Alcano trims US bet; Luat cruises

Former two-time world champion Ronnie Alcano bucked a poor start to beat American Mike Brown, 11-7, at the start of the US Open 9-ball Championship at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia Sunday.

Alcano groped for form against Brown in the early going but settled down just in time to clinch the victory in the $250,000 tournament that lured 237 players from around the world.

“I was a bit tired from a long trip but I was able to recover my rhythm towards the end,” said Alcano in Filipino.

The Bugsy Promotions-backed bet will next face Matt Clatterbuck, who posted an 11-5 win over Billy Anderson.

Alcano, whose campaign is supported by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP), is eyeing to improve his runner-up finish last year and win his first major title since ruling the World 8-Ball Championship in March 2007.

Rodolfo Luat also cruised to the next round as he overwhelmed Louis Ulrich, 11-5, in the other contest.

Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Lee Van Corteza, Warren Kiamco and Jose “Amang” Parica drew opening round byes to likewise advance.

Bustamante struts his wares in the second round against Keith Brinton, who won over Adel Al-Shatti, 11-9, while Corteza will take on Abdullah El-Yousef, an 11-9 winner against Randy Labonte.

Kiamco will face Jason Klatt, who prevailed in his first round encounter with Ketie Chuberko, while Parica will square off with Aki Heiskanen.

Ramil Gallego, Leonardo Andam and Joven Alba were still playing with Sam Monday, Markus Juva of Finland and Chris Melling of England, respectively, at presstime.