RP rides Bata, Django victories to tie Int'l team in 9-ball showdown

MANILA, Philippines - It could have been a rabbit that was pulled off this magician's hat.

Efren "Bata" Reyes came to the country's rescue with an important win on Thursday that helped Team Philippines pull even with the International side in the QC Invasion: Quezon City-Philippines vs The World Grand "Villards" Showdown at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

Reyes, more popularly known as "the Magician", weaved his wand to take down Rodney Morris of the US 7-4.

The victory leveled the Ryder Cup-style tournament to six wins each for the locals and the foreigners.

Earlier, Francisco "Django" Bustamante escaped with a 7-6 cliffhanger over Raj Hundal of India, just after Warren Kiamco lost 7-4 to Thorsten Hohmann of Germany.

With a stalemate after 12 matches, the first side that gets to nine wins will take home the championship purse worth $40,000 (P1.96 million).

The next matches will be between Roberto Gomez versus Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei; a team event pitting Bustamante, Gomez Alex Pagulayan and Dennis Orcollo versus the quartet of Hundal, Yang, Mike Immonen of Finland and Wu Chia-Ching of Chinese-Taipei; and a singles match between Orcollo and Charlie Williams of the US.

If the showdown isn't decided after the Orcollo-Williams face-off, the next matches will feature another team duel between the group of Reyes, Kiamco, Ronnie Alcano and Lee Van Corteza and the foursome of Hohmann, Morris, Williams, and Fu Jianbo of China.

If the score is tied at 8, a team event will decide the winner, with the RP side represented by Alcano, Gomez, Kiamco and Pagulayan taking on Hundal, Morris, Williams and Wu.

 

- GMANews.TV

A sport where age is not a factor

In my view, billiards is one sport where age does not matter in order for one to excel.

As a matter of fact, several former winners of the prestigious World 9-Ball Pool Championship, like Americans Earl Strickland and Johnny Archer, Chinese Taipei’s Chao Fong-pan, Germany’s Ralf Souquet and local idols Efren “Bata” Reyes, Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, may be considered old for an athlete, yet they are good for some more years.

While it is true that there are other sports such as chess and marathon where age does not also matter, it is on record that a Filipino is yet to become a world champion in these sports. In billiards, the Philippines has already produced three world champions.

Hall of Famer Reyes was already 45 when he captured the world crown in Cardiff, Wales, in 1999. He is now 54.

Supported by brothers former Assemblyman Jose “Popit” Puyat and Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, the toothless “Magician” is an original member of the powerhouse Puyat Sports stable that includes the 58-year-old Jose “Amang” Parica, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 44; and 50-year-old Rodolfo “Boy Samson” Luat, who topped the recent Sen. Manny Villar Cup in Bacolod City.

Pagulayan, the 2004 world champion and 2005 US Open winner, is the latest addition to the team.

“His (Reyes) style is so drastically different,” once said the legendary Nick Varner, a two-time Billiards Digest Player of the Year. “He attracts a lot of attention. And he has a big impact on the way we Americans play the game.”

On the other hand, double world champion Alcano, who bagged the 2006 world 9-ball crown and the 2007 world 8-ball title, is now 35. Pagulayan, who won the 2004 world 9-ball and 2005 US Open crowns, is pushing 29.

Veteran internationalist Strickland is now 47, but still going strong. He won the world 9-ball title three times, in 1990, 1991 and 2002. Archer, 40, captured the championships twice, in 1992 and 1997.

On the other hand, two-time champion Chao, a contemporary of Reyes, took the crown in 1993 and 2000, while Souquet won it in 1996. Both are nearing 60, yet they are still capable of punishing young talents with their arsenals of flawless breaks, silk-smooth runs and merciless safeties.

-by Manolo Iñigo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

A sport where age is not a factor

In my view, billiards is one sport where age does not matter in order for one to excel.

As a matter of fact, several former winners of the prestigious World 9-Ball Pool Championship, like Americans Earl Strickland and Johnny Archer, Chinese Taipei’s Chao Fong-pan, Germany’s Ralf Souquet and local idols Efren “Bata” Reyes, Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, may be considered old for an athlete, yet they are good for some more years.

While it is true that there are other sports such as chess and marathon where age does not also matter, it is on record that a Filipino is yet to become a world champion in these sports. In billiards, the Philippines has already produced three world champions.

Hall of Famer Reyes was already 45 when he captured the world crown in Cardiff, Wales, in 1999. He is now 54.

Supported by brothers former Assemblyman Jose “Popit” Puyat and Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, the toothless “Magician” is an original member of the powerhouse Puyat Sports stable that includes the 58-year-old Jose “Amang” Parica, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 44; and 50-year-old Rodolfo “Boy Samson” Luat, who topped the recent Sen. Manny Villar Cup in Bacolod City.

Pagulayan, the 2004 world champion and 2005 US Open winner, is the latest addition to the team.

“His (Reyes) style is so drastically different,” once said the legendary Nick Varner, a two-time Billiards Digest Player of the Year. “He attracts a lot of attention. And he has a big impact on the way we Americans play the game.”

On the other hand, double world champion Alcano, who bagged the 2006 world 9-ball crown and the 2007 world 8-ball title, is now 35. Pagulayan, who won the 2004 world 9-ball and 2005 US Open crowns, is pushing 29.

Veteran internationalist Strickland is now 47, but still going strong. He won the world 9-ball title three times, in 1990, 1991 and 2002. Archer, 40, captured the championships twice, in 1992 and 1997.

On the other hand, two-time champion Chao, a contemporary of Reyes, took the crown in 1993 and 2000, while Souquet won it in 1996. Both are nearing 60, yet they are still capable of punishing young talents with their arsenals of flawless breaks, silk-smooth runs and merciless safeties.

-by Manolo Iñigo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Reyes Enters Final Four With Blazing Eight Rack Run

Efren “Bata” Reyes, showing flashes of the brilliance of old, recovered from a sluggish start against another former world pool champion Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan to finish with a blazing eight-rack run to enter the Final Four in the Bacolod Leg of the 1st Senate President Manny Villar Cup.

The 54 year old Reyes playing before a huge crowd of supporters at the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldfields Commercial Complex missed three comparatively easy shots in a poor start that saw Takahashi, the 1998 World Pool Champion grab a 4-3 lead.

