Riyadh: John Damaso
Billiard aficionados witnessed another exciting action during the second and third weeks of the LBC 10-Ball Billiard Tournament at the Idol Billiards Center here.
This prestigious event, first of its kind in the Kingdom, is organized by the Filipino Billiards Association in Riyadh (FEBAR) led by its officers Pelaez Marzan, Fernan Hernandez and Yolando Villacarlos. LBC Express Inc. “Hari ng Padala” is the main sponsor with full cooperation of its country manager and sports enthusiast, Arnold Cereno and officers, Michael Bautista and Veronica Rey.
Lito Santos and Mike Montanier scored another convincing victory during the second week action in the winners’ bracket to gain a 3-0 win-loss record. Their last victim was the team of Apuan and Ocampo from a 5-1 no-match victory. The losing team started a win, but gave away the remaining 5 racks to the winners. Another win will earn the winners a semifinals berth, while a loss will move them to the losers’ bracket. Michael Victor and Buddy Rolano also maintained their winning stance by defeating strong rivals Zaraspe and Yadao, 5-4, from a come-from behind victory. The losers swept the first 4 racks that rattled their opponents but Victor and Rolano fired back with five straight wins in the remaining 5 racks and took home also a 3-0 win-loss card.
Another team to gain three straight wins in the winners’ bracket was Leo Taris and Amir Tan. The duo snatched their third win from Gonzales and Nario in a highly contested match, 5-4 making them the third team to quality in the top post with the same 3-0 card .
Raul Constantino and James Ortega also rose from the ranks and improved their win-loss record to 2-0 after defeating Marlon Gomosang and Mario Sebedero 5-2.
In the losers’ bracket, the following teams have advanced after three race-to-five matches: Alvin Legaspi and Hassim Guaili settled for a 2-1 win-loss record after eliminating Clyde Ranilo and Tammy Co. Charlie Cunanan and Richard Malibago also survived an assault from Alex Villanueva and Jeff Belizon for a 2-1 card. Richard Solicar and Luigi Casimero also came strong, defeated Joel Saddi and Romy Palencia and saved a 2-1 win-loss record. Gil Meras and Manny Santos settled for a 1-1 record that Joel Cebu and Nash Usman matched.
Games are played via 10 balls doubles format under international standard rules, combination of Class C and D players in race-to-five matches. The first team that wins the first five matches seals a game. Winners automatically proceed to the winners’ bracket while a loser moves to the losers’ bracket. A team that loses twice is automatically eliminated.
Secondary sponsors are Java City, New Cabalen, Mama Lulu Fastfood, Shahid Broast, CFC, Kruathai, Link International Travel and Pasalubong Restaurant and Bakery. Official venue is Rick Cabial’s Idol 1&2 Billiard Center located on top of Said Rafiq’s Java City.
Santos-Montanier, Victor-Rolano, Taris-Tan triumph in LBC Billiard tilt
