Alcano leads RP contingent to US 9-Ball
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/17/2008 6:25 PM
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Billiards champ Ronnie “The Volcano” Alcano leads a group of Filipino players to the $250,000-US Open 9-Ball Championship at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, this weekend.
The former double world champ is set to leave for the US Friday for the tournament opening slated Sunday (Monday in Manila).
Other Filipinos competing in the 300-field tourney are former world no.1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Ramil Gallego, Lee Van Corteza, Warren Kiamco, Rodolfo Luat, Jose “Amang” Parica and Joven Alba.
Competitors are vying for the $40,000 top prize.
Alcano, who was a runner-up to American Shane Van Boening last year, hopes to become the third Filipino to win the prestigious event after Efren "Bata" Reyes (1994) and Pagulayan (2005).
“I’ll do my best to go all the way this time." said Alcano, who is on the hunt for his first major title since winning the 2007 World 8-Ball Championship.
Orcollo honored
Meanwhile, the Quezon City Council has passed a resolution commending World No. 1 Dennis Orcollo for his series of victories in the local and international arena.
The city council cited the 29-year-old Orcollo for winning the 2008 Quezon City 9-Ball Champion, the All-Japan Open, the Qatar International 9-Ball Open and the Guinness 9-Ball Tour leg in Guangzhou, China.
Just recently, Orcollo and Bustamante finished third at the PartyPoker.net 2008 World Cup of Pool in The Netherlands.
“Orcollo’s string of triumphs only proved that the Philippines is still considered as the powerhouse when it comes to billiards because of the achievement of the Filipinos in different prestigious billiards competitions here and abroad,” the resolution stated.
“Whereas, he is one of the Outstanding Citizens of Quezon City and a true Quezon City pride, is worthy of emulation and an inspiration for the Quezon City aspiring athletes who will join in all international competition.”
Orcollo is set to compete in the Grand Finals of the Guinness 9-Ball Tour in Jakarta, Indonesia, starting October 24.
