2 Japanese, Singaporean gain Open pool slots

MANILA, Philippines – Two Japanese players, one Singaporean, and three Filipinos won seats in the Philippine Open during the final day Sunday of the qualifier at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City.

Naoyuki Oi beat Luis Saberdo of the Philippines, 9-5, to take a qualifier spot in Stage 2 of the tournament.

Bernard Tey Kiat of Singapore rolled over Filipino James Al Ortega, 9-5.

Marvin Tapia shaded Kenichi Uchigaki in a hill-hill match while Elmer Kalaquian beat Chan Keng Kwang, 9-7, in the last match in the losers’ bracket.

Following the four matches, Raya Sports announced that there would be a playoff for two more spots in the tournament. The players designated to play for berths were Uchigaki, Kwang, Saberdo and Ortega based on the records in the qualifying round.

Uchigaki topped the playoff, which featured a knockout format, while Saberdo came in second.

The six players will join 58 other players who had earlier secured spots in the tournament which starts tomorrow at the SM Megamall.