MANILA, Philippines – Demosthenes Pulpul showed his mastery by beating former world women’s 9-ball champion Kelly Fischer, 9-2, to advance to the quarterfinals of the Philippine Open Pool Championship yesterday at the SM Megamall.
Pulpul, last year’s surprise semifinalist in the World 10-Ball Championship, raced to a 3-0 lead and watched Fisher struggle all game long.
Fisher, Great Britain’s No.1 lady player, suffered her first loss in four matches and was relegated to the losers’ bracket.
“I think she lost her composure when she kept missing easy shots,” said Pulpul.
Three top-rated players bowed out of contention late Friday night – world’s No.1 player Ralf Souquet of Germany, former US Open champion Shane Van Boening and former Asian snooker titlist Marlon Manalo of the Philippines.
Souquet lost to Filipino Jeff de Luna, 3-9. Van Boening lost badly to his compatriot, Corey Deuel, 4-9.
Manalo lost to compatriot Gaga Gabica, 4-9.