Mazon to vie in US 9-Ball

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from his surprising victory in the Guinness 10-Ball, Jundel Mazon has trained his sights on the US Open 9-Ball Championship slated Oct. 17-23 in Chesapeake, Virginia.

“I’d like to take this rare opportunity to play and compete against the world’s best in the US Open,” said Mazon.

The Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) member claimed a pair of come-from-behind wins to snatch the Guinness crown in Jakarta last Sunday. He rallied from 1-4 and 2-5 deficits to stun former world 10-ball champion Darren Appleton, 8-6, in the semis then repulsed local bet Irsal Nasution, 10-5, to clinch the crown.

The former Middle East Pool Instructor won $40,000 (P1.8 million) for his feat.

Joining Mazon in the US Open 9-ball are fellow NBS players Lee Vann Corteza, Warren Kiamco, Ramil Gallego, Rodolfo Luat and Ricky Zerna.

The US Open features the top players in the world and offers $50,000 to the winner.