Bata, Django pull through in RP Open 9-ball

Efren "Bata" Reyes took three of the first four racks then went on to beat Antonio Lining, 9-5, yesterday at the start of the Philippine Open 9-ball Championship at the Casino Filipino Pagcor theater.

Top seed Francisco "Django" Bustamante opened his title retention bid with a 9-4 victory over John Salazar to set up a second clash with veteran local campaigner Russian Petiza, who defeated Eleazar Saludo, 9-6.

Marlon Manalo also romped away with a 9-2 rout of Antonio Cusi to arrange a second round duel with Eric Taneo, who stunned fancied Jeffrey de Luna, 9-7.

The victory set up Reyes, winner of the IPT 8-ball Open worth P25 million, against Antonio Gabica, who trounced Richard Penalosa, 9-2, in the other match played under the alternate break format.

"I said I was a little bit unlucky after drawing Lining since he’s one of the tough players in the fold," said Reyes in Filipino.

But after a fine start, Reyes knew he would’ve little problems disposing of his rival.

"When I felt that I have a good feel, I said my only problem would be on the break," said Reyes.

After Lining ran out to pull within 2-3, Reyes scored on a golden break to spark a 3-0 run as he pulled away, 6-2.

In other matches, qualifier Leonardo Didal, the 29th seed, upended former AZBilliards Rookie of the Year and fourth seed Ronnie Alcano, 9-8, while Carlo Biado downed Bienvenido Soliman, 9-4.