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Topic: *Industry News* May 2010

CORTEZA STREAK CONTINUES; BATA, MISTICA OUSTED IN US 10-BALL TOUR
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

REIGNING NATIONAL champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza continued his winning ways to keep the Philippine flag high, however compatriot hall of famer Efren “Bata” Reyes and veteran campaigner Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica bowed out yesterday in the ongoing 1st Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open at the Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles California, USA.

The Davao City native Corteza, top player of Jonathan Sy’s Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) smashed American Corey Harper, 9-1, to remain unbeaten in the true double elimination, winner’s break format.

“Talagang hindi ko binigyan ng pagkakataon si Corey (Harper) at buwenas din kasi laging pumapabor ang bola sa akin,” said Corteza to his long-time benefactor sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy, the president of the rising Negros Billiards Stable (NBS).

“I hope mahawakan ni Van-Van (Lee Vann Corteza) ang kanyang momentum,” said sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy, also co-founder of Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

Corteza, who took a bye in the first round subdued Steve Chaplin, 9-0,

Ismael Paez,, 9-1, and Stevie Moore, 9-1, respectively.

Meanwhile, Reyes and Mistica suffered the biggest setbacks of the day and failed to advance in the next round in the loser’s brackets.

Reyes was ousted by compatriot Warren “Warrior” Kiamco, 9-6, a multiple Southeast Asian Games gold medalist from Pasil, Cebu while Mistica, who is best to remember by beating Filipino pool legend Jose “Amang” Parica in the mid 80’s suffered a 9-8 beating against Ed Mataya.

The 1999 WPA World 9-Ball Champion and 2005 WPA World 8-Ball Champion Reyes, the prize fighter of sportsman/ businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat also bye in the first round, then demolished Melinda Huang, 9-5, 2-time US Open Champion and 2009 Player of the Year Mika “The Iceman” Immonen of Finland, 9-1, before losing to American Rodney “Rocket” Morris, 9-6, in the winner’s side.

Reyes, from Angeles, Pampanga suffered his second loses to Kiamco, 9-6, in their do-or die match in the one-loss side.

Mistica, on the other hand scored back-to-back victories over Chris Tate, 9-2, and Abe Lim, 9-2, before losing to Harper, 9-8, in the winner’s side. Mistica, a resident of Murphy, Cubao, Quezon City came back by beating Ronnie Wiseman of the US, 9-8, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 9-4, but yielded to Mataya, 9-8.

Kiamco, also from NBS, also bye in the first round then beat Marcos Rodriguez, 9-5, but lost to Dave Grau, 9-6, but keeping alive in the loser’s brackets by beating Al Garcia, James Burt and Reyes, respectively.

2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, meanwhile succumbed to Morris, 9-1, forcing him relegated in the loser’s brackets.

Morris, tormentor of Reyes in the winner’s side, didn’t give any chances Gomez, playing under the banner of Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions.

Other Filipino campaigners here were LA sports columnist Ambrosio “Jun” Almoite, George Pagulayan and Jaynard Orque.


Lee Van Corteza and Ramon Mistica (Photo courtesy Marlon Bernardino).

CORTEZA BEATS MORRIS; WINS US 10-BALL TOUR; POCKETS $4,000
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza defeated American Rodney “Rocket” Morris, bagging the top prize of 1st Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open at the Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles California, USA, on Monday (Late Sunday in US Time).

The Davao City Corteza, top player of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable, beat Morris, 11-7, in their rematch on the final to capture the top prize of $4,000 after clinching his first major title this year.

Actually, Corteza raced to a 8-4 commanding lead and never looked back.

" I would like to thank Sir Jo (Jonathan Sy) who always helping me in my local and international campaign,” said Corteza, who lost to Mika “The Iceman” Immonen of Finland for the WPA World Ten-Ball tiara in Manila last November

En route to the race-to-11, winner’s break final, Corteza, the reigning national open champion beat another American hopeful Max “Mad Max” Eberle, 9-7.

“Once again, congratulations Van-Van (Corteza). You have made every Filipino proud of your triumph,” long-time benefactor sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy, the president of the rising Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) said of the top player of NBS.

Other Filipinos who joined the 1st Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open were hall of famer Efren “Bata” Reyes, 2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, Japan Champion Warren “Warrior” Kiamco, veteran campaigner Ramon “Maestro Monching”Mistica, LA sports columnist Ambrosio “Jun” Almoite, George Pagulayan and Jaynard Orque.

Corteza needed to go through the grueling one-loss side.

After getting a bye in the first round, Corteza defeated Steve Chaplin, (9-0) , Ismael Paez (9-1), Stevie Moore , (9 – 1), and Corey Harper, (9 – 1).

He lost to Morris, (9-8 ), in the sixth round of winner’s side bracket.

