Brunei Crown Prince here for world 9-ball pool

Brunei’s Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, arrived in Manila yesterday for the 2006 World Pool Championships where he will participate as Brunei’s top bet.

The Prince arrived at 2:15 p.m. via a chartered Boeing B-767 aircraft of Royal Brunei Airways, which taxied to the presidential hangar at the Villamor Air Base.

Planeside honors were accorded to the Prince as he stepped off from the plane with his wife, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Anak Sarah, and their party.

The Brunei Crown Prince was welcomed by Philippine Air Force officials led by Maj. Gen. Pedro Cadungog, chief of Air Staff, and Yen Makabenta, president of world pool organizer Raya Sports and Events before they rode a black limousine to their hotel.

Makabenta said the Bruneian prince was also expected to pay a visit to Malacañang to talk to President Arroyo before he leaves the country Nov. 12.

Meanwhile, after clinching four of the first six berths in the World Pool Championships, the Philippines came up dry in the fourth day of qualifiers, enabling Lu Hsun-Chen of Chinese Taipei and Tan Tiong Boon of Singapore to advance with victories in their respective groups at the Star Billiards in Quezon City Tuesday.

Lu foiled the hosts’ bid for the fifth slot when he turned back Israel Rota, 9-4, in the final of Qualifier 7.

Rota earlier barged into the finals with impressive wins over Kang Chin-Ching, Shiau Wei-Wen and compatriot Warren Kiamco.

But Lu proved hotter as he frolicked in his side of the draw with wins over Jonas Uhlin, 7-1, Yu King-Chiu, 7-1, Hisash Kusano, 7-5, Lu Hui-Chan, 7-3, and Chiang Ching-Yu, 7-4.

Tan, meanwhile, fought back from 0-3 down to beat Jharome Pena and top Qualifier 8. — With report from Rainier Allan Ronda