MANILA, Philippines - Former World No.1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante eliminated compatriots Warren Kiamco (9-3) and Dennis Orcullo (9-7) in the losers’ bracket to remain in contention while reigning National Open champion Lee Vann Corteza continued his winning streak in the ongoing 2010 US Open 10-Ball championship at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I hope we get the momentum,” said Bustamante, who also beat Mike Dechaine of the USA (9-2) in the following round.
Bustamante, who lost to compatriot Edwin Montal (9-1) in the third round of the winners’ bracket, earlier beat Sylver Ochoa of the US (9-4) in the double elimination format which offers $20,000 to the champion.
Corteza, meanwhile, turned back giant killer Manny Chau of Peru (9-8) for his sixth straight win and remains the only unbeaten Filipino player in the $89,000 event.
Corteza scored impressive wins over Tony Robles of Mexico (9-6), Chris Bartram (9-5) and Francis Crevier of the US (9-8), Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan (9-2) and Dechaine (9-8).
Corteza will face fellow unbeaten player Lo Hi-wen of China , winner over reigning World 10-Ball champion Mika Immonen of Finland (9-5).
Roberto Gomez , the 2007 World Pool finalist, suffered his second loss and bowed out of the tournament.
Gomez lost to Immonen (9-8) in the fifth round of the winners’ bracket after failing to sink the No.10 ball in the final racks. He lost again to American Shane Van Boening (9-8),
“ Gomez (Roberto) was obviously jittery in the last racks and lost to Immonen (Mika),” said his trainer.
Edwin Montal was playing American Charlie Williams at press time. Montal suffered his first set back at the hands of Chau (9-6) in the fourth round of the winners’ bracket.
Aside from Kiamco, Orcullo, and Gomez, other Filipino bets in the exit door were Efren Reyes, Jose Parica, Ronato Alcano and Al Lapena.