B-League Final 4 under way

MANILA, Philippines - The top four collegiate teams in seniors division clash today while the top two squads in junior play dispute the crown in the first National Collegiate Students Billiards Championship at SM Manila-Arroceros.

St. Clare College of Caloocan edged Mapua, 2-1, to secure a Final Four berth in the event also known as the B-League.

The Saints’ pair of Ritchy Gogo and Vennis Mariano demolished Rowell Co and Jeff Dayaon of the Cardinals, 5-2, in 8-ball doubles while Goco posted a 7-1 victory over John Navarro in 9-ball singles. Mapua’s Co averted a shutout in 10-ball singles, beating Richard Fernandez in the quarterfinal round over the weekend at Star Paper Billiards Center in Quezon City.

Lyceum scored a 2-1 victory over Far Eastern U to arrange a semis clash with the Saints in the tournament organized by Perry Mariano of Bugsy Promotions and Reli de Leon and backed by Accel, H2O Hotel, Manila Ocean Park, Star Publications, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Negros Billiards Stable, Malungai Life Oil, Niknok Pritson Manok, Hermes Sports Bar, Human Plus, Star Billiards Center, Brunswick, Bugsy Promotions, Mediacom, San Miguel Corp. and GSM Blue.

University of the East pool beat fancied Philippine Maritime Institute of Technology in 9-ball and 10-ball. Warriors John Santos upset Troy Montes, 7-2, in 9-ball while Anthony Caubalejo edged Chris Macenas, 7-5, in 10-ball to advance.