Reyes who is known in the world of pool as “The Magician” then dug deep into his bag of tricks with a long, acutely-angled bank shot of the red 3 in the eighth frame and tied the match, before a scintillating stretch of break and run-outs that delighted the fans at the fifth stop of the prestigious island-hopping series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine sports.

With the triumph Reyes moved to within two wins of pocketing the top prize of $15,000 and breaking a long dry spell in the four day tournament organized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the Bacolod City government headed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia and the Negros Billiards Stable of businessman Jonathan Sy and sponsored by Camella Communities.

Reyes faces hometown favorite Ramil Gallego who earlier ousted Joven Bustamante 11-7 in the quarter finals while in the other semi final showdown veteran Rodolfo “Boy Samson” Luat who has had a fine run faces unheralded Michael Feliciano.

The 50 year old Luat who is known for his tendency to falter in close end-games proved he is still a threat when he beat Cebu leg winner Gandy Valle 11-7 after he got rid of former Asian Games gold medal winner Antonio Lining and 2006 World Pool Champion and 8-Ball king Ronnie Alcano.

The 24 year old Feliciano who belongs to the star-studded stable of Bugsy Promotions passionate pool enthusiast Perry Mariano made the semis by routing fellow qualifier Ronnie Aying 11-1 in a match where Feliciano opened with seben consecutive breaks and run-outs.

All four semi finalists are guaranteed $2,500 each.

Reyes enters Villar Cup quarterfinals

Pool legend Efren “Bata” Reyes advanced into the quarterfinals of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bacolod leg after beating teenage prodigy Johann Chua, 11-6, at the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex Saturday.

A report posted on AZBilliards.com said the “Magician” had to work extra hard to storm back from a 0-4 deficit to beat Chua.

The 54-year-old Reyes cleaned up the next five racks to take the lead 5-4.

The 16-year-old Chua had a break, taking two of the next three racks to tie the scores at 6-all.

Reyes, however, wiped out the succeeding five racks to earn his ticket to the quarters.

The “Magician” was coming off an easy 11-5 win over upstart Mike Takayama, prior to his match against Chua.

Chua, meanwhile, came into the match fresh from winning an 11-6 upset against Davao leg winner Roberto Gomez.

Reyes’ next opponent will be former world champion Kunihiko Takahashi, who ruled the World 9-Ball Championship in 1998.

Other players who fought it out in the quarterfinals late Saturday were Gandy Valle who will face Rodolfo Luat; Ramil Gallego against Joven Bustamante; and Michael Feliciano opposite Ronnie Aying.

The semifinals and the finals are both scheduled Sunday.

At stake in tournament are the coveted Villar Cup and the $15,000 top prize that goes with it.

Reyes frolics but Pagulayan, Gomez fall

BACOLOD – Efren “Bata” Reyes dominated teener Mike Takayama, 11-5, but Davao leg champion Roberto Gomez lost to 16-year-old Johann Chua, 6-11, at the start of the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bacolod leg yesterday at the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex here.

Reyes, 54, stamped his class early as he raced to a 7-1 lead against Takayama, reached the hill after the 12th rack, and after allowing his youthful rival to take three straight racks, he went back to work to clinch the victory for a spot in the Last 16 of the $37,800 tournament sponsored by Camella Communities.

“I played good today because I came in early to train and get the feel of the table,” said Reyes in Filipino.

Reyes will next face another young bet in Chua, who pounced on a string of miscues by Gomez to pound out the victory.

Unheralded Eduardo Villanueva also pulled off a big upset, bundling out former world champion Alex Pagulayan, 11-5.

The event, presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports and organized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, stakes $15,000 to the winner.

Chua, who made it to the tournament through the qualifiers, dished out a near-flawless performance against Gomez. He pocketed seven of the first nine racks, and after Gomez came close at 7-4, the Binondo, Manila bet hung tough to foil his rival’s comeback bid.

Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes gets off to a good start in Villar Cup Bacolod leg

Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes regained his old deadly form in his 11-5 conquest of youthful Mike "Tsoke" Takayama to lead opening round winners of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bacolod Leg yesterday at the the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex in Bacolod City.

However, Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, the reigning Villar Cup Davao leg kingpin fell short to another teen-ager Johann "Bubwit" Chua, 11-6, in one of the huge upsets recorded in the first of this four-day event.

The 54-year-old Reyes, one of the prize cue artists of sportsman/businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, quickly raced to 7-1 lead against Takayama, one of the rising stars of Philippine billiards who is thrice younger than him.

Reyes leads opening day winners; Chua dethrones Gomez

BACOLOD CITY – Pool maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes took Mike Takayama to school, blasting the teenage upstart, 11-5, to lead opening round winners of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bacolod Leg yesterday at the the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex here.

This as the prestigious island-hopping series will surely have no back-to-back leg champion in its inaugural season after Davao leg ruler Roberto Gomez succumbed to 16-year-old Johann Chua, 11-6, in one of the huge upsets recorded in the first of this four-day event presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports.

The 54-year-old Reyes, who is trying to end an unusually long title-drought, played the game that made him the icon of the sport as he quickly raced to 7-1 lead against Takayama, one of the rising stars of Philippine billiards who is thrice younger than him.

He then reached the hill after the 12th rack, and after allowing his foe to claim three straight racks, the man also popularly known as the Magician, retook the table and cleaned it up with one of his many trademark tricks to seal the victory and deliver himself to the Last 16 of this $37,800 tournament sponsored by Camella Communities.

Reyes will next face another young turk in Chua, who romped off to a strong start and capitalized on a string of miscues committed by Gomez to steal the victory and move closer to the coveted title and the $15,000 top purse at stake in this 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 (NBS) of businessman Jonathan Sy.

Chua, who made it to the tournament via the qualifiers, had a near-flawless performance against his Bugsy stablemate. He pocketed seven of the first nine racks, and after Gomez came close at 7-4, the kid from Binondo, Manila did not waver but instead held on until the win is secured.

Former world champion Alex Pagulayan, playing with an injured toe from a freak accident, later joined Gomez in the wayside as he bowed to unheralded Eduardo Villanueva, 11-5.

