Gomez gains KO stage but three Pinoy aces fall

MANILA, Philippines - Roberto Gomez came away with a pair of victories, including a 9-8 squeaker over Huidji See of the Netherlands, to reach the knockout phase of the Party Poker World Pool Masters at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada Wednesday.

Gomez put one over former world 9-ball champion Earl Strickland of the US, 9-5, in his first match in Group 2 then edged See to enter the knockout stages in the $100,000 tournament.

But while Gomez advanced, compatriots Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Ronnie Alcano crashed out with two losses.

Reyes defeated David Alcaide of Spain, 9-3, but bowed to fellow former World 9-ball champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, 6-9, before losing to reigning World 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, 6-9, in Group 3.

Bustamante, fresh from his victory in Winnipeg, Canada, lost to Do Hong Quan of Vietnam, 8-9, but bounced back with a 9-6 win over Alcano. The former world No. 1, however, fell to to Oliver Ortmann of Germany, 2-9, in a Group 4 match.

Alcano, a former World 9-ball and 8-ball champion, earlier bowed to Tyler Edey of Canada, 4-0.

Dennis Orcollo, meanwhile, was set to play against Shaun Wilkie of the USA in Group 5 together with Lee Vann Corteza against Carlos Cabello of Spain in Group 6 at presstime.