Billiards legends open bid in Davao Villar Cup

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s world-class cue artists and the rest of the field clash anew in The Manny Villar Cup Kadayawan Leg, which fires off today at the Activity Center of NCCC Mall in Davao City.

“I know how competitive our top billiards players are, as I’ve seen in all our previous legs,” said Sen. Manny Villar, the foremost billiards patron, said he expects another keen competition among the Filipino pool legends and promising players in this island-hopping billiards series.

“We’re also one in our goal of further developing this sport that we Filipinos dominate, and that’s what we’re doing as we travel across the country,” said Villar, now a leading presidential aspirant.

“Of course, we’re also doing this to provide entertainment to our kababayans, just like in this Kadayawan leg, where we join Davaoeños in celebrating this wonderful festival.”

Villar will be on hand to hit the ceremonial break ushering the three-day competition featuring 32 players, led by pool icon Efren “Bata” Reyes, who are also vying for the close to P1 million in cash prizes at stake in the tournament presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports and sponsored by Camella Communities.

Also competing in the event co-organized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines are former world champion Ronnie Alcano, former world No.1 Dennis Orcollo and former leg winners Warren Kiamco (Alabang), Ramil Gallego (Bulacan), Francisco “Django” Bustamante (Baguio-Panagbenga), Lee Van Corteza (Calabarzon), Roberto Gomez (Davao and Isabela), Rodolfo Luat (Bacolod and Iloilo) and Gandy Valle (Cebu).

“Just like Sen. Manny, we at the BMPAP are also expecting our players to play their best as they gear up for our national championship next month and for the Southeast Asian Games” said BMPAP president Vic Rodriguez.