Then he came back by beating Kiamco, ( 9 – 7), Oscar Dominguez , (9 – 5), and Max Eberle ,( 9 -7), to arrange a titular rematch showdown with Morris.

The Filipino pool sharks are schedule to play in the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters on May 12 to 16 and the inaugural United States Open 10-Ball Championships on May 17 to 22, both will be held at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

Sandor Tot wins Timisoara Open

Hello all,

Sandor Tot won Timisoara Open and the prize of 1200 Euro !!! He defeated 9-8 his country man Goran Mladenovic.
3rd-4th place - Cristea Ovidiu and Melkonyan Babken

Enjoy pool,
Iulian
http://bilebile.blogspot.com/
http://biliardforum.ro/index.php

TOP RP BETS SEEK GLORY; CORTEZA EYES ANOTHER US BILLIARDS TITLE
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

A dozen of Filipino cue artists, led by reigning national open champion Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza, will see action in the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters on May 12 to 16 and the inaugural United States Open 10-Ball Championships on May 17 to 22, both will be held at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United Sates.

“I hope to do well in the Las Vegas events,” said Corteza.

Joining Corteza are former world champions---Efren “Bata” Reyes, Ronato “Volcano” Alcano and Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan---heavy weights Jose “Amang” Parica, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo, Marlon “Marvelous” Manalo, Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, Warren “Warrior” Kiamco, Santos "The Saint" Sambajon and Ramon “Maestro Monching”Mistica, among others.

The Davao City native Corteza, top player of Jonathan Sy’s Negros Billiards Stable is fresh from winning the 1st Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open at the Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles California, USA, last Monday.

Corteza turned back American Rodney “Rocket” Morris, 11-7, in the finals enroute the top prize of $4,000.

“I think both players have a great chance to win considering their domination in the past international event,” said long-time benefactor sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy, the president of the rising Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) to the Pinoy cue artists.

MORA BEATS FLORES; TOPS STAR TIGER CUP 10-BALL TOURNEY
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

LITTLE-KNOWN Lee Gabriel Mora edged Bob Flores, 9-8, in the finals to rule the May edition of Star Tiger Cup 10-ball tournament was held at the Star Billiards Center in no.46 Joy. Street in Grace Village, Quezon City, on Monday.

With the feat, Mora received the top prize of P25,000 plus Universal Cue Case worth P3,000 in the one-day event hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian “Baste” Chua, also the president of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).

Flores, meanwhile went home runner-up prize of P10,000.

Enly Santiano and Hushley Jusayan filled up the top four spots for P5,000 each.

Fifth to 8th placers for P2,000 each were Judi Villanueva, Ian Fabian, Carlos Policarpio and Richard Yangao.

The May edition of Star Tiger Cup was participated by a total of 378 players.

2011 Billiards, the Official Rules and Records Book

Now Available!

2011 Rule BookHot off the Press!

The new edition of the Billiards: Official Rules & Records Book is available to the public. A must-have resource for the billiard industry, the 2011 BCA Official Rules & Records Book contains the current World-Standardized Rules for 8-Ball, 9-Ball, 14.1, One Pocket and many other popular games.

In addition, the book includes: fully illustrated schematics, diagrams and sketches; a brief history of the game; the entire BCA Hall of Fame biographies; tournament results and records; and instructional tips.

The record book section of the publication grows to include the champions named from a wide range of major events. You'll enjoy learning the results from all the major billiard events.

Copies of the rule book can be purchased online via the BCA Store at bcastore.com. Or, orders can be placed by contacting the BCA at 303.243.5070.

Volume discounts are available for BCA members.

RAJ IS READY FOR THE MASTERS AND IS HUNGRY FOR MORE SUCCESS

The race to Vegas is one of the biggest events in the pool calendar with 64 of the world's top players from 25 different nations competing for the coveted title of being the World Pool Masters Champion. The 2010 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters will take place from Wednesday, May 12 to Sunday, May 16 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

A run to the last 16 of the 2005 World Pool Championships saw Raj given a spot into his first World Pool Masters in 2005. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he recovered from 7-1 down to win a memorable final against American Rodney Morris. Raj is back in the Masters again and is still hungry for more success.

Back from a win a title defence at the InterPool Open, Raj is more confident than ever. “Recently I have played pool in events and matches and have practiced and trained as hard as I did when I was coming up in the game. I have always had a good run at the Masters and other big events and aim to win this again. This will be the toughest Masters ever to win and personally feel it will be a tougher field to beat than the one at the World Pool Championship, but I like that challenge. It is the challenge and my fans that keep competing at this high level.”

www.rajhundal.com             


“Rocket” Rodney Morris congratulates Raj “The Hitman” Hundal after the final of the 2005 Masters

“DJANGO” BUSTAMANTE BEATS “SCORPION” ARCHER RULES WPBL IN WINNIPEG
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FORMER WORLD NO.1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante lived up to his top billing to clinch the inaugural event of the World Professional Billiard League dubbed as Super Series of Billiards at the Mc Phillips Station Casino in Winnipeg, Canada, over the weekend.

