Django, Gomez dispute Villar title

BAGUIO, Philippines – Francisco “Django” Bustamante stopped Rene Mar David’s giant-killing spree and carved out a 10-8 decision to arrange a final showdown with Roberto Gomez in the Senator Villar Cup Panagbenga leg at the Events Center of SM City Baguio here yesterday.

Bustamante used a strong start but needed a stronger finish to beat the player who stunned pool legend Efren “Bata” Reyes in the second round.

“He’s good and has guts. I won’t be surprised if he becomes a world champion someday,” said Bustamante of the 19-year-old David.

Bustamante raced to a 4-1 lead but David, a pride of Candon, Ilocos Sur, fought back to draw level at 8.

David actually had a chance to reach the hill first but made a dry break on the 17th rack, which Bustamante won to surge ahead again.

Bustamante, 44, then broke and ran out the next frame to seal the victory and move within a win of pocketing the P300,000 top purse staked in this three-day event sponsored by Camella Communities.

Gomez bounced back from three racks down to subdue Warren Kiamco, 10-8, in other semis encounter in the event presented by Senator Manny Villar’s Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports.