Orcollo, Corteza reach semis vs Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines - Dennis Orcollo and Lee Vann Corteza, combining luck with talent, rolled past Miko Balasz and Gabor Solymosi of Hungary, 9-1, as the Philippines arranged an explosive semifinal showdown with Chinese-Taipei in the World Cup of Pool at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London Saturday.

The Filipino bets cashed in on what they described as “lucky breaks” to seize control then flashed top form on the rare occasions that their opponents managed to get to the table, essaying the rout that came on the heels of their victories over the Croatians and the Singaporeans.

“We were a bit lucky off the break,” said Corteza, modestly underplaying their prowess with a break stick. “We always had a ball on and we tried to make the most of it. We didn’t really give them that many chances so we’re really pleased to be through to the finals.”

The Hungarians, who qualified for the main event in a qualifying tournament in August, had put out China in the first round and then Russia in round two, but proved no match for the ace Filipino cue masters.

The Philippines dropped out of the race early last year in Manila but playing virtually pressure-free, Orcollo and Corteza are upbeat of their chances to deliver the third World Cup crown worth $60,000.

“Last year (in Manila) we lost in the first round but this year, being in London, there’s not so much pressure so we’re trying to relax and play our best. But Taiwan is a very good team, so we’ll have to come with our best,” said Corteza.

Truly, the Taiwanese blew away the hosts as Chang Jung-lin and Ko Pin-yi dominated Darren Appleton and Karl Boyes and ran away with a 9-3 rout in the other quarterfinal match.

Chang and Ko seized control early by taking five of the first six racks and were never threatened, parlaying their rivals’ miscues to post leads of 6-1, and 7-2. 

Ko made an error in the ninth when he failed to hit a rail trying to put the white ball up behind the 3-ball. With ball-in-hand, England made it 7-3 but the Taiwanese came through with a great combination on the 9-ball to reach the hill before pouncing on the hosts’ miscue to wrap up the match.

Holland and Finland will dispute the other finals berth in the $250,000 event with the former nipping Japan, 9-8, and the latter trouncing England B, 9-3.