Philippine pride Jerico Banares have just eliminated the reigning ang depending 10 Ball Champion Mika Immonen of Finland via 7-9 upset. It was his second loss in World Pool Billiard (–foul word(s) removed–)ociation event after his defeat in the hands of Chinese, Li Won Lo. The Philippine Open was held on the jampacked SM Megamall.
Popular cue artists from the different part of the globe were participating to the event. Philippine billiard players were popular in the world.
Meanwhile double world champion Ronnie Alcano suffered a setback against the Kuwaiti’s Al Yousuf with a score of 9-4 in favor of the Kuwaiti. Alcano the former World 9-Ball and World 8-Ball champion have suffered earlier a defeat against Korea’s Hwang Yong, 4-9.
Two other Filipinos have been booted out of the competition after suffering a lost against their counterparts. Jeff de Luna was overpowered by Vietnamese Nguyen Puc Long with a score of 9-6 in favor of the Vietnamese. Marlon Manalo on the other hand lost to fellow Filipino Carlo Biado.
One of the surprise in this year’s tournament was the Kuwaiti based Filipino Allan Cuartero becoming the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16 although he suffered his first lost of the tournament against World 8-Ball champion Dennis Orcullo.
The other Filipinos on that advanced to the round of 16 were Carlo Biadoafter eliminating compatriots Marlon Manalo (9-3) and Demosthenes Pulpul (9-1), joining Ramil Gallego, who also moved into the next round with a tense 9-4 triumph over Japanese ace Naoyuki Oi.
Also making to the round of 16 were Lee Van Corteza, who overwhelmed Chinese-Taipei’s Chang Jung Lin, 9-5, and unheralded Rolando dela Cruz, who bested Indonesia’s Siauw Wieto, 9-4.
Dennis Orcollo was to play Ralf Soquet of Germany last night for a spot in the last 16 while compatriots Antonio Lining and Jundel Mazon were to clash for a spot in the next round.
In the latest development Jerico Banares was lost to Kuwait’s Abdullah Al Yousuf with a score of 9-6 favoring the visiting Kuwaiti.