Bustamante, one of the top players of sportsman/ businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat defeated American Johnny “The Scorpion” Archer, 5-2, in the finals.

Other invited players in the round-robin format were Nick Varner, Shane Van Boening, Corey Deuel and Charlie Williams and John Schmidt of the United States and Erik Hjorleifson of Canada.

The format of the league was set up so each player of the World Professional Billiard League (WPBL) played the exact same amount of games as each other player, in the round robin event. The top four players played races after the round robin. After the super series was over, each player was awarded points that they would carry forward through the season. Bustamante tallied a total 60 points.

“Magandang balita ito sa Philippine Billiards. Ang pagkapanalo ni Lee Vann (Corteza) sa Los Angeles at pagkapanalo naman ni Django (Bustamante) sa Canada. Hope maganda ang magiging resulta ng ating top Filipino pool players sa Las Vegas events this weekend,” said RP billiards God Father Aristeo “Putch” Puyat.

It was a third major title of Bustamante early this year. Bustamante, is member of the winning Team Asia who routed the Team Europe last January 17 in Brunei dubbed as Asia vs Europe Challenge Match.

Other members of Team Asia were hall of famer Efren “Bata” Reyes, Hui Chan Lu and Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan and Teo Che Soon of Brunei. Each of them received $5,400 for their effort.

Last March 21, Bustamante defeated Puyat Sports stablemate Reyes for the crown of the 23rd Annual Japan Open - Open Division in Tokyo Japan enroute the top prize of $16,000.

World Professional Snooker Comes To Donegal

Snooker enthusiasts in the Northwest are in for a feast of world class snooker when Ireland’s first ever invitational professional snooker challenge comes to Donegal. The one day event features 4 world class snooker players/celebrities and indeed includes 3 quarter-finalists at this year’s world snooker championships. With £7,000 in prizemoney on offer the atmosphere should be tense and exciting.

The event is taking place in the magnificent CLANREE Hotel in Letterkenny on Saturday 3rd July with the event kicking off at 12 Noon with a semi-final between 2005 World Snooker Champion Shaun Murphy and 2 times world snooker semi-finalist Joe Swail. Murphy is noted for his widely acclaimed cue action and his consistent long potting. In the 2008/2009 season he won the UK Championship and reached the World Championship final. Joe Swail has reached ten major ranking semi-finals, including the 2000 and 2001 World Championships but only one final. Swail is renowned for playing well at the Crucible Theatre, having reached the last 16 on four further occasions.

The second semi-final at 3PM will feature the Jester from Leicester Mark Selby and Antrim’s very own Mark Allen. Selby runner up in the World Snooker Championship 2007 he was the 2006 WEPF World Eight-ball Champion. Selby has won the Masters on two occasions and the Welsh Open, to date his only ranking-tournament success. Selby’s opponent Allen won the World Amateur Championship in 2004. The following year he turned professional and took only three seasons to reach the elite World's Top-16. For the 2009/2010 season, he is ranked no. 11, up five places from the previous year. A left-hander, Allen's highest break to date is a 146 which he has achieved twice, once in the 2007 UK Championship qualifiers and at the 2010 World Snooker Championship. His break-building style is a little unorthodox in the modern game, in that he rarely goes into the pack of reds early in a break, preferring to pick off loose reds and establish a lead.

There are two types of tickets available for this feast of snooker. VIP tickets are available at 60 Euro. This entitles premium seats for the two semi-finals and final of the event. Also these tickets will entitle holders to attend a pre-final reception where there will be food and also an opportunity to meet all the players and referee Michaela Tabb for autographs and photographs. These tickets are limited in number. Standard admission tickets are also available and priced at 35 euro which will again admit holders to all 3 matches. Both types of tickets are available from the Clanree Hotel Letterkenny. The semi-final matches will be best of 9 frames and the final best of 11 frames. All matches will be refereed by well known celebrity and professional snooker referee Michaela Tabb.

VIP TICKETS:------60 euros
* Premium Seats for two Semi-Finals & Final
* Pre Final reception (food served)
* Opportunity to meet the players & referee Michaela Tabb
* Autographs & Photographs

NOTE: ----These tickets are limited
STANDARD AMISSION TICKETS: ------- 35 euros
* Covers admission to three matches ------ (two Semi-Finals & Finals)

TICKETS / INFORMATION:                                    
* Tickets are available from the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal            
* Tickets plus information is also available by contacting 07917887147 or 086-8211302

LETTERKENNY:

A great and lively night out in Letterkenny after the snooker is guaranteed with the Clanree Hotel doing special rates for over night stay for this new and fantastic Professional Snooker Tournament.

