After failing to make the cut in the first qualifying round, Agusto and Bihag bounced back with aplomb to lead two other players into the last 16 knockout stage of the 1st The Fisherman's Net Class B 9-Ball Tournament at the Fisherman's Net restaurant and sports bar in Brgy. Lahug, this city.
Agusto and Bihag were gunned down by John Albert Refulle, 4-5, and Undo Oco, 4-6, respectively, in the first day of competition.
Given a second chance - thanks to the tournament format that allows losing players to join another elimination round - Agusto and Bihag played with their hearts out to make things happen.
Agusto overcame a spirited resistance Jurlic Tambuniag, 5-4, before rallying past Cardo Urot, 5-2, and Rommel Dionesio, 6-4, while Bihag ran roughshod over Chong Ortiz, 5-1, and Neilben Carreon, 6-0.
Completing the second set of four players to advance into the next phase of the five-day poolfest were Eric Baguio and Brian Yap.
Baguio scored a clean 3-0 sweep with convincing victories over Bert Gotobat, 5-0, Ricky Boy Purio, 5-2, and Victor Quijano, 6-1, while Yap eged out Alan Milan, 5-3, and Abraham Rojo, 6-1.
They will join early qualifiers Antonio Cose, Noel Causing, John Albert Refulle and Undo Oco into the Final 16.
The results were relayed to The Freeman by tournament director Dickoy Ramirez.
The champion will take home P10,000, while the second and third will get P5,000 and P3,000, respectively. The fourth to eighth placers will receive a consolation prize of P500 each.