5 Filipinos to enter the World 10-Ball

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Five more Filipino cue artists advanced to the World 10-Ball Championship (WTBC) Round-of-64 on Thursday. Antonio Gabica, Carlo Biado, Demosthenes Pulpul, Marvin Tapia and newbie Jonas Magpantay trounced their respective foes to move into the knockout stage which begins on Friday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Gabica, 2006 Asian Games medalist, ousted Li-Hewen of China, 9-7, in their do-or-die match in the loser's bracket. "Buti na lamang pumabor yung bola sa bandang huli," said Gabica, who works as coach of the Qatar National Billiards Team. Tapia routed fellow Filipino Ruben Cuna, 9-1.

"Maganda ang tumbok ko at paglatag ng bola kaya talagang naiwan ko siya," said Tapia. Biado, who plays under sportsman Ceferino "Perry" Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions, clobbered compatriot Antonio Lining, 9-6.

Pulpul, the 2008 WTBC inaugural semi-finalists, ousted Chang Jun-lin of Chinese-Taipei, 9-5.

The highlight of the tournament on Thursday was the 9-7 victory of 17-year-old Magpantay over Carlos Cabello of Spain. "Buti naging matatag ako sa pagtatapos ng laro. Masyadong dikitan ang laro," said Magpantay, the 2010 Reno WPA World Juniors fifth placer.

Other Filipino pool wizards who have already made it to the Last 64 are Dennis Orcollo, Ronato Alcano, Roberto Gomez, Jeffrey de Luna, Vicinancio Tanio, Lee Van Corteza and Jericho Banares. Edgar Acaba, meantime, bowed to Ko Ping-chun of Chinese-Taipei, 9-8.

Up for grabs in the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) event is a total cash prize fund of $250,000 with $60,000 going to the champion.



source: ABS-CBN News Online