Constantino-Ortega, Marzan-Navarro upset rivals in LBC Billiard tilt

RIYADH: John M. Damaso

RIYADH: The fifth week of the LBC Billiard Doubles Tournament marked another exciting highlight here.
Raul Constantino and James Ortega slipped past strong rivals Manny Santos and Gil Meras in a do-or-die showdown last Thursday 5-3 at the Idol Billiards Center, the official venue of the event.
In the preliminary round, the duo scored two straight wins in the winners’ bracket but lost to the tough combination of Mar Barnedo and Alex Seguido in their third attempt for victory. At least they could have earned a semifinals berth if they succeeded.
After the upset, the pride of Marinduquenos moved to the losers’ bracket en route to a more critical path where they have to clinch four more wins to get into the finals. Both teams exchanged equal billiard talents in the beginning with Meras securing an equalizer in the sixth rack to tie the game at 3-3.
Constantino’s hands were sizzling hot in the seventh rack and pocketed the 10-ball to gain the lead 4-3.
Santos of the loser’s side tried to equal Constantino’s skills but could only pocket two balls due to the intense pressure during the play. Eventually, Ortega was awarded an open shot from an excellent preparation and secured a convincing win in the eighth rack.
In another game, William Marzan and Mar Navarro also secured their second victory after losing to Barnedo and Seguido in their first match. After the sorry expulsion, the duo from La Union managed to secure two victories in the losers’ bracket for a 2-1 win-loss record. Faisal Guaili and Alex Barry were the last to fall from the mighty hands of Marzan and Navarro in a no match contest 5-1. Once the favorite in the preliminary round, Guaili and Barry’s good old tricks just faded away during their last encounter. Marzan and Navarro will meet with another strong contender, Mike Dumasil and Moods Mohammed, in the losers’ bracket in another much awaited match.
Lito Santos and Mike Montanier lead the overall standing at 4-0 and the waiting team in the winners’ bracket. Raul Constantino and James Ortega stayed in second spot 3-1 after clinching their last match.
Richie Solicar and Luigi Casimero also finished at 3-1 after a big win against Simbo Apuan and Vener Ocampo in the fourth week showdown. Mar Barnedo and Alex Seguido is another team to watch after they swept two straight wins during their last matches to gain a 2-0 win-loss record.
This prestigious event enjoys the full sponsorship of LBC “Hari ng Padala”, one of the pioneers in cargo handling and remittance services catering to Filipino OCWs through the support of its country manager, Arnold Cereno and officers Allan Bautista and Veronica Rey. Secondary sponsors are New Cabalen, Java City, Mama Lulu Fastfood, Shahd Broast, CFC, Kruathai, Link International Travel and Pasalubong Restaurant and Bakery.