GOMEZ REACH KNOCKOUT STAGE; ‘BATA’, ‘DJANGO’, ALCANO CRASHES OUT IN 2010 PARTY POKER WORLD POOL MASTERS IN VEGAS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

ROBERTO GOMEZ, dubbed as Pinoy Superman showed nerves of steel to beat former world 9-ball champion Earl Strickland of the United States (9-5) and heavyweight Huidji See of the Netherlands (9-8 ) in Group 2 to reach the knockout phase (round of 32) of the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters being held yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United Sates.

Gomez, one of the top players of Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions tallied two wins in group stage of the double elimination competition, enough to enter in the straight knock out stages of the $100,000 total pot prize event with the champion getting the lion share of $20,000.

However, not as fortunate were compatriots Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Ronnie “Volcano” Alcano suffered two loses crashing out of the competition.

Reyes, the 2010 Player of the Decade defeated David Alcaide of Spain (9-3) but yielded to fellow former World 9-ball champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany (6-9) the he lost to reigning World 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain (6-9) in their do-or die match in Group 3.

Bustamante, who is fresh from winning the World Professional Billiard League dubbed as Super Series of Billiards at the Mc Phillips Station Casino in Winnipeg, Canada, over the weekend lost to Do Hong Quan of Vietnam (8-9) but bounced back after eliminating countryman Alcano (9-6) but fell to Oliver Ortmann of Germany (2-9) in their do-or-die match in Group 4.

The Calamba hotshot Alcano, a former World 9-ball and 8-ball champion earlier bowed to Tyler Edey of Canada (4-9) in the first match.

Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo is schedule to play today with Shaun Wilkie of the USA in Group 5 as well Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza will square off with Carlos Cabello of Spain in Group 6.

Corteza, the reigning national open champion tries a back-to-back US title after winning the 1st Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open at the Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles California, USA, last Monday.

Former US Open 9-ball champion Shane Van Boening of the United States was the tournament’s first big casualty. He lost to Yevgeny Novosad of Ukraine (8-9) beat countryman David Grau (9-5) but lost to Jason Klatt of Canada (5-9) in Group 1.

Other player’s who make it to the next round were Raj Hundal of India, Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan, Huidji See of the Netherlands, Dennis Hatch of the USA, John Morra of Canada, Naoyuko Oi of Japan and Mark Gray of England.

Defending champion is Darren Appleton of Great Britain. Appleton also won the inauguration of WPA World Ten-Ball in Manila two years ago.

United States Pool Players Association & Reno Open To Re-Rack at The Peppermill
With Full Fields In All Events Prize Money will Exceed $200,000

San Francisco, California – May 10, 2010 - After 27 years and over 45 events, The United States Pool Players Association (USPPA) is pleased to announce the Reno Open will relocate to the fabulous Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada. The complete schedule of events will take place between November 19th and December 6th, 2010.

Tony Annigoni, President of The USPPA and Principal in Two Cushion Club which will manage the event dubbed The Pacific Rim International Billiard Expo explains, “We thank the Sands Regency for all its support over the years, however, the future for our association and in some ways billiards in America, is with The Peppermill.”

With a new home and more space, the event menu is expanding. While the Reno Open and USPPA Pro Am will once again be the main stays, the word International is not merely a title. “Working with The WPA in 2008 to host the World Juniors and World Wheel Chair tournaments reinforced for me how international the game is and, in some ways, how billiards internationally is in much better shape than in the States.” Annigoni continued. “I was looking for a venue and added formats that would enhance the International presence as well as deliver a playing format that would give American players, who I still feel are the best in the world, ‘For the Cash’ a chance to shine. To that end, we’ve added a new event, The Simonis Tour Championship which will run conjunctively with the Reno Open. And as an incentive to encourage participation, we’re also adding the Two Cushion Club Poker Challenge.”

The Peppermill Resort Spa Casino features 1,635 luxurious rooms and suites, two resort pools, 10 award-winning restaurants, 16 themed bars and lounges including EDGE nightspot and Terrace Lounge, free nightly entertainment in the Casino Cabaret, 24/7 gaming action, headliner entertainment as well as the 43,000 square foot Spa & Salon Toscana and Fitness Center featuring northern Nevada’s only Caldarium with indoor pool, sun deck and Secret Garden.

ORCULLO REACH LAST 32; CORTEZA FALL IN WORLD POOL MASTERS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO Dennis Orcullo made the last 32 via the one loss side, however compatriot Lee Vann Corteza was booted out in the on-going 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United Sates.

Orcullo, one of the top players of Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions defeated Aussie Jasmin Ouschan, 9-4, in their do-or-die match in Group 5 to progress.

