in but as luck would have it, the striped nine simply refused to go down. With the nine ball sitting precariously at the edge of the pocket, Lee Vann deftly stepped up to the table jacked up on the cue, sliced the five just enough to carom the cue ball towards the nine to sink the shot and end the match at 9 – 7.

Meanwhile, double world champion Ronato Alcano continued to struggle in the 2007 tour as he succumbed to China man Liu Hai Tao, 5 – 9 in his group stage opener.

Asked about why he had a hard time during the contest Alcano said: "Yes I know. I had a really bad time out there. It just seemed my accuracy and shooting did not want to come out. I also made a number of bad safeties which Liu handled quite well. At the same time he (Liu) was having a terrific time at the table. All his shots were sinking and so he really got the best of me. I hope to have a better result in my second match."

Alcano challenges India 's lone bet Dharminder Singh Lilly for the second round of the group stages. Both matches will be at 6pm .

Formerly the Asian 9-Ball Tour, the Guinness 9-Ball Tour has been made bigger and better for players and fans alike with the new partnership between ESPN STAR Sports and Guinness. Total prize money has doubled to US$320,000 (from US$160,000 from last year's tour) and the Tour will feature a grand final in Bali for the Top 10 players. Winners of each leg will win US$15,000 while the Grand Final Champion will walk away with US$36,000.

The Guinness 9-Ball Tour remains the only ranking tour in Asia for players to qualify for the WPA World Pool Championship. The top ten finishers in the Guinness 9-Ball Tour Order of Merit will automatically qualify for pool's most prestigious event, this year's edition slated for a second straight staging for Manila in November.

Gomez to Face Peach for World Billiard Title

The final of the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championship will be an England v Philippines affair as Daryl Peach of Blackpool takes on Roberto Gomez of Manila in a race-to-17 match at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City at 15.30 local time on Sunday. Both players won through their quarter and semi-final games in emphatic style in a day of pool that contained some outstanding play as well as moments of drama and controversy.

Betting firms have installed Gomez as a 1/2 favourite while Peach is the outsider at 6/4. The prize at stake is $100,000 but more importantly the title of World Pool Champion and Gomez will attempt to become the third Filipino player in four years to lift this coveted crown.

Peach becomes the first Englishman ever to reach the final and hopes to emulate the success of Thorsten Hohmann who was the last European to win the event in 2003. The likeable Englishman put on his career-best performance to oust betting favourite Francisco Bustamante from the competition in the quarter-finals.

The game went all the way to a deciding final rack and there was an incident in the 19th game that set the match alight as Bustamante, leading 10-9, thought that he had won the match following a 3/9 carom shot.
Welsh referee Nigel Rees though, was not so sure that the 9 ball was not contacted first – a foul shot. Rees then took an age to consult slowed down television replays before making his call, which was a foul shot with the 9 ball respotted and ball in hand to Peach.

When play resumed, the Englishman had to refocus as the pandemonium around the table died down. In a great showing, Peach cleared the table and then ran the final rack as the boos rang out.
In less dramatic circumstances, Peach topped Hungary’s Vilmos Foldes in the semi-final by an 11-2 scoreline. Peach was in control from start to finish and looked assured throughout.

Roberto Gomez had earlier beaten the remaining Taiwanese player Kuo Po-cheng in a 11-4 rout on Table 1. Using the soft break in the hot conditions to good effect, Gomez restricted his opponent’s opportunities while potting everything in sight.

His semi-final foe was Karl Boyes (England) who was making his debut in the competition. Boyes, 25, was having a fabulous run in his first ever World Pool Championship, which he only gained entry to by winning a qualifying event in Holland in September.

At 4-0 to the good against Gomez, he was off to a great start but it was not to be as Gomez put on a master class to take 11 consecutive racks.

Quarter Finals
Daryl Peach (ENG) 11 – 10 Francisco Bustamante (PHI)
Vilmos Foldes (HUN) 11 – 7 Mika Immonen (FIN)
Karl Boyes (Eng) 11 – 8 Joven Bustamante (PHI)
Roberto Gomez (PHI) 11 – 4 Kuo Po-cheng (TPE)

Semi Finals
Daryl Peach (ENG) 11 – 2 Vilmos Foldes (HUN)
Roberto Gomez (PHI) 11 – 4 Karl Boyes (Eng)

Blackpool boys take on the World

Blackpool has two players hoping to make their big break this weekend in the World 9 Ball Pool Championships in the Philippines. Karl Boyes joins Daryl Peach in the 128 man line-up after winning a qualifying spot in Holland.

The Draw

Group 12 - Karl Boyes
Play starts 4 November:
Mika Immonen (FIN)
Leevan Corteza (PHI)
C. Chang Pei-wei (TPE)
D. Tyler Edey (CAN)
E. Jeremy Jones (USA)
Karl Boyes (ENG)
Goren Mladenovic (SER)
Fahad Mohammadi (QAT)

Group 16 - Daryl Peach

Niels Feijen (NED)
Daryl Peach (UK)
Rodolfo Luat (PHI)
Dharminder Singh Lilly (IND)
E. Charles Bryant (USA)
F. Toh Lian Han (SIN)
G. Matjaz Erculj (SLO)
H. Roberto Gomez (PHI)

Peach received an automatic invitation in the $400,000 2007 World Championships courtesy of his number 3 ranking on the prestigious Eurotour.

Boyes came through a 61 strong field at the European qualifiers in Holland to book his spot in pool's premier event.

Peach is somewhat of a veteran of the big stage in 9 Ball - he won the European Masters back in 1995 and this year realised his ambition of winning a Eurotour event - the German Open.

Boyes is a relative newcomer in comparison having switched from English 8 Ball Pool to play on the IPT's American 8 Ball tour less than two years ago.

Peach and Boyes currently stand at 17 and 19 respectfully on the suspended IPT so Boyes has turned his hand to 9 Ball.

The Championships promoted by Matchroom will be his first trip to the Philippines - which is pretty much the capital of the sport.

Twenty four year old Boyes said: "It's a massive win for me - it's the biggest event in pool and it's in Manila. I watched it all on telly last year - so I'm really pleased to be actually in it this year!"

He added: "I've still got a lot to learn but there's no greater place on earth to learn than out there."

• World 9 Ball Pool Championships, 3-11 November