Hordista pockets 1st Fruits and Foods 9-ball tilt

Tony Hordista was saying goodbye to his title hopes as he took his seat. He just missed his shot on the 9 ball a few seconds earlier.

Now it was Sunder Mulchandani’s turn. Actually, it was his rival’s second shot on the ball. Earlier, Mulchandani muffed his shot to give Hordista the chance that he squandered.

As his rival was chalking up his stick, Hordista held his breath.

Hordista saw the cue ball hit the 9 ball but something happened. The 9 ball was still on the table - Mulchandani had missed!

Hordista then jumped out of his seat to pocket the stubborn 9 ball for a nail-biting 7-6 win over Mulchandani that gave him the title of the 1st Fruits and Foods Regular Customers 9-Ball Tournament at the Fruits and Foods Restaurant Billiard Area.

Hordista received the winner’s purse of P2,000 plus a handsome trophy while Mulchandani received P1,000. Third placer with Phil Dominic Lau Gauran went home with P500.

Hordista and Mulchandani came out on top among the 20 that signed up for the tournament to arrange the race-to-seven championship match.

Hordista had a roller coaster final game. He was leading the match but allowed Mulchandani to find his rhythm towards the homestretch. Mulchandani slowly inched his way forward and finally tied Hordista at 6-all, after 12 racks.

Mulchandani looked every inch the champion until that crucial second miss.

Sidney Kiamko organized the tournament for the regular patrons of Fruits and Foods Restaurant. He is grateful for Colt 45 and Atlas Fertilizers for sponsoring the event.— Marigold P. Lebumfacil, Correspondent