Orcullo eyes rich US tour

Dennis Orcullo, the most feared player in local money game circuit, sets his eyes on rich US tournaments such as the tough International Pool Tour (ITP) where top 150 players in the world are invited or given a slot.

Perry Mariano, Orcullo’s benefactor, said the 26-year-old from Surigao also plans to compete in the UPA (United States Professional Pool Players Association) Tour, the organizer of prestigious US Open 9-Ball Championship.

"It’s now time for Dennis to compete abroad especially in the US. There a lot of tournaments there. Almost monthly may malalaking kampeonato," said Mariano, who also bankrolled the training of 23rd Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Ronnie "Boy Calamba" Alcano and first RP Open king Antonio Gabica and fast-rising Jeffrey "Jeff Bata" de Luna.

"He’ll try his luck in the US circuit this year. He will try to join the UPA tournaments and will try to secure an IPT Tour card for 2006," Marianno added.

Orcullo was a familiar face in the World Pool Championship and the proud winner of Tohoko Open in Japan and 2002 Philippine National Open. He was also a 23rd SEA Games gold medalist ruling the 9-ball pool doubles with Alex Pagulayan.

"Malas pa rin tayo sa mga local tournaments. Pero handing-handa tayong lumaban kahit kanino at kahit saan," lamented Orcullo who placed second twice in the RP Open 9-Ball.

Last year, Mariano paid for Orcullo’s registration fee for the US Open 9-Ball meet, won by Pagulayan, but the RP cue master failed to obtain a visa in time for the championship.

"Hopefully, this year, Dennis can secure a US visa with the help of Mr. Ernesto Fajardo, president of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP). New players in the US Tour need to be known by organizer through their records. They can verify Dennis’s credentials from Mr. Fajardo," said Mariano.