Women cue artists whip Singaporeans

The Philippines’ women billiards stars scored a rousing triumph in their initial international campaign by blasting their Singaporean rivals, 19-10, yesterday to rule the 8-ball team competition at the start of the two-day RP-Singapore Women’s Cue Challenge at Robinsons Place Manila.

Iris Tan Ranola, a promising player from Zamboanga City, led the Filipinos’ charge by beating all her four Singaporean opponents in the one-rack, round-robin series. Ranola toppled Dahpne Ngo, Tan Bee Yan, Chai Zeet Huey and Ho Seng Xia.

Rubilen Amit and Johanna Dee ably backed up Ranola by winning four of their five matches, while Rashiela dela Cruz produced the clinching 19th win at the expense of Hoe Shu Wah.

The Filipinos trailed, 1-3 and 7-5 before they picked up steam by sweeping 12 of the next 14 matches.

Amit lost her first match to Ho Seng Xia, but she bounced back to beat Ong Hoon Chew, Chai, Ngo and Hoe.

Dee outsteadied Ho, Hoe, Chai and Tan but fell to Ong Hoon Chew. Magda Say and Nina Angeles were the only local players who posted losing records of 2-3 and 1-3, respectively.

The 9-ball singles competition will be held today, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Orosa Atrium of Robinsons Place Manila. It will be a race-to-5 round robin series, with the top two based on their win-loss records disputing the title.