RP to stage world 10-ball pool tourney

For the next five years, the Philippines will be the destination of the world’s finest pool players as it hosts the World Pool Association World 10-ball Pool Championship beginning this year.

WPA president Ian Anderson of Australia made the announcement in yesterday’s launch of the event at the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila where the WPA, the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines along with its marketing arm Raya Sports signed the agreement making the Philippines host of the world 10-ball tilt.

“We’re happy to announce that the Philippines will be the host of the World 10-ball Pool Championship for five years starting this year,” said Anderson.

At the same time, BSCP president Ernesto Fajardo and chair Yen Makabenta announced that the Philippines will give up the third and final hosting rights to the world 9-ball championship in favor of the world 10-ball tournament.

RP staged the World 9-ball Championship the last two years with Ronnie Alcano winning in 2006. 

“It’s a welcome development,” said Fajardo.

Like the 9-ball, the host country is expected to receive four or five wild card berths in the world 10-ball with 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio Gabica, Marlon Manalo, Leonardo Andam and Jeff de Luna likely to gain the spots.

The WPA has set a minimum of 128 players to play in the main draw of the 10-ball event although it expects over 200 players from over 50 countries to go to Manila to participate.

Slated Sept. 29-Oct. 5, the meet will offer a total cash purse worth $400,000, or a whopping P16 million, with the champion pocketing $100,000 with the next 63 placers also receiving cash prizes.

In addition, the Philippines plans to give special prizes to players with the most number of golden breaks and consecutive run outs in the tournament.

Organizers of the event also said that the championship is also open to female players.