Gabica claims slot in World 10-Ball draw

MANILA, Philippines - Former Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica thwarted Hushley Jusayan, 9-5, to gain a berth in the main draw of the World 10-Ball championship which gets going next week at the World Trade Center.

Gabica struggled in the early going against the 17-year-old Jusayan then used his experience to the hilt to top the Qualifier No. 5 at the Star Billiards Center in QC.

Taiwanese Lu Hui Chan, meanwhile, foiled Jonas Magpantay, 9-8, in Qualifier No. 6.  

It was a sorry loss for Magpantay, who rallied from a 5-8 deficit to draw level and set up a hill-hill finale. After several exchanges of safety shots on ball No. 9 in the final rack, Magpantay got a clear shot on the side pocket.

But he crumbled under pressure and missed. Lu also flubbed his shot, giving Magpantay another crack at the win.

The Filipino, however, missed again, enabling Lu to wrap up the match by sinking the ball in the corner pocket.

Gabica was the second Filipino player to enter the main draw after Allan Cuartero, who ruled Qualifier No. 1 last Tuesday.

Others who hurdled the elims were Chang Yu Lung of Chinese Taipei, Tamoo Takano of Japan and Yang Ching Shun of Chinese Taipei.

The main event is slated May 10-15, headed by the past and present world champions who make up the 128-player field from 44 countries.