Other early first round results saw Joven Bustamante subduing former World Cup of Poll holder Jianbo Fu of China, 11-7; Elmer Haya beating NBS teammate Ricky Zerna, 11-6; and Villar Cup Bulacan leg titlist Ramil Gallego defeating fellow veteran internationalist Antonio Lining, 11-7.

Japanese Kenji Taguchi was the first foreign bet to advance into the round-of-16 as he held off Chris Johannessen of Norway, 11-8.

The rest of the first round matches were still being played at presstime, along with the Panersera-pababa division, where dozens of players, including those who failed in the qualifiers for the International class, are competing.

‘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.

Efren 'Bata' Reyes targets Villar Cup title

Billiard legend Efren "Bata" Reyes is targeting the top prize at the Bacolod leg of the Senate President Manny Villar Cup when it kicks off on November 13 at the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex in Bacolod City.

A report posted on AzBilliards.com said Reyes is on the prowl for another title since winning the Derby City Classic in Louisville, Kentucky in January 2007.

The closest he got at winning a title this year was in the inaugural staging of the Villar Cup in Alabang last May, when he lost his finals match up to Warren Kiamco.

Reyes also failed to get past the quarterfinals in the next three legs of the tournament.

In his attempt to end his title drought at Villar Cup’s fifth leg, Reyes will not only have to face a formidable challenge from his fellow Filipino pool players, but he will also have to contend with a troop of top-notch foreign talents.

The foreign delegates will be led by newly-crowned Guinness 9-Ball Tour Grand champion Ching-Shun Yang of Chinese-Taipei as they shoot for the title and the $15,000 top prize.

Besides Yang, other international players participating in the event are former world champion Wu Chia-Ching, Hung-hsiang Wang and Jung-Lin Chang of Chinese-Taipei, China topranked player Jianbo Fu, veteran internationalist Marcus Chamat of Sweden and Christian Johannessen of the Netherlands.

Joining Reyes in leading the local players are fellow former world titlists Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, along with 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).

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.

Bata out to redeem self in Villar Cup

Efren “Bata” Reyes hopes to break out from a long slumber and add another feather to his legendary cap as he competes in the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bacolod Leg Nov. 13-16 at the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex in Bacolod City.

The 54-year-old pool legend has not won a title since ruling the Derby City Classic in Louisville, Kentucky in January 2007, though he continues to be a major force to reckon with in every tournament.

“Medyo matagal-tagal na nga tayong hindi nagtsa-champion,” said Reyes, whose closest shot at winning a title this year was in the inaugural staging of the Villar Cup in May in Alabang, when he made it to the finals before losing to Warren Kiamco. He never made past the quarterfinals in succeeding legs of this island-hopping series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports and Camella Communities.

“Madami na kasing magagaling ngayon, lalo na ‘yung mga bata. Pero kaya pa naman nating makipagsabayan at tingin ko malaki pa rin ang tsansa ko, kailangan ko lang maging consistent, na siyang pipilitin kong gawin sa Bacolod,” added the former double world champion from Puyat Sports.

Reyes, however will have his hands full against fellow world-class countrymen and a bunch of rising Filipino stars, on top of a horde of topnotch foreign talents as this fifth edition of the Villar Cup was made an international event.

Eight foreigners, led by newly crowned Guinness 9-Ball Tour grand champion Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei, will compete for the title and the $15,000 top purse at stake in this four-day tournament 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.

Besides Yang, other international players vying in this event, supported by the Bacolod Global Entertainment Marketing Services Corporation, Bugsy Promotions and Puyat Sports, are former world champion Wu Chia-ching, Wang Hung-hsiang and Chang Jung-lin of Chinese-Taipei, China topranked player Fu Jianbo, veteran internationalist Marcus Chamat of Sweden and Christian Johannessen of the Netherlands.

Joining Reyes are fellow former world titlists Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, along with 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).

Reyes eyes end to long title slump

Efren “Bata” Reyes hopes to break out from a long slumber and add another feather to his legendary cap as the world’s greatest cue artist of all time competes in the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bacolod Leg on Nov. 13-16 at the Garden Royal Function Hall of Goldenfields Commercial Complex in Bacolod City.

The 54-year-old pool legend has not won a title since ruling the Derby City Classic in Louisville, Kentucky in January 2007, though the charismatic maestro continues to be a major force to reckon with in every tournament he joins.

“Medyo matagal-tagal na nga tayong hindi nagtsa (It has been a while since I became a)-champion,” said Reyes, whose closest shot at winning a title this year was in the inaugural staging of the Villar Cup in May in Alabang, when he made it to the finals before losing to Warren Kiamco.

Reyes never made it past the quarterfinals in succeeding legs of this island-hopping series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports and Camella Communities.

“Madami na kasing magagaling ngayon, lalo na ‘yung mga bata (I can see a lot of good players nowadays, especially the young ones),” admitted Reyes. “Pero kaya pa naman nating makipagsabayan at tingin ko malaki pa rin ang tiyansa ko, kailangan ko lang maging (But I can still keep up with them. I just need to be) consistent.”

Eight foreigners, led by newly-crowned Guinness 9-Ball Tour Grand champion Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei, will compete for the prestigious title and the $15,000 top purse at stake in this four-day tournament also dubbed as the “Bacolod International Villards Festival.”

'Bata' still top Pinoy in AZBilliards list, two others in top 10

He may not be as rich as his compatriots in terms of winnings this year but Efren "Bata" Reyes has proven that he is still king Pinoy cue master as far as AZBilliards.com rankings are concerned.

Reyes, also dubbed as "The Magician", remained in sixth place in the weekly standings that saw Shane Van Boening jumping a notch at number one. Reyes has so far earned $5,500 in international tournaments, with the last one being the Qatar International Open in July.

Bustamante, meanwhile, trailed Reyes closely at seventh, dropping three notches from last week's rankings. His last tournament was the US 9-Ball Championships in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he finished ninth earlier this month.

Orcollo, on the other hand, shed four places to finish the week at No. 9. He landed third in the US 9-Ball Open after finishing first in the Guangzhou, China leg of the Guinness 9-Ball Tour in September.

In terms of earnings, Orcollo came first with $91,400, so far, followed by Francisco Bustamante with  $80,903.

