Ailing Alcano pockets 8-ball singles crown

NAKHON RATCHASIMA – Ronnie Alcano bucked a bum stomach and overcame a tough challenge by Singaporean Tey Choon Kiat to produce a third gold for the RP billiards team in the 24th SEA Games, winning the 8-ball singles final at the Sima Thani Hall here yesterday.

Alcano whipped Tey, 9-6, for the gold coming after the Philippines’ triumphant efforts in men’s 9-ball doubles courtesy of Marlon Manalo and Antonio Gabica and in ladies’ 9-ball singles through Rubilen Amit.

The Philippines missed what could have been a gold-silver production in 8-ball singles with Dennis Orcullo reportedly getting sick, unable to join the RP delegation here.

RP billiards officials tried to make a last-minute change in their entry, replacing Orcullo with Gabica. The move was turned down by the organizers.

What alarmed the RP team even more was Alcano enduring the ill effects of what appeared to be a case of food-poisoning Monday night.

The 2006 World 9-ball and 8-ball champion was vomiting Tuesday morning but he showed up in the billiards player hall, disposing of Thai Arummoth Tepwin, Singaporean Toh Lin Han and Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir to advance to the final against Tey.

And though still ill with a bum stomach, Alcano proved up to the task in the final, adding another championship in his bulging victory chest.

“I was not worried with my condition. I was concerned on the short race-to-nine final using the alternate-break format. Anything can happen there,” said Alcano.