Orcullo, Reyes win opener in World 8-Ball

MANILA, Philippines - Dennis Orcullo and Efren “Bata” Reyes lived up to expectations as they hurdled their rivals at the start of the World 8-Ball Pool Championship in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates yesterday.

Orcullo, one of the top players from the Bugsy Promotions stable, smashed Mazen Berjawi, 7-3, in Group 1, to arrange a second-round showdown with Reyes, who brought downed Shaker Wahdaw, 7-3.

“Medyo maganda ang simula natin (It was a good start for us),” said Orcullo.

“I believe we have good chances to win the world 8-ball crown considering our players have been dominating the tournament in the past,” said Perry Mariano, president of Bugsy Promotions and the founder of National Collegiate Billiards League (NCBL) or B-League.

The winner between Orcullo and Reyes goes up against the survivor of Antonio Lining and Jepthant Palencia tussle. Lining downed countryman Joyme Vicente, 7-0, while Palencia nipped Andrew Kong, 7-4.