Another Filipino champ, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, fell short of a slot as he landed 11th for the week. He has so far earned $61,203.

Jose "Amang" Parica, meanwhile, jumped 12 steps after last week's 51st placing. His 2008 winnings are now pegged at $20,190, with the latest addition coming from the US Open 9-Ball where he shared ninth place with Bustamante.

Ronnie "The Volcano" Alcano, on the other hand, was at the bottom of the 50-man list as he dropped 21 places from last week's 29th spot. He now has $41,200 in winnings after adding $20,000 as first runner-up prize in the US 9-Ball Open.

'Bata' still top Pinoy in AZBilliards list, two others in top 10

He may not be as rich as his compatriots in terms of winnings this year but Efren "Bata" Reyes has proven that he is still king Pinoy cue master as far as AZBilliards.com rankings are concerned.

Reyes, also dubbed as "The Magician", remained in sixth place in the weekly standings that saw Shane Van Boening jumping a notch at number one. Reyes has so far earned $5,500 in international tournaments, with the last one being the Qatar International Open in July.

Bustamante, meanwhile, trailed Reyes closely at seventh, dropping three notches from last week's rankings. His last tournament was the US 9-Ball Championships in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he finished ninth earlier this month.

Orcollo, on the other hand, shed four places to finish the week at No. 9. He landed third in the US 9-Ball Open after finishing first in the Guangzhou, China leg of the Guinness 9-Ball Tour in September.

In terms of earnings, Orcollo came first with $91,400, so far, followed by Francisco Bustamante with $80,903.

Another Filipino champ, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, fell short of a slot as he landed 11th for the week. He has so far earned $61,203.

Jose "Amang" Parica, meanwhile, jumped 12 steps after last week's 51st placing. His 2008 winnings are now pegged at $20,190, with the latest addition coming from the US Open 9-Ball where he shared ninth place with Bustamante.

Ronnie "The Volcano" Alcano, on the other hand, was at the bottom of the 50-man list as he dropped 21 places from last week's 29th spot. He now has $41,200 in winnings after adding $20,000 as first runner-up prize in the US 9-Ball Open.

RP is making waves in world billiards

Filipino cue artists once again proved that you win in billiards not only through inborn grace and intelligence, but most of all through experience.

Former double world champion Ronnie Alcano, lead player of Bugsy Promotions, and battle-scarred Warren Kiamco made the Final Four against former world champions Mika Immonen of Finland and Johnny Archer of the United States, respectively, in the star-studded 33rd US Open 9-Ball Championship in Chesapeake, Virginia. (This piece was submitted before the event’s final two stages—Ed)

Whether or not they win the US Open title and the champion’s paycheck of $40,000, the Filipino pair will make history. The mere fact that they stormed into the magic four shows that Filipinos can hold their own even against the world’s best and toughest pros.

Over in Jakarta, world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo, also of Bugsy Promotions, and 2004 World Pool 9-Ball champion Alex Pagulayan of Puyat Sports, likewise landed in the elite four in this year’s Guinness Tour Grand Finals, the culmination of the Asian Tour.

All four players—Alcano, Kiamco, Orcollo and Pagulayan—are mainstays of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, a group of professionals whose main objective is to promote the game of pool nationwide and to look after the well-being of its members.

In my view, local billiards is already the real winner here. The mere fact that the country’s present crop of veteran cue artists is now a force to reckon with in the international pool scene speaks well of the people running the sport.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Americans were the most dominant billiards players in the world. Among their top pool pros were Nick Varner, Mike Lebron, Jimmy Rempe, Jay Helfert, Kim Davenport, Buddy Hall and, much later in the 1990s and 2000s, Earl Strickland, Johnny Archer, Corey Deuel, Rodney Morris and Shane Van Boening.

In the 1980s, Filipino players entered the picture. Ageless Jose “Amang” Parica, now United States-based, led the Philippine invasion of the American circuit in mid-1984.

Humble and simple Efren “Bata” Reyes, playing under the name of Cesar Morales, started to build a reputation that would make him the most dangerous and finest player on the planet.

In 1985, Reyes, then 29, won his first US title—the Red’s 9-Ball Open in Houston, Texas. He earned the moniker “The Magician” because of his smooth motion and subtle touch.

In 1994, Reyes captured the US Open to become the first non-American to win the crown. A native of Pampanga, Reyes capped his achievements by winning the World Pool Championship in Cardiff, Wales, in 1999 at age 45. Reyes, who is now 54, skipped the 2008 US Open due to health reasons.

Many-time world champion Strickland, the flamboyant American cue artist who is also Reyes’ bitterest rival, said: “In my book, Reyes is the greatest player in the world. What else can you say? He plays you and he beats you.”

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.

World 9-Ball tourney won't happen in Manila in November

Matchroom Sport has told world pool officials that it will not stage the World 9-Ball Pool Championship (WPC) in Manila this November since it failed to get sponsors for the event, information reaching abs-cbnNEWS.com said Wednesday.

"The Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) claim that the WPC would be held in Manila was just talk," the text message said.

According to Matchroom, it hopes to revive the WPC early next year. A check on the Matchroom Web site (http://matchroomsport.com) provided a November 1-9 date for the WPC. However, it said that the venue was "to be confirmed."

In a related development, Manila-based sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz was able get a reaction from Matchroom media director Luke Riches regarding the event's postponement. “The WPC is not dead yet. But most likely it will be early 2009 [when it will be staged again]," Nathanielsz quoted Riches as saying.

Reached for comment, Perry Mariano, one of the founders of the BMPAP, said that he has yet to be informed of Riches' statement. He clarified that as of last report, the WPC merely lost its venue after Senate President Manuel Villar backed out as one of the event's main sponsors. "We got 50 percent but the other 50 percent, was supposed to come from Senator Villar. So nawala ang 50 percent," Mariano told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Mariano, however, clarified that they are doing everything they can to follow-up the pledges from potential sponsors so that the WPC will take place as scheduled.

Despite Villar's withdrawal of support, Mariano said nothing is final yet. "We're still trying to convince the senator pero siyempre hindi na kamukha noon," he said, adding that politics may have been the main reason behind Villar's withdrawal. At any rate, Mariano said, "it's still Villar's money." "Pera niya 'yon. Wala pa siyang pinipirmahan. Hanggang walang dokumentong pirmado, everything is in limbo," Mariano said.

