Barely a week after his stirring performance in the International Pool Tour (IPT) qualifying tournament where he grabbed the IPT card for the 2006 season, the 27-year-old Orcollo played a near-flawless game in the three-day tournament he capped with a victory over US-based Filipino Jose "Amang," Parica in the finals.
"My victory in the IPT tournament really boosted my confidence that’s why I’m playing solid these days," said Orcollo in Filipino. He pocketed the $12,000 top purse. Orcollo’s US campaign is supported by his longtime benefactor Perry Mariano.
After topping the eliminations against American counterparts, Orcollo shocked US pool legend Johnny Archer in the semifinals, thus giving him the "twice-to-beat" advantage in the championship round.
Parica beat Archer in the loser’s side and earned the right to challenge Orcollo for the crown. Parica, a veteran on the US tour, took the first game, 9-7, but Orcollo dominated the second tiff, 9-3.
With his ward’s victory, Mariano vowed to continue his support not only to Orcollo but to other local players as well, including Ronnie Alcano, Antonio Gabica, Roberto Gomez and Gandy Valle.
"Dennis victories in the US proved that there are a lot of Filipinos who can be world-class cue masters," said Mariano.