Top cue artists to conduct billiards clinics

MANILA, Philippines - Top local cue artists led by former double world champion Ronnie Alcano and Dennnis Orcullo have expressed willingness to conduct clinics or even serve as coaches of teams competing in the inaugural edition of the National College Billiards League kicking off on Nov. 20 at the Ocean Park in Manila.

This, according to the Billiards Managers and Professional Players Association, is the players’ way of giving back to the sport that has brought them fame and fortune all over the world.

The players’ response to the formation of the NCBL, or simply B-League, has been welcomed by organizers, led by Reli de Leon and Perry Mariano, the president and vice-president, respectively, of the school league.

“This shows the B-League is on the right track. With our top players lending a helping hand, we can be assured the players competing would be equipped with the right knowledge, even tactics, about the game. It’s the masters teaching the students. A perfect start,” said De Leon.

The B-League has drawn at least 19 schools, led by La Salle and Ateneo, which are expected to bring their storied rivalry to the felt table.

Recently, the B-League formalized its partnership with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as one of the tournament sponsors, and league officials are currently in talks with other prospective backers, among them Nokia, Philippine STAR, Accel, Malungai Life Oil, Meridian Gaming, Resort World, Banco Filipino, businessman Hermie Esguerra, Brunswick, and Star Paper.

The opening matches are set to be held at the Ocean Park, with succeeding games to be held every Saturday and Sunday at the Star Billiards Center on Araneta Ave., with teams fielding five players each in the juniors and seniors divisions.