The WPC held in Manila last year saw England's Daryl Peach beating hometown hero Roberto Gomez, 17-15, in the finals.

Previous Filipino winners of the WPC were Efren “Bata” Reyes (1994), Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan (2005) and Ronnie "The Volcano" Alcano (2006).

World Cup of Pool 2006

Sport is announcing the first ever PartyPoker.com World Cup of Pool, which will be held at the Newport Centre, Newport, Wales, from Tuesday, August 22 to Sunday, August 27.

The event features 32 two-man teams from around the world and includes some of the sport's greatest players.

Former 9-ball World Champions and longtime rivals Earl Strickland (USA) and Efren Reyes (Philippines) are in the fold. While snooker stars Steve Davis, Tony Drago and Ronnie O'Sullivan will also be joining.

Reyes on QC-RP faces The World

Billiards superstars Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante will banner the Philippines’ charge against a selection of top foreign cue artists in the 9-Ball Grand Billiards Showdown Quezon City will host from Dec. 2 to 4 at the Trinoma Mall.

Reyes and Bustamante will lead an eight-man squad against eight equally-talented foreign pool masters in a team tournament where the winning group gets the ,000 (R1,800,000) cash prize.

Reyes and Bustamante will be joined by Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, reigning world no.1 Dennis Orcollo, 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto Gomez, Lee Van Corteza and Warren Kiamco in the dream billiards match dubbed as Quezon City-Philippines vs the World.

"This event will not only showcase the talents our players but promote Quezon City as sports hub of the Philippines," said event organizer and QC Councilor Ariel Inton during yesterday’s formal launching of the tournament at the Mario’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato.

The three-day event, which is a joint project of Inton, Quezon City Sports Tourism Council led by Raffy Chico and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) headed by Perry Mariano, is aimed at promoting the Quezon City as the billiards destination of the world.

Except for Bustamante, all members of Team Philippines were on hand to display their solid ground against their equally competitive opponents who will be coming to town in the next few months.

The foreign invasion will be spearheaded by Finish Mika Immonem, German Thorsten Hohmann and former European No. 1 Russian Konstantin Stepanov.

Also joining the foreign squad are Americans Charlie Williams and Rodney Morris, Taiwanese Yung Ching Shunand Wu Chia Ching and 2006 Asian Games gold medalist Japanese Sotoshi Kawabata.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte and Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista were also in attendance to add glitter to the star-studded gathering which saw the formal unveiling of the logo of the tournament.

"I’m honored to meet our world champions and some of them pa nga ay legendary na tulad in Efren," said Belmonte, who also signed a Memorandum of Agreement that formally accepted the city’s hosting of the event.

"Dito sa Quezon City, tanggap na tanggap ang billiards dahil dito mismo nakatira ang mga billiard players natin," said Belmonte, boasting that reigning World No. 1 Orcullo was a recipient of last year’s Outstanding QC Citizen award.

"Unstoppable ang Quezon City at ang billiards. Hindi na mapi-pigilan ang pag-unlad. We hope to make our city the sports capital," Belmonte said.

For his part, Bautista cited the honor and pride the billiards players bring to the country and even thanked Reyes for his exploits in the past that made the country known to the world of billiards.

BMPAP co-founder Jonathan Sy, BMPAP president Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Solar Sports Vice president for Marketing Jude Torcuato, Quezon City Councilors Toto Medalla and Vincent Belmonte, members of the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce, heads of the Quezon City-Red Cross Chapter were also present.

Bata Beats Alcano in Villar Cup Challenge Match

Efren “Bata” Reyes proved that he remains a force to reckon with in the sport where he is considered a legend as he trounced fellow former double world champion Ronnie Alcano in a “dream challenge match” during the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Davao Leg Saturday night at the Atrium of Gaisano Mall here.

The 54-year-old pool maestro came up with superb performance, highlighted by his patented magical shots, to eke out a 5-1 decision over Alcano in a rotation match to the delight of the close to 7,000 adoring Davaoeno crowd that gathered to witness the event presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports, in partnership with the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

“I’m very happy that I’ve won as I really want to entertain the crowd, which is one of the best I’ve seen,” said Reyes, who finished joint fifth in the centerpiece Pro Elite Division, won by Roberto Gomez, of this fourth leg of the island-hopping series sponsored by Camella Communities.

“I hope I inspired the Davaoenos into taking this sport, which, as Senator Villar said, is ours,” added the charismatic icon.

In the match, also witnessed by Senate President Manny Villar, Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte, Davao Congressman Vincent Garcia and Nacionalista Party spokesman Gilbert Remulla, Reyes won the lag and, after trading safety shots with his foe, cleaned the opening rack to go up 1-0.

Alcano managed to tie the count at 1-1, but that’s all he could do as Reyes pocketed the next four racks to close out the match.

Villar 9-ball: Corteza, Reyes hurdle foes

Lee Vann Corteza of Davao City and Philippine billiards icon Efren "Bata" Reyes went through different routes in winning assignments at the start of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup 9-Ball Open Thursday at the Gaisano Mall Atrium.

Former world champion Alex Pagulayan, meanwhile, met his doom right in his first match and ended up the biggest name that exited early in the tournament. Corteza, who hails from Mintal and playing under the stabe of Jonathan Sy, hacked out an impressive 9-2 victory over Jundel Mazon.

Reyes had to dig deep into his bag of tricks before scoring a pulsating a 9-8 win over Richard Purnelosa. Reyes will meet Corteza next in the P800,000 three-day cuefest that offers a whopping P300,000 to the champion. Corteza said he had already beaten Mazon twice in their two encounters, but he downplays his chances against Reyes.

"I lost to Reyes three times already. I just hope I can win tomorrow when we play," Corteza told Sun.Star Davao. Pagulayan fall to Jharome Peña, 6-9, in their first round match. Pagulayan was the first seeded player to bow out of the tournament.

World No. 1 Dennis Orcollo of Surigao lived up to his billing after his convincing 9-1 triumph over Romeo Alcano of Davao City. Alcano was runner-up in the Sipag at Tiyaga qualifying division held at the NCCC Mall B3 Center Tuesday. Former two-time world champion Ronato Alcano of Laguna, meanwhile, booted out William Millares, 9-3, while Warren Kiamco of Cebu whipped Patricio Gonzales, 9-4.

