MANILA, Philippines - Mario Tolentino stunned world No. 1 Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-6, to remain unbeaten in the Philippine Open Pool Championship late Wednesday at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2.
Tolentino held his own against Souquet in a duel of safety shots and made the most of his stint off the break to seize the upperhand early then hung tough to clinch the victory.
“I couldn’t score a run-out but Souquet struggled off the break,” said Tolentino.
He thus joined compatriot Demosthenes Pulpul and lady entry Kelly Fisher of Great Britain in the early lead with two victories.
Pulpul beat Elvis Calasang, 9-3, then trounced Kok Hon Keong of Malaysia, 9-4.
Jeffrey de Luna likewise posted his second straight win to stay in the winners’ bracket, ripping Jestoni Magadia, 9-2.
Fisher, formerly a World 9-Ball women champion, overcame jetlag and fashioned out a thrilling 9-7 victory over Victor Arpilleda, who upended Corey Deuel of the US, 9-7, in the first round, to secure the first automatic seat in the round of 32.
Fisher pounced on a crucial missed shot on No. 7 by Arpilleda in the 16th rack then pocketed the last two balls with relative ease to stay in the winners’ bracket.
“I had a terrible time getting sleep last night (Tuesday). I’m still feeling the jetlag, but I knew I had to get over with it and concentrate on my game in this tough field,” said Fisher, who will next face the winner between Gabe Owen and Jonni Fulcher.
American bets Shane Van Boening and Gabe Owen also scored back-to-back victories in convincing fashions.
Van Boening, former US Open champion, dumped Jeong Young Hwa of Korea, 9-2, while Owen easily dispatched Jonni Fulcher, 9-3.