After tied at 3-all in the sixth rack, Orcullo clustered four straight racks for a 7-3 comfortable lead in this race-to-9, winner’s break 9-ball competition.

Ouschan trimmed down to 7-4 rack score but the former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur never looked back for a 9-4 win.

Earlier, Orcullo beat Shaun Wilkie ng USA, 9-1, but lost to Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 9-8, to face Osuchan in their do-or-die match.

Corteza, the reigning national open champion, meantime suffered two loses in Group 6 to joined compatriots Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Ronnie “Volcano” Alcano in the exit door of the true double elimination format in the group play.

Corteza beat Carlo Cabello of Spain, 9-2, in the first match but bowed to former US Open 9-ball ruler John Schmidt of the USA, 9-8.

According to Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica, the spokesman of the Filipino cue artists, Corteza leading 8-6 but miscue in the No.2 ball in the 15th racks as Schmidt close the match at 8-7. The next game won by Schmidt to tied the game at 8-all in the 16th racks.

Corteza had a chance to win the game but suffered a scratch allowing Schmidt to escape a narrow 9-8 victory to progress.

After the setback, Corteza lost to Jayson Shaw of the USA, 9-4, in their do-or die match.

With the win, Orcullo made it to the Last 32 along with Bugsy Promotions stablemate Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez.

Sportsman/ Businessman Perry Mariano is very confident that his ward will perform well in the next round.

“ Matibay naman ang dibdib nina Gomez (Roberto) at Orcullo (Dennis) kaya tiyak kong uusad sila sa next round,” said Perry Mariano, long-time benefactor of Gomez and Orcullo.

The Round-of-32 is schedule today, Saturday using the single knock-out format, according to Mistica.

Orcullo will meet again Chamat as well Gomez goes up against Huidje See of the Netherlands who beaten him in the group stage the other day..

If Orcullo luckily beat Chamat, he will face the winner of the match between Raj Hundal of India and Ernesto Dominguez of Mexico for the Last 16.

If Gomez survived against See, he will meet Dennis Hatch of the USA and Jayson Klatt of Canada.

The US$100,000 total pot prize event offers US$20,000 to the champion.

ORCULLO ADVANCE TO WORLD POOL MASTERS QUARTERS; GOMEZ PREVAILS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

WORLD MONEY GAME KING Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo scored back-to-back victories to keep the Philippine Flag high and became the first player who made it to the quarterfinal-round of the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United Sates.

Orcullo, top players of Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions ousted Marcus Chamat of Sweden (9-7) in the Last 32 then routed Raj Hundal of India (9-1) in the Last 16 to advance in the Last 8 of the single knock-out format in the US$100,000 total pot prize tournament which offers US$20,000 in the 9-ball competition.

“Hindi ko sasayangin ang binigay na pagkakataon sa akin nina Sir Perry at Mam Verna Mariano. Gagawin ko ang aking best na maiuwi ang korona sa bansa para sa ating bayan,” said Orcullo, a former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

“I hope mahawakan nina Gomez (Roberto) at Orcullo (Dennis) ang kanilang momentum,” said Bugsy Promotions president Perry Mariano.

Another Bugsy stalwart Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, meantime eliminated Huidje See of the Netherlands (9-4) in the Last 32 to progress.

According to Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica, spokesman of the Filipino cue artists in the Las Vegas tourney, Gomez, the 2007 World Pool Finalist will meet Jayson Shaw of the USA in the Last 16 which schedule on Sunday. Shaw beat Dennis Hatch (9-5) in the Last 32 yesterday.

If Gomez luckily beat Shaw, he will face the survivor of Ricky Yang of Indonesia and Ralf Souquet of Germany tussle for the Sweet 16.

Yang, on the other hand nipped Stevie Moore of the USA (9-8 ) in the Last 32 while Souquet trounced Do Hong Quan of Vietnam (9-7).

Orcullo Last 8 opponents either John Morra of Canada and 2006 US Open 9-ball ruler John Schmidt of the USA who still battling out in the Last 16.

Morra edged Rafael Martinez of Mexico (9-7) in the Last 32 while Schmidt beat Jason Klatt of Canada (9-8 ).

Orcullo and Gomez will possible meet in the semi-final round if they can defeated their respective rivals.

Orcullo, the 2009 International Predator 10-ball champion is the first player who made it to the quarter-final round.

Other matches saw in the Last 32 were Naoyuki Oi of Japan dealt Evgeni Novosad of Ukraine (9-7); Charlie Williams of the USA beat Lo Li-Wen of China (9-8 ); Daryl Peach of Great Britain waylaid countryman Karl Boyes (9-4); Toru Kuribayashi of Japan shocked Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan (9-3); Rodney Morris of the USA crushed Mark Gray of (9-6); Oliver Ortmann of Germany whacked defending champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain (9-7) and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany bested Niels Feijen of the Netherlands (9-5).

STAR TIGER CUP 2010 10 BALL TOURNEY IS NOW ON FULL SWING
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE registration for the staging of Star Tiger Cup 2010 10-ball monthly tournament on May 31 to June 6 is now on full swing at the famous Star Billiards Center, no.46 Joy Street, Grace Village, Quezon City.

The tournament is open to all billiard enthusiasts from Class A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D and D-with handicapping in the event hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian “Baste” Chua, president of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).

The champion will bring home the top prize of P25,000, or Maxima 2 Billiard table worth P30,000, the runner-up will get P10,000 or Lucasi/Universal Cue worth P12,000, the third and fourth placer will receive P5,000 each or Predator Class B shaft (5/16 x18 ) and Star Cue, the fifth to 8th placer will receive P2,000 each of Universal Cue Case worth P3,000.

The top four finishers each month are automatically seeded in the Challenge of Champion Finale on December 18 with the grand champion will receive P50,000.

For inquires, call Michael Tan at (0922) 872-9922, (0909) 2222225; Joyren at (0922) 856-9736 and Anthony (0922) 864-2249.

DENNIS ORCULLO TOPS WORLD POOL MASTERS; POCKETS $20,000
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

ADD World Pool Masters now to the name of Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo.

The former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao, winner of the 2008 Qatar 9-Ball International Open and 2009 International Predator 10-ball, added the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters to his growing list of tournament achievements when he topped yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Orcullo, the most feared Filipino player in the money-game, regarded as Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions’ top bet, bested Japanese player Toru Kuribayashi (8-3) in the finals to bag the title and top purse of $20,000. Kuribayashi on the other hand receive the runner-up prize of $10,000.

Losing semi-finalists 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez and former World 9-ball champion Oliver Ortmann of Germany, likewise received $ 5,000 each.

Actually, Kuribayashi, a relatively unknown in the pool world, jumped to a 3-1 lead in the race-to-8, winner’s break format $100,000 total pot prize tournament.

However, Orcullo came back and never looked back.

“Y’ung laro ko kay Kuribayashi (Toru) ay ganoon din ang laro ko kay Gomez (Roberto) na naunahan agad ako sa umpisa. Ang hirap humabol kasi race-to-8 lamang ang laro at winner’s break format pa. Buti na lamang pumabor y’ung bola sa sumunod na tagpo,” added Orcullo.

“Heart before talent ang kailangan para mag champion. The likes of Efren (Reyes), Django (Bustamante), Ronnie (Alcano), Lee Vann (Corteza) and Alex (Pagulayan) mahirap hanapin,” said sportsman/ businessman Perry Mariano of Bugsy Promotions.

On the roads to the finals, Orcullo turned back Gomez (8-6) in their semi-final match to take the first finals berth.

Kuribayashi, meantime subdued Ortmann (8-3) in the second semi-final match to arranged a titular showdown with Orcullo.

Earlier, Gomez, trounced World 9-ball and 8-ball champion Ralf “Kaiser” Souquet of Germany (8-5) in the quarter-final round to forged an-all Filipino semi-final affair. Orcullo, routed John Morra of Canada (8-3) in the quarter-final round.

Other Last 8 results saw Kuribayashi ousted Charlie Williams of the USA (8-6) as well Ortmann nipped countryman Thomas Engert (8-6).

Other Filipino who competed in this $100,000 total pot prize tournament were most Filipino popular cue artists Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza.

Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica, acted the spokesman of the group said that the Filipino pool wizards will resume their quest for honor and glory when the inauguration of US 10-ball tournament unfolds today at the same venue.

Sky To Televise World Snooker Shoot-Out

Sky Sports will televise a World Snooker event for the first time in over six years in the coming season, having signed up for the thrilling new World Snooker Shoot Out.

The tournament will combine exhilarating action with top-draw snooker, with the best 64 players on the planet taking part in a one-frame shoot out with a random draw. There will be a 20 second shot clock, with no time-outs and frames to take a maximum of 12 minutes. The event will run from January 28 to 30, 2011, and will be screened live on Sky – the first World Snooker event to be televised by Sky since 2004.

“It will be snooker at full throttle, testing the players to the limits of what they can do under pressure,” said World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn. “They will have to make quick decisions and show their natural ability and plenty of bottle – with the chance to double their money for every game they win. The champion will walk off with £32,000, which is not bad for a long weekend. There will be a very lively atmosphere so it might not be one for the purists, but we want to appeal to new and younger audiences and this is the perfect format to trial.

“I’m delighted to bring Sky on board for this one because I have every confidence that under producer Rory Hopkins’ production team, the coverage will be both original and innovative. The format fits perfectly for Sky, with non-stop breathtaking action which will keep viewers and the live audience on the edge of their seats. I’m in discussion with several sponsors and I fully believe that this event will be a massive success.

