60 upcoming cue artists vie in 9-ball

At least 60 budding billiards players are expected to participate in the 9-Ball Billiards Open Championship tomorrow at the Elbow Room at fifth level of the plush "The Podium" at ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center right across the Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Participants will clash in a race-to-five, sudden death knockout format with the top two players advancing to the championship round.

The two finalists will also have the chance to challenge back-to-back Tokyo 9-Ball Open champion Antonio "Gaga" Gabica in the "Search for Tanduay the No. 1 Billiards Player".

Registration fee is P100. Interested billiards players must be in proper attire -- leather shoes and collared shirts -- and register at the venue before the matches start at 6 p.m. at the Elbow Room.

Meanwhile, veteran campaigner Emil de la Paz pulled a big surprise but back-to-back Tokyo 9-Ball Open champion Gabica bounced back in the rematch yesterday to stay as the featured cue artist in the "Search for Tanduay the No. 1 Billiards Player" at the Robinson’s Malls.

Tied at 2-2, De la Paz gave Gabica no chance to get back in the resumption of their match as he swept the last three racks to prevail 5-2 in the event conceptualized by Tanduay advertising manager Larry Li with the support of Tanduay Distillers marketing manager Andres Co.

But in the rematch, Gabica got his usual groove back and dictated the tempo for a 5-2 revenge that marked his eighth week as the featured cue artist.

"Medyo pagod na rin ako, lalo na’t patindi nang patindi ang nakakalaban ko sa tournament na ito. Naging malaking challenge talaga sa akin si Emil (Dela Paz) at nang natalo niya ako sa unang laban, talagang pinangako ko na babawi talaga ako sa pangalawa," said Gabica.