Django in Asiad may lure TV sponsors

Fielding Francisco "Django" Bustamante in the Busan Asian Games in September, according to Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain, is like hitting two birds with one stone.

First, Buhain said, having Bustamante in the quadrennial event will boost the country’s chances of winning more gold medals. And second, Bustamante teaming up with former world champion Efren "Bata" Reyes in the billiards competition might lure the needed sponsors as far as the television coverage is concerned.

"From what I know, there’s nothing definite yet about the TV coverage. This (Django’s entry) might just address the problem," said the PSC chairman during the PSA Forum at the Holiday Inn as he reiterated his appeal to the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines to include Bustamante in the lineup.

"I’m sure the sponsors wouldn’t hesitate coming in because we all know how popular billiards is in the country today, and how well-loved these players are by our countrymen."

Bustamante, one of the world’s best 9-ball artists who is now based in Germany, recently announced his availability to the Asian Games but was turned down by the BSCP, saying it would be unfair to the others who have been practicing for almost a year now.

"No question. They’re all very good and in fact world-ranked. But we have some serious questions on the decision of the billiards body. Some sacrifices have to be made," Buhain added.

Buhain also cited the case of Reyes, the 1999 world 9-ball champion who is being fielded in the 8-ball event in Busan.

"Like Efren, does he really need to adapt to 8-ball? Why are we asking him to adapt? Why not let him play 9-ball? I mean if Efren and Django have proven themselves to the world, then Asia is definitely a smaller region."

Reyes, Bustamante and the rest of the members of the RP team are now in Cardiff, Wales, competing in the 2002 World Pool Championship.

"Maybe we can use the results in Cardiff as a gauge. Or we can even hold one final selection process. We have always respected the autonomy of the NSAs. But in this case we are the ones asking for a favor for the sake of the country," Buhain said. — Abac Cordero