CEBU, Philippines - Elmer D. Haya of Butuan City now stands alone to carry the fight for the flag and country after his compatriots crashed out one by one from the $200,000 WPA World 9-ball Championship at the Al Saad Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.
Ironically, Haya had to kick out his fellow Pinoy players on his way to the semifinal round of the world's biggest billiards tournament that offers a $30,000 payday to the grand champion.
Haya, a relatively unknown going into the week-long tilt featuring the best and brightest cue masters on the planet, progressed into the final 16 knockout stage after terminating Japan's Hijikata Hayato, 11-8.
Unfortunately, that led Haya to an all-Filipino duel against Raymund Faraon, which he won via an 11-8 decision.
Haya had to deal with another unwanted match-up against fellow countryman Johann Chua. The gifted Mindanao shotmaker smoothly careened his way to an 11-7 victory that booked him a semifinal ticket.
Haya will face next Neils Feijen of The Netherlands for a final spot against either Chang Yu Lung of Taiwan or Albin Ouschan of Austria.
Cebu's pride Antonio "Gaga" Gabica from Lapu-Lapu City, last year's runner-up, could only make it to the last 16 this time. He easily dispatched Korean Ryu Seung Woo, 11-6, but was later crushed out of the competition by Ouschan via an 11-7 thriller.
Carlo Biado, a semifinalist during the 2013 edition, could not also duplicate his feat last year after being beaten by Feijen, 11-7, in the quarterfinals.
It was a double whammy for the Pinoys at the hands of the Dutch as the Bacolod City-native Ramil Gallego also got the axe from Nick Van Den Berg, 11-7. (FREEMAN)