Davao City national billiards lady player Mary Ann Basas bowed to Elmer Haya of Zamboanga, 4-9. Senator Villar opened the fourth leg of the Villards Cup that kicked off in Alabang. It went next to Cebu and Bulacan before stopping in Davao. Other first round matches were still being played as of this writing Thursday.

Reyes survives; Pagulayan tumbles

Pool maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes rallied from two racks down to escape with a 9-8 victory over unheralded Richard Pornelosa at the start of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Davao Leg Thursday at the Atrium of Gaisano Mall.

The 54-year-old Reyes had a shaky start, committing a couple of miscues that allowed Pornelosa to seize a 6-4 lead. Reyes, however, came up with a couple of magical shots to tie the count at 6-6 and reach the hill first en route to victory.

“Sometimes you need to be lucky to win,” said Reyes. “That guy (Pornelosa) is really good and he’s really on his way to beating me. I just got lucky.” Up next for Reyes is national titlist Lee Van Corteza, who beat Jundel Mazon, 9-2.

Former double world champion Ronnie Alcano likewise advanced to the Last 16 after trouncing William Millares, 9-3. He will face Villar Cup Alabang leg titlist Warren Kiamco, who beat Patrick Gonzales, 9-4, in this fourth stop of the island-hopping pool series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports in cooperation with the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines.

Current world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo is also through to the next stage as he trounced Davao qualifier Romeo Alcano, 9-1, in the three-day tournament sponsored by Camella Communities.

Former world titlist Alex Pagulayan, winner of the recent Singapore leg of the Guinness Tour, got the upset ax, yielding to Jharome Peña, 9-6. Other first round matches saw Roberto Gomez down Bugsy Promotions stablemate Johann Chua, 9-4, and Elmer Haya eliminate Mary Ann Basas, 9-4.

Reyes avoids upset to advance at Villar Cup

Efren “Bata” Reyes battled back from two racks down to dodge an upset ax and escape with a 9-8 victory over Richard Pornelosa at the start of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Davao Leg yesterday at the Atrium of Gaisano Mall here.

The 54-year-old pool icon got off to a faulty start, committing a couple of miscues that allowed his unheralded foe to seize a two-rack lead up to the 10th frame.

But not wanting to make an unceremonious exit, Reyes dug deep into his legendary bag of tricks and came up with a couple of magical shots enough to manage him to tie the count at 6-all.

He then used his overwhelming edge in experience to reach the hill first and get over it to the delight of a jampacked Davaoeno crowd that gathered to witness the country’s top cue artists competing in this fourth stop of the island-hopping pool series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports in cooperation with the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

“Sometimes you need to be lucky to win,” said Reyes. “That guy (Pornelosa) is really good and he’s really on his way to beating. I just got lucky the breaks went my way.”

Reyes will next face reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza, who demolished Jundel Mazon, 9-2, in their opening round match.

Reyes tries RP to regain World Cup crown

Philippines, which won the inaugural staging of the World Cup of Pool when bosom buddies Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante whipped the American tandem of Earl “The Pearl” Strickland and Rodney “The Rocket” Morris 13-5 in 2006 will try to regain the title this year.

This time around, Bustamante will team up with hotshot Dennis Orcollo to provide a formidable challlenge to 31 other teams from around the world when the tournament opens at Outland in Rotterdam, Holland on Oct. 7. The Filipinos appear to have a comparatively easy assignment in their first match against the Danish tandem of Martin Larsen and Kasper Kristoffersen. Larsen’s best showing so far this year has been a 17th place finish in the EuroTour in Paris while Kristoffersen’s most noteworthy performance was a 9th place finish at the Damas World 8-Ball Championship in Fujairah. Last year’s winners China will be once again represented by the talented duo of He-wen Li and JIan-bo Fu who scored a thrilling 11-10 win over the Finnish pair of Mika Immonen and Markus Juva. Luke Riches of Matchroom Sports which holds the World Cup of Pool franchise reported that Holland’s “A” team has a thrilling match in the opening round as they take on neighbors Belgium.

Nick Van Den Berg and Niels Feijen who are ranked fifth and sixth respectively in Europe, are among the favourites to win the title.

They will be backed by a large, passionate crowd as they begin their campaign against the Belgian duo of Serge Das and Noel Bruynooghe.

Reyes on Sapsal seizes pool title

Sapsal of Barangay 24-C beat Owen Candreho, 5-3, to pocket the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup 9-Ball Open Inter-Barangay Tournament title at the NCCC Mall B3 Center Sunday evening.
Sapsal, who is the brother of Bangkok Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle, pocketed the cash prize of P4,000 while Candreho settled for the runner-up prize of P2,000.

A. Mariomon and B. Jomuad who placed third and fourth, respectively, received P1,000 each in the one-day cuefest sponsored by Senator Villar for Davao City residents.
The qualifying tournament for the Villards Cup opened at B3 Monday and will culminate Tuesday. The top two qualifiers will advance to the main draw of the knockout tournament on Thursday to Saturday at the Gaisano Mall of Davao Atrium.

Efren "Bata" Reyes, Ronato Alcano, Alex Pagulayan, Valle, Roberto Gomez, Warren Kiamco, Dennis Orcollo, Lee Vann Corteza and Joven Bustamante are among the seeded players in the main draw that offers a total guaranteed cash prize of P800,000.

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.

B3 is practice venue for top cue masters including Efren "Bata" Reyes

NCCC Mall B3 (Billiards, Bowling & Bar) Center will be the practice venue for Efren "Bata" Reyes, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and other seeded players seeing action in the First Senator Manny Villar Cup 9-Ball Open Davao Leg.

Reyes and company will have their practice from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 20 at B3 before they wow the Davao fans with spectacular shots during the tournament proper set August 21 to 23 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao Atrium.

Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) secretary-general Gandy Valle bared this to Sun.Star Davao Monday evening.

"The players would like to practice the night before the tournament opens. NCCC Mall B3 Center is the best and the most qualified venue for the practices. It is air-conditioned and it has standard tables. It also accessible to Dabawenyos who want to see their idols on practice," Valle said.

