RP to stage elite World Cup of pool

The World Cup of Pool, now among the biggest and most prestigious pool events in the world, will be held in the country on Sept. 1-6, the organizing Matchroom Sports announced in a press conference at Sports Plus Resto-Bar in Eastwood City yesterday.

At the same time, Matchroom official Eddie Hearn said he’s now in the process of inspecting possible venue for the event the Philippine pair of Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante won in its initial staging in 2006 in Newport, Wales.

“It’s important to come here because of the pool’s popularity and importance in this country. We know that very well,” said Hearn.

“I remember the initial staging of the event in Newport, Wales. It was as if it was held here because of the huge Filipino crowd coming from all over. We were asking, ‘Are we sure Efren and Django are not the home pair?’” Hearn also said.

The full details of the event have yet to be announced but Hearn said there’s a big possibility that the Reyes-Bustamante pair might be tapped again to represent the Philippines.

Ronnie Alcano and Dennis Orcollo teamed up in a semifinal finish for the Philippines last year in Rotterdam. Alcano and Orcollo were beaten in the semis by the US tandem of Rodney Morris and Shane Van Boening who went on to win the championship over the host team.

A total cash prize of $250,000 is up for grabs in the World Cup featuring all the big guns in the world including those from the United States, Taiwan, England and Germany. – Nelson Beltran