MANILA, Philippines - Antonio Gabica bowed to former world champion Mika Immonen of Finland, 3-11, in the semifinal round and settled for third in the 2009 Qatar International 9-ball Pool Championship at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Doha, Qatar Monday.
Immonen dished out fine form to outclass the Filipino bet then thwarted reigning two-time world junior champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan, 13-9, in the final to capture the crown.
Ko edged 2008 World Ten Ball Champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain, 11-8, in the other semis duel to gain a crack at the crown.
Gabica took home $10,000 for reaching the Final Four while Immonen pocketed $40,000.
Other Filipinos who saw action in the annual event were dethroned champion Dennis Orcollo, Marlon Manalo, Jeffrey de Luna, Demosthenes Pulpul, Elvis Calasang, Raymond Faraon, Alan Cuartero, Joyme Vicente, Valerino Pajuay, Oliver Medinilla and Israel Rota.