Alcano, Gabica make it 1-2

The Philippines pulled off an impressive start in billiards as top bets Ronato Alcano and Antonio "Gaga" Gabica made it a 1-2 finish in the finals of the 15-ball singles rotation at the Makati Coliseum last night.

Alcano bagged the gold in his first SEAG stint, beating Gabica, 5-3.

Indonesian Muhamad Junarto took the bronze following his similar 5-3 triumph over Thailand’s Amnuayporn Chotipong.

I’m very happy I was able to deliver glory for the country," said the 33-year-old Alcano, who immediately hugged his son after the match. "Good thing it was an all-Filipino finals but Gaga was an equally tough rival."

Likewise, the Philippines assured itself of a silver in the snooker team event when the team of Alex Pagulayan, Leonardo Andam, Felipe Tauro Jr. and Joven Alba turned back the Singaporean squad of Alex, Puan Yi Wei, Keith E. Boon Aun, and Ricky Chew Kok Hun, 3-1.

Pagulayan, Andam and company will clash with the Thailand squad composed of Phaitoon Phonbun, Supoj Saenla, Kabkit Palajin and Nitiwar Kanjanasri for the gold at 10 a.m. today. 

On his way to the championship, Alcano defeated Chan Keng Kwang of Singapore, 5-1, then whipped Thailand’s Chotipong via the same score to arrange a title duel with Gabica, who bundled out Tepwin Arunnath, 5-1, before advancing with a 5-3 victory over Junarto.

Alcano actually sputtered on the seventh rack when he made a scratch after forcing a shot on the black 8 in an attempt to keep in control of the match.

But Gabica failed to cash in on that Alcano miscue, enabling the latter to regain possession and eventually win the match and the gold medal.