Billiards sees gold mine in Asian Games

If the performances of Billiards and Snooker players in the just-concluded 23rd Southeast Asian Games were to be the gauge, the Philippines is expected to create an impact in bigger tournaments ahead, notably next year’s Asian Games in Doja, Qatar.

"I don’t want to predict how many gold medals we can win in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar but I’m confident we stand a fair chance in the Games," said Ernie Fajardo, president of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines

Despite missing three top guns in Philippine billiards, the national team won eight gold medals out of 14 at stake in the competition, including SEAG two new events in women’s 8 Ball Pool singles and 9 Ball Pool singles, making BSCP one of the best performing NSA’s in the SEAG.

Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo could have bannered the Philippines in the SEAG, but they instead campaigned in the rich ‘King of the Hill’ tournament in Florida, USA where Reyes pocketed the top purse of $200,000 (roughly P10.8 million).

Alex Pagulayan, the 2004 World 9-Ball champion, became the most bemedalled performer in billiards with three gold, followed by Rubilen Amit, who claimed two golds by ruling the 8 ball and 9 ball pool singles in women’s side. Ronato Alcano, Dodong Andam and Felipe Tauro also did well for Team RP.

"With their showing, we now know how far they can go in bigger tournaments," said Fajardo, adding that BSCP will definitely design rigid training program for the gold winners.

"We are planning to send our men and women players in the Doha Games," Fajardo said.

The members of the tam were feted to a victory party the other night by team officials led by Fajardo, team manager Sebastian Chua of Star Papers and billiards godfather Aristeo "Putch" Puyat at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City

In 2001 Busan Asian Games, the country won only one gold, courtesy of Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining in 9-ball pool doubles.

"We need to work hard now. We have the talent, and it’s our duty to develop their full potential," said Puyat. – Arman Carandang