Gabica shoots for gold in 8-ball

DOHA — The Philippines’ quest for the Asian Games gold could come from the very sport where Filipinos are noted for - billiards.

Antonio Gabica loomed as the country’s hope for a gold medal after he defeated Kun Chang Huang of Chinese Taipei, 9-7, in the semifinal of the 8-ball competitions late last night.

However, Satoshi Kawabata of Japan averted what could have been an all-Filipino final in the event when he defeated Filipino Leonardo Andam in the other semifinal, 9-6.

Gabica was to play Kawabata in the gold medal round early this morning in Manila.

Andam and Huang were to figure in the battle for the bronze before the finals.

Gabica and Andam hurdled their respective opponents in the quarterfinal round to advance to the semifinal round.

Gabica stamped his class over Indian Alok Kumar, 9-6, to arrange a semis showdown with Huang, while Andam nipped Thai Amnuayporn Chotipong, 9-8, to set up a clash with Kawabata.

But while Gabica continued to dish out solid form, Andam has been erratic with his game.

"I couldn’t focus. I was starving," said Andam. "But then I was given a chance to win, so I still made it despite my errors."

The veteran Andam also has been having difficult time adjusting to the rules.

"I was just paying attention to the rules that’s why I couldn’t concentrate because there are different rules between amateur rules (played here) and the

professional rules," said Andam, who actually gave three games away because of such rules.