Bautista cops MSW 10-ball open title

MANILA, Philippines – Surigao’s Arnel Bautista outclassed Cebu’s Boots Augusto, 11-6, to capture the crown in the Mega Sports World (MSW) 10-ball Open International Billiards Championship recently at King of Sports in Quezon City.

Locked in a tight 5-5 battle, Bautista found the opening when Augusto committed unforced errors in the 11th rack and seized the chance to storm to a 10-5 tear.

Augusto cashed in on Bautista’s dry break to take the next rack and stay alive, but a scratch on the 2-ball in the succeeding set allowed the Surigao pride to clean up and complete the title conquest, worth $5,000.

It was the first championship at home for Bautista, who had previously won the Penang 9-ball diadem in Malaysia as well as the Vice Elite 10-Ball crown in Kuala Lumpur.

On his way to the finals, Bautista trounced Resty Labastida of Jaro, Leyte, 9-5.

Augusto, who pulled off a huge upset over tournament favorite Johann Chua in the Last-4, 9-4, settled for $2,500.

Chua and Labastida received $1,000 and $ 1,500, respectively, for their semifinal finish in the tourney that saw prominent pool sharks Ralf Souquet of Germany and Rodney Morris of the US take their exits in the knockout stage.

The event was presented by Mega Sports World and sponsored by Malungai, Boss Tapa and Com Net.