B3 is also hosting the Villar Cup Sipag at Tiyaga Inter-Barangay category for Davao City residents on August 17 and the qualifying tournament on August 18 and 19 where the top two qualifiers will earn slots to the main draw of the P800,000 open cuefest.

The inter-barangay event offers P10,000 to the champion while the qualifying champion bags the P20,000 top purse. The runner-up pockets P9,000, while the third and fourth placers will each receive P3,000 each.
In the main competition, the champion might take home P300,000 cash or more.

Valle, the Villar Cup Cebu Leg champion, and fellow Davao City player Lee Vann Corteza are also seeded in the main draw along with the champions in the Alabang and Bulacan legs and reigning World Pool Championship runner-up Roberto Gomez, among other must-see cue artists.

Efren "Bata" Reyes on P800T up for grabs in Villar Cup

A Guaranteed total cash prize of P800,000 will be up for grabs in the star-studded First Senate President Manny Villar Cup 9-Ball Open Davao leg set August 21 to 23 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao Atrium.

Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) secretary-general Gandy Valle made the announcement during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn.

Valle, who guested with Davao Billiards Association (DBA) president Menlee Migellano, said the office of Senator Villar has yet to send a breakdown of the prizes, although he revealed that the champion will take home not less than P300,000. The runner-up and the next top players will also receive huge prizes.

Valle said they will also hold an inter-barangay competition on August 17 for all-Davao players and a qualifying tournament on August 18 and 19 at the NCCC Mall B3 Center. The qualifying tournament is open for those who want to earn a slot to the main event to be held at the Gaisano Mall.

Migellano said the inter-barangay champion will pocket P10,000 while the qualifying champion will bag P20,000 and book a slot in the Villar Cup Open along with the runner-up who will get P9,000. The qualifying third and fourth placers, meanwhile, will go home with P3,000 each.

Valle, a former Bangkok Asian Games doubles gold medallist, confirmed the participation of pool sharks Efren "Bata" Reyes, current World No. 1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, reigning World Pool runner-up Roberto Gomez, Davao City's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games back-to-back medallist and New York champion Lee Vann Corteza and former two-time world pool champion Ronato Alcano, among other big names.

"Only Francisco 'Django' Bustamante can't make it to the Davao leg because he has a campaign abroad on the same schedule as our tournament here. The leg champions in Alabang, Cebu and Bulacan will also come and put up a stiff challenge," said Valle, who won the Cebu leg of the prestigious cuefest.

Valle downplayed his chances to winning the Davao leg title citing the huge cast of veterans entered in the knockout, race-to-nine, alternate-break format meet. "I'll just focus on my game," he said.

Villar is the guest speaker in the opening rites on August 21 and he will also be on hand to award the prizes on August 23.

Bata flirts with disaster, rallies past young foe

Pool legend Efren "Bata" Reyes turned back youthful Jomar de Ocampo as he pulled off a scary 9-7 win to remain in the hunt in the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bulacan leg at the Event Center of SM City in Marilao, Bulacan Saturday. Reyes, 54, bounced back from a 0-3 deficit with a variety of remarkable shots to the delight of the big crowd as he completed the come-from-behind victory to stay in contention in the chase for the top P300,000 purse staked in the series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports and sponsored by Camella Communities.

"It‘s really difficult to win these days because there are now so many good young players," said Reyes in Filipino. "But this is good for the sport and Jomar is one of our top young players. If he continues to shine, he’ll go far. De Ocampo racked up the first three racks. But the 20-year-old rising star from Alaminos, Pangasinan made several misses in the succeeding frames, enabling Reyes to come back behind a 6-1 run, anchored on a number of spectacular shots as he grabbed the lead at 6-4.

He then protected his turn at the table in the alternate break format to secure the win that moved him into the Last 16 of this three-day event organized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) and supported by Puyat Sports, Bugsy Promotions, Negros Billiards Stable and ER Cues. He was set to face next another promising player in Ricky Zerna, who subdued Richard Pornelosa in their opening round encounter.

Fellow former two-time world champion Ronnie Alcano was not as lucky as he bowed to hometown bet Egie "Marilao" Geronimo, 9-7, to become the biggest casualty in the tournament. Egged on by his townmates, Geronimo, who defeated Reyes, 9-1, in the Villar Cup Cebu leg last June, quickly surged to a commanding 7-2 lead, and then quashed Alcano’s late-game push to score one of the biggest win in his career.

Defending champion Gandy also survived an upset attempt by defending Search for the New Billiards Idol champion Joey Pardales, escaping with a 9-7 win. He will next face Rodolfo Luat, who demolished Godofredo Ducanes, 9-3. Former world no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante and reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza won against top female bet Rubilen Amit (9-3) and William Chua (9-3), respectively, to arrange a round-of-16 collision against each other.

Other first round matches saw Jundel Mazon downing Benjie Guevarra, 9-3; Ramil Gallego manhandling Johann Chua. 9-1; 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto Gomez blasting Mike Takayama, 9-5; William Millares upending Kuwait’s Abdulah Al Yousef, 9-6; Carlo Biado trouncing Michael Feliciano, 9-5; Russian Petiza defeating Mark Mendoza, 9-4; Elmer Haya humiliating Panfilo Damuag, 9-1; Jharome Pena edging out Dondon Razalan, 9-8; and Villar Cup Alabang leg winner Warren Kiamco beating Romar Villones 9-3.

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.

Bata-Led Team Begins Qatar World Open 9-Ball Campaign

Filipino pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes will lead the assault of a strong Philippine contingent as the tough Qatar Open 9-Ball tournament gets going on June 29-July 5 at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation, Al Muntazah Road , Doha , Qatar.
Fondly called "The Magician" in the pool arena, the pride of Angeles City, Pampanga is aching to bounce back from the embarrassment he suffered in the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup in Cebu against a virtually unknown Rodrigo Geronimo, 9-1.

"I hope to perform well in Qatar World 9-Ball Open after my sub-par performance in Cebu Open ," said Reyes. " But what ever happen, I wish a Filipino can win the championship's trophy in Qatar," added Reyes, who is the first Filipino World Pool Champion in 1999.

Other notable Filipino bets competing here are Francisco "Django" Bustamante, world No.1 Dennis Orcollo, reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza and Warren Kiamco.

