Pinoy cue masters face the best from US, Europe

All is set for On Cue II on Studio 23, the nine-ball showdown between the Philippines’ best four players and the best four of the United States and Europe on Oct. 28-31 at Robinson’s Galleria in Mandaluyong.

Aristeo Puyat, president of Puyat Sports, and Peter Musngi, vice president of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., joint promoters of the tournament, announced that Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Canada-based Alex Pagulayan and Venancio Tanio will be the Philippine entries. They will play against Earl Strickland and Johnny Archer of the USA and reigning world champion (WPA, Cardiff) Thorsten Hohmann of Germany and Mika Immonen of Finland.

Tanio, a very promising local pro, qualified as the fourth RP entry after winning the single elimination tournament at AMF Puyat Bowling Inn’s billiards hall that drew 40 players, including world-rated Rodolfo "Boy" Luat, Leonardo Andam, Lee Van Corteza, Warren Kiamco, Marlon Manalo and other top-rated local pros.

The matches, to be held at Sillion Disco on the fourth floor of Robinson’s Galleria, will be televised by ABS-CBN starting on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

A "special attraction" is the appearance of lady referee Micahela Tabb of Matchroom Sport, England, who was specially brought in for the event by the promoters.