Cuartero qualifies for World 10-ball tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino Allan Cuartero and Chang Yu Lung of Chinese Taipei gained berths in the main draw of the World 10-Ball Championship by topping the qualifying stage matches at the Star Billiards Center last Tuesday.

Like what they did in the Philippine Open Pool Championship, the two players made it to Stage 2 of the WPA event the hard way.

Cuartero fought back from a big five-point deficit then won the next eight racks before turning back former Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica, 9-6.

Chang, on the other hand, also went through a wringer before ekeing out a victory over his compatriot in a hill-hill encounter.

Chang surprised two-time Asian Games gold medalist and top money-game player Yang Ching Shun, 9-8.

Nearly given up for lost after trailing Gabica, 1-6 Cuartero fought back to steal the win.

“I felt like I’m going to lose the match, but I didn’t give up because I was given several chances to come back when he failed to make good breaks,” said Cuartero, a house pro from Kuwait.

Gabica, a former Asian Games gold medalist, is one of the most notable players vying for a main draw seat. Other players included in the 36-player field divided in the morning and afternoon matches are Yang, former World 10-Ball semifinalist Demosthenes Pulpul and veteran campaigner Warren Kiamco.

Trailing 6-3 in the 10th rack, Cuartero pounced on a Gabica miss on No. 10 ball. He salvaged the next rack but made a scratch on the next then watched Gabica, with ball on hand, miss on a corner shot that could have given him more cushion.

Instead, Cuartero took control, secured the 11th rack and came within striking distance, 6-5, en route to the victory.