Nine Filipinos triumph in World 8-Ball opener

MANILA, Philippines - Nine Filipinos also won their group stage play to join compatriots Efren “Bata” Reyes, Django Bustamante, Dennis Orcullo and Joven Alba in the on-going World 8-Ball Pool Championship 2011 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates yesterday.

Ronnie Alcano, a former World 8-Ball champion beat Amine Ouahbi, 7-4, in Group 7, to arrange a second round showdown with compatriot Ramil Gallego, winner over David Plattner, 7-1.

Lee Van Corteza beat Tomoo Tanako, 7-5, in Group 10 while John Salazar nipped Karol Skowerski, 7-5.

Also in the limelight was Raymund Faraon who clobberred Hanni Al Howri, 7-5, in Group 14, as well Rodolfo Luat who downed Amin Fekry, 7-5, in Group 14.

Roberto Gomez, a former World 9-Ball finalist, toppled Chris Melling, 7-6, in Group 11, Oliver Medinilla downed Francisco Diaz Pizarro, 7-5, in Group 9 and Francisco Felicilda walloped countryman Venancio Tanio, 7-3, in Group 8.