Teener steals show, rips Kiamco

CEBU – Teener Johann Chua stole the thunder from the big guns as he stunned first leg champion Warren Kiamco, 9-5, at the start of the first Senate President Manny Villar Cup Cebu leg at the jampacked Trade Hall of SM City Cebu yesterday.

The power-breaking Chua, 16, took control early with superb pocketing before thwarting Kiamco’s rally to produce the worthiest win in the first day of action in the tournament presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports, in partnership with the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

“I know I am no match to the guy that’s why I tried to minimize my mistakes and stay focused. I am very happy with this win,” said Chua, a product of the Search for the New Billiards Idol series.

After splitting the first four racks, Chua broke and ran out five consecutive frames to reach the hill at 8-3 before Kiamco claimed the next two to threaten back.

But Chua whisked off the fightback by pocketing a tough-angled bank shot of the 9-ball in the 14th frame.

The victory moved Chua to within one win of advancing into the knockout stage of this event sponsored by Camella Communities and backed by Puyat Sports, Bugsy Promotions and Negros Billiards Stable.

Also winning their opening round matches in the top half of the draw were fellow Jharome Peña and Jundel Mazon, who demolished Roy Steffensen, (9-0), and Elmer Haya (9-2), respectively.

The other half of the field, which includes former world champions Efren “Bata” Reyes, Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, along with other who’s who of Philippine billiards, were contesting the remaining 16 slots to the knockout stage at presstime.

A short opening ceremony ushered the start of the three-day competitions with Senate President Manny Villar declaring the games open.

“ Cebu is just one of the stops of the Villar Cup. As I’ve promised I will bring Villar Cup to other provinces to give our kababayans a chance to personally see our world-class billiards players,” said Villar.

Ricky Zerna and Ramil Gallego of Jonathan Sy’s NBS likewise advanced to the winners’ side with convincing wins over Roberto Dy (9-6) and Russina Petiza (9-5), respectively.

Michael Feliciano scored contrasting victories over two fellow rising pool stars to lead the first batch of players in advancing to the knockout stage in the lower half of the draw.

The 22-year-old Feliciano, who made it to the 64-main draw via the last qualifying tournament Thursday, first came from behind to edge Mark Malayan, 9-8, and then upended former national juniors champion Mark Mendoza, 9-6.

Other winners were Richard Pornelosa, Mike Takayama, Egie Geronimo, William Millares, Eduardo Villanueva, Steve Villamil, Jech Limen, Arturo Publico, Panfilo Damuag, Romar Villones and 14-year-old Diondel Raga of Negros Billiards Stable.

Reigning Kyoto 9-ball Open champion Dondon Razalan and hometown bets Michael Mendez and Achilles Navarra rounded up the 16 players advancing in the first half of the draw in the event.