“This is among the most exciting ideas I’ve had since coming back into snooker and I can’t wait to see it realised. It’s one of a variety of new events on the calendar which will help to generate a new and wonderful era for snooker.”

The tournament is set to feature star names such as Rocket Ronnie O’Sullivan – who is sure to be favourite with his rapid attacking style – Stephen Hendry, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui and Betfred.com World Champion Neil Robertson.

Further details, including the venue and how to buy tickets for this sensational snooker show, will be released shortly.

INDUSTRY RALLIES FOR 27TH ANNUAL BCA EXPO

--Exhibit Hall and Pre-Registration Reflect Growth in 2010--

Broomfield, Colorado -May 13, 2010 -With the 2010 International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo (BCA Expo) rapidly approaching, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) is pleased to report exhibit booth sales and attendee pre-registration are sharply ahead of last year's Expo.

When comparing attendee pre-registration, this year's numbers reflect an 18 percent increase from last year at this time. Additionally, booth sales have already surpassed last year's total number of 411 booths.

In a warming economy, both manufacturers and distributors have chosen the 2010 BCA Expo as a platform to launch new products and extend support for the home recreation industry. Currently, 113 companies have contracted to exhibit in 2010. On average those exhibiting are also committing to larger exhibit spaces than in 2009.

Additionally, as of this announcement, 22 new companies will exhibit at the 2010 Expo. New products include spas, saunas, tanning beds, casual furniture, cue accessories and much more.

"We are encouraged to see the industry pulling together to climb out of this dismal economy," said BCA Chairman, Ivan Lee. "After months of survival strategies, retailers of all kinds are seeking new products for their stores, new ideas for profitability and new networking opportunities to create a stronger future, while manufacturers are offering new products and Expo-only special pricing."

"The BCA Expo remains the gathering place for the industry to connect face to face, and this year will be more dynamic with a great lineup of seminars, industry discussions and opportunities for folks to share ideas, progress and concerns with their peers," commented BCA CEO Rob Johnson. "The strong pace of retail and room operator registrations, along with the increase in returning and new exhibitors, indicates a positive attitude within the entire home recreation industry."

Tickets For New World Open On Sale

Tickets go on sale this morning (Wednesday) for a unique and innovative new tournament on the World Snooker calendar: the World Open in Scotland in September.

The world ranking tournament runs from September 18 to 26 at the SECC in Glasgow and is set to feature the sport’s top stars, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Scottish legend Stephen Hendry and Betfred.com World Champion Neil Robertson.

The pioneering format includes:

- Scope for 32 amateur players to join the 96 professionals in the qualifying phase. These amateurs will include junior, international and women players, as well as winners from tournaments staged at Rileys and other independent snooker clubs. Matches involving some of the top players will be held over to the venue.

- A completely random nothing Cup – style draw for all rounds, raising the possibility of top seeds going head-to-head early in the tournament.

- The action promises to be fast and furious, with all matches best-of-five frames, up until the final which will be best-of-nine.

- World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We wanted to come up with something really special to replace the Grand Prix event, and we believe we’ve done just that with the World Open.

“It will be fascinating to see how the best amateurs fare against the professionals. We could get a rags-to-riches story of an unknown player getting to the business end or giving one of the top stars a shock. The random draw has worked well in the past and the best-of-five matches will provide virtually non-stop action for the fans.

“I’d recommend anyone who loves snooker to get their tickets booked straight away because THIS EVENT CANNOT BE MISSED! The tournaments we’ve staged in Glasgow in recent years have been well supported but we want to see a full house this time! I can’t wait to see all the fans cheering their heroes on.”

Secure your seats from 9am on Wednesday by calling 0844 395 4000 or visiting www.ticketsoup.com. You can find more details on the format at www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

The World Open receives equal funding and support from EventScotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Snooker generates hours of valuable broadcast exposure for the city of Glasgow and is watched by millions of people around the world. We’re delighted to be hosting this new and exciting tournament in Scotland and we’re confident that it will attract impressive spectator numbers from across the UK. The new format of this event also means that amateurs will be given the opportunity to play against and alongside legends in the world of snooker which will ensure exciting clashes and fierce competition for spectators and viewers.”

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Having just been officially ranked as a key player in the world league of Ultimate Sports Cities, and having scooped the top award for its sports event marketing, Glasgow is the perfect host city for the new format, newly-named World Open.

“Glasgow City Marketing Bureau is proud to continue its support of the event, which is set to bring around 4,000 fans to the SECC, as well as around £335,000 to Scotland’s economy and almost £1million worth of TV exposure.”

