Django cops Tokyo title

Francisco "Django" Bustamante displayed so much class to beat Germany’s Ralf Souquet, 9-0, last Sunday in the final of the Tokyo 9-Ball tournament that featured a tough international field of more than 400 pool professionals.

Bustamante, who is based in Germany, won $12,000 for winning the first major tournament of the year for the Puyat Sports proteges that include 1999 world champion Efren "Bata" Reyes. Other Filipinos who saw action in Tokyo were Warren Quiamco and Rodolfo Luat.

Reyes failed to forge an all-Pinoy final when he lost to Souquet in the semis, 9-8. The Filipino pool magician was ahead, 8-6, but scratched on his break on the 15th game and allowed the German bet to sweep the next three racks.

Reyes, who shared last year’s PSA Athlete of the Year award with golfer Dorothy "Joy" Delasin, settled for $3,000.

Bustamante reached the final by beating Itsuzaki, 9-5, then credited his second victory on Japanese soil to a series of money games against compatriot Lee Van Corteza before he and Reyes left for Tokyo last week.

"Nabatak ako kay Banban (Corteza)," said Bustamante in a telephone call to Manila after the victory.

Reyes and Bustamante, who was joined in Tokyo by their manager Rolly Vicente, will fly home on April 2 to prepare for a US tournament scheduled in May.