Corteza, 3 others remain unbeaten

MANILA, Philippines - Four Filipino billiard heavyweights extended their winning streak in the ongoing Manny Pacquiao International 10-ball championships yesterday at the Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.

Former two-time national open champion Lee Vann Corteza, ex-Manny Pacquiao 9-ball ruler Jeffrey de Luna, 2010 World Series Guinness kingpin Jundel Mazon and unheralded Jeffrey Diaz toyed with their foes while World no.1 Dennis Orcollo survived his dangerous opponents.

Corteza, top player of Jonathan Sy’s Negros Billiards Stable (NBS), downed snooker ace Benjie Guevarra, 9-7, de Luna routed Ricky Puro, 9-4, Mazon topped Antonio Lining, 9-5, and Diaz upset 2007 World Pool finalist Roberto Gomez, 9-4.

“I was a bit lucky because my touch didn’t fail me until the las tshot,” said Corteza, the 2011 SMB Octoberfest 9-ball champion.

In the losers’ side, Orcollo beat Jech Limen, 9-7, and Warren Kiamco, 9-5.

The tournament, sponsored by Rep. Manny Pacquiao, stakes a cash pot of $60,000 with the winner getting $10,000.