The qualifying phase will run from August 21 to 24 at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield. The competitions run by Rileys and other clubs will be completed by July 31 – details on how to enter will be available soon at www.worldsnooker.com

DJANGO WINS BUT BATA LOST TO GOMEZ IN US 10-BALL TOUR
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

ROBERTO "Pinoy Superman" Gomez display his nerved and steel in the end game to edged hall of famer and compatriot Efren "Bata" Reyes, acknowledged as the greatest player of all-time played (9-6) to keep Filipino hopes flying high in the on-going 2010 US Open 10-ball championship yesterday (Tuesday night in US) at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada.

The Divisoria, Zamboanga native Gomez, dubbed as local version of Superman escaped the kryptonite of Reyes broke the 6-all deadlock winning the last three racks.

" Magaling talaga si Champ (Efren Reyes), bagama't nakauna agad ako ay naka dikit siya at talagang dikdikan ang laban namin, sinuwerte lamang sa bandang huli," said the 2007 World Pool Finalist Gomez, who jumped a 3-1 lead before Reyes close the gap at 3-all in the 6th racks. The game was tied at 5-all to 6-all before Gomez winning the last three racks in their close fought encounter, using the winner's break format.

Gomez, who beat Imrad Majid of Great Britain (9-2) in the first round will square off with Jason Klatt of the US in the next round, winner over compatriots Andrew Pettenger (9-8 ) and Johnny Archer (9-4), respectively.

Francisco "Django" Bustamante,meantime had an easy time disposing of Toru Kuribayashi of Japan (9-2).

" Talagang hindi ko binigyan ng pagkakataon si Kuribayashi (Toru), mahirap ng masilat lalu na't finalist siya ng World Pool Masters," said Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports, who is fresh from winning a tournament in Winnipeg, Canada, two weeks ago.

" I think we have a good chances to win considering our top pool players dominating in the international event in the past," said sportsman/ businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, acknowledged God Father of Philippine Billiards.

Expect another Filipino will fell in the loser's brackets of this true double elimination format, after Bustamante goes up against country Edwin Montal in the third round. Montal bested 1996 US Open 9-ball ruler John Schmidt of the US (9-8 ).

Also with two wins were Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, and Al Lapena.

Corteza, playing under the baton of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable trounced Chris Bartram of the United States (9-5), Orcullo nipped John Morra of Canada (9-3), Alcano waylaid Glenn Atwell of the USA (9-0),Kiamco defeated Huidje See of the Netherlands (9-2), and Lapena smashed Tommy Najar of US (9-1).

" Matatag talaga si Bartram (Chris), buti na lamang pumabor y'ung bola sa akin sa end game," said NBS stalwart Corteza.

Jose "Amang" Parica also regelated in the loser's side in this $89,000 total pot prize tournament which offers$20,000 to the champion.

Player Tour Championship Helps Form Snooker’s ‘Brave New World’

A brand new snooker series, the World Snooker Player Tour Championship, is set to start next month and will form an integral part of the sport’s era of innovation.

The series will feature 12 three-day events (PTCs), the first of which takes place at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield from June 25 to 27. A new Order of Merit, distinct from the World Rankings, will be incorporated into the series based on money earned at each event. Upon conclusion of the 12 PTCs, the top 24 on the final Order of Merit will go through to the televised stages in March.

Each of the 12 events will carry prize money of £50,000, and at the televised stage there will be £200,000 up for grabs – giving total prize money of £800,000. World Ranking points will also be available throughout for Main Tour players.

Six of the PTCs will be held at the Academy, with the other six in continental Europe, including at least four in Germany, where the popularity of snooker is booming. The maximum field for each event will be 128 competitors; this will allow for a minimum of 32 places for amateurs to compete against the 96 professional players. An amateur pre-qualifier will be held should the event be over-subscribed.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “The Player Tour Championship forms the backbone of our brave new world for snooker. It plugs the gaps between the main ranking events, providing plenty of opportunities for the professionals, which is what they have been crying out for.

“I’m particularly excited about the new Order of Merit! This will create extra interest among fans and media as players battle to get one of those 24 spots in the final stages. It will be like the race to get into the Ryder Cup team in golf, with players sweating over every pound. It gives talented young players the chance to come from nowhere and surge up the list, while the top boys will have to be on their mettle.

“I hope that all of the leading stars will enter these events, and with a lot of money and ranking points available, there is every incentive. They will have to play in at least six of the PTCs to be eligible for the televised finals. I’ve used a similar model in darts and it’s worked fantastically well.

“I’ll also be fascinated to see how the events go in Europe. The new series provides World Snooker with a strong structure through which to enter new international markets.”

Each event will cost £100 to enter. Details on how to enter will follow soon on worldsnooker.com

The deadlines for entries are:
PTC1 - MONDAY 14 JUNE 2010
PTC2 – MONDAY 28 JUNE 2010
PTC3 – MONDAY 12 JULY 2010
PTC4 – MONDAY 19 JULY 2010