Corteza pockets US 10-ball title

MANILA, Philippines - Lee Vann Corteza got back at American Rodney Morris, 11-7, to capture the Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open crown at the Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles, California Monday.

Corteza, who dropped an 8-9 setback to Morris in the sixth round of the winners’ side bracket, dominated early and took an 8-4 lead before cruising to the victory, his first major title in the year worth $4,000.

On his way to the race-to-11, winner’s break final, Corteza, the reigning national open champion, held off another American Max Eberle, 9-7.

With her earlier loss to Morris, Corteza worked his way back in contention in the losers’ side, beating Steve Chaplin, 9-0, Ismael Paez, 9-1, Stevie Moore, 9-1, and Corey Harper, 9-1.

He also subdued compatriot Warren Kiamco, 9-7, Oscar Dominguez, 9-5, and Max Eberle, 9-7, to arrange the title showdown with Morris.

Other Filipinos who saw action in the event were pool legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, Roberto Gomez, Ramon Mistica, Ambrosio Almoite, George Pagulayan, Jaynard Orque and Kiamco.

Meanwhile, Corteza will head the crack RP contingent in the Party Poker World Pool Masters slated May 12-16 and the inaugural US Open 10-Ball Championships on May 17-22 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.