Former Asian snooker champion Marlon Manalo, 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open titlist Jeffrey De Luna and 2006 Doha Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica will also see action in this event that offers $40,000 to the winner. They will take a short rest after grueling battles in the Puerto Princesa Cup, second leg of the Philippine Pool Tour before heading to Qatar.

Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Ernesto Fajardo expressed optimism on the Filipinos' chances in this tournament despite a tiring schedule they encountered. "We have a good chance in this event," said Fajardo. "Our players are coming off from separate tournaments. These tournaments might sharpen them a bit for the Qatar tournament."     

Taiwanese ace Chia-Ching Wu, who ruled the second leg of the RP Pool Tour, will also join the event along with compatriot Pin-Yi Ko, the reigning world junior champion. A formidable cast of foreign participants from Europe and the United States will also compete. Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany and Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening of the US are also the favorites in the tournament.   

All these players are already seeded in the tournament proper of this $150,000 event. Cebu leg champion Gandy Valle, Ramil Gallego and snooker specialist Benjie Guevarra will participate in the stage one elimination on June 27.  However, if another slot opens in the main draw, the Japan-based Gallego is the top priority according to Fajardo because his superb performance in the past.

Around 96 players will see action in this event. They will be divided into eight groups with 12 players each. They will play in a double elimination, alternate break, race-to-nine format.

IPT Challenge Match: Efren Reyes Vs Austin Murphy

The IPT's "Viewers' Choice" voting saw living pool legend Efren Reyes and rising star Austin Murphy selected as contenders in the next IPT Challenge Match. The match will be broadcast live on the IPT website on 29th April 2008, and is absolutely free for anyone to watch.

The broadcast will also feature an undercard match of 14.1 (Straight Pool) between Germany's Oliver Ortmann and John 'Mr 400' Schmidt of the USA. The match is going to be played on the traditional slow-nap cloth that was popular when players like Willie Mosconi and Ralph Greenleaf dominated the sport. Both Ortmann and Schmidt are looking forward to the challenge of playing Straight Pool on the traditional slow-nap cloth, which is made by Gorina for the International Pool Tour.

Efren "Bata" Reyes on 4th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner

It was another full house for the 2008 One Pocket Hall of Fame dinner held Tuesday night during the middle of the action at the Derby City Classic in Louisville, Kentucky. With special guests with names like Reyes, Varner, Bustamante and Corr, and veterans of the road like Di Liberto, LeBron and Rood, the room was chock full of veteran players and fans of pool action. This was truly an occasion of great players being honored by their peers. Like One Pocket inductee Billy Incardona said, “To be honored among all these great champions is really something special.”

Co-Master of Ceremonies Grady Mathews and Freddy ‘The Beard’ Bentivegna led numerous other guest speakers in honoring each inductee in turn. Of course there were old road stories galore, and plenty of good-natured ribbing, but there were a few surprisingly touching stories as well. As much as these players have butted heads over the years, it is something special to see the genuine respect these guys have for each other when it comes time for Hall of Fame honors.

First up was this year’s Lifetime Pool in Action award that went to Jimmy Reid, the champion player who has been fighting a tough personal battle against esophageal cancer. Jimmy not only came to Louisville to receive his award, he valiantly entered all three divisions of the tournament, which is tough enough for those in good health to handle. When the banquet crowd was asked to “raise your hand if you’ve got Jimmy Reid stuck,” not a single hand went up in a room loaded with great players, past and present. The man is a definite fighter, with a very strong will to survive, and we all wish him the very best.

Turning our attention to the One Pocket inductees, Philadelphia’s Jimmy Fusco was honored, and good-naturedly harangued, as his cousin Pete Fusco and others described Jimmy’s unrestrained desire to tangle with the best, even if it meant going broke. Their entertaining narratives illustrated that to become the best, you have to compete against the best. Jimmy was clearly humbled to be considered one of the best, and in Freddy Bentivegna’s words, “One of the very select few that truly understand the right way to play the game.”

JoAnn (Jansco) McNeal graciously accepted induction for her father and uncle, the brothers George and Paulie Jansco, for their contribution to the legacy of the game as promoters. Between the Johnston City and Stardust tournaments, these two dressed up both the game and the players, got pool on TV, and into the history books for all time. Danny Di Liberto shared a few of his personal Johnston City stories, as he likened his own experience there to going to pool college – especially a college for pool gambling. In his rookie year at Johnston City, the veteran hustler Earl Schriver advised the young and admittedly square Di Liberto, “Kid, keep your mouth shut and your ears open and you’ll learn a lot.” It is hard to overestimate the significance of Johnston City to the legacy of ‘Pool in Action’, and the induction of George & Paulie Jansco is long overdue...

Freddie ‘The Beard’ introduced a dapper and dignified Billy Incardona, who clearly had a great time, equally ribbing his peers and basking in the recognition for an exemplary career as a great player, a savvy gambler, a wise and entertaining commentator, and a human being with a big heart. Player after player paid respects to Billy’s forty years of winning pool, and he’s not done yet, having been spotted several times in the action room at the Derby this year, with cue in hand and cash on the line. Pat Fleming spoke about the important role Billy played in turning Accustats from a statistical reporting concept for pool into the industry leader in pool videos.

Last, but not least, was the induction of banking legend Donny Anderson in the Legends of Bank Pool category. His long-time rival and fellow Hall of Fame member, Truman Hogue, joined ‘The Beard’ in introducing ‘The Cincinnati Kid’. For years and years Donny was a banking terror in a town that had some terrors. Truman acknowledged that he never could beat Donny, and hated competing against him all those years, until finally he became a fan himself, admitting, “I guess he beat me so much I began to like him.” Despite his physical frailty, Donny was determined to stand out of his wheel chair and be helped up to the podium, where he brought the evening to a rousing conclusion with a surprisingly strong voice.

Meanwhile, Ed Kelly, who has been unable to attend the annual HOF dinner since his 2005 election into the One Pocket Hall of Fame, was able to slip over to Louisville on the Sunday after the Derby City Classic ended to receive his belated induction. In a small private gathering of legends of pool action assembled by photographer Diana Hoppe, Grady Mathews surprised Kelly with his HOF plaque.