Marilao, Bulacan — Veteran internationalist Ramil Gallego edged former world No.1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 10-9, in the semis, and then outlasted the youthful Carlo Biado, 11-7, in the finals to rule the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bulacan leg before a huge Sunday crowd at the Event Center of SM City here.
The feat made Gallego the third winner of the series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports and sponsored by Camella Communities. It also earned him the top purse of P300,000.
“Winning a tournament wherein you have to compete against the world’s best players is a big accomplishment, and I’m very happy for this win,” said the 41-year-old stalwart of the Negros Billiards Stable of businessman Jonathan Sy.