RP raps Russia, moves to WC final vs Britain

MANILA, Philippines - Ronnie Alcano trounced Ruslan Chinahov, 7-1, in their 10-ball duel as Team Philippines fashioned out a 4-1 decision over Russia to barge into the finals of the World Team Pool Cup Championship in Hannover, Germany late Saturday.

Coming off a loss with Marlon Manalo in the 8-ball Scotch doubles, Alcano buckled down to work early against Chinahov to seize control then cruised to the one-sided victory to help power RP to a final showdown with Great Britain.

Bannered by reigning world 9-ball champion Darly Peach and former world 10-ball titlist Darren Appleton, Great Britain eliminated Greece, 4-2, in the other semis clash.

“Our loss in the Scotch doubles proved to be a wake-up call,” said Alcano, referring to their 3-6 setback with Manalo in the first Scotch doubles event.

“We expect a tough battle with Great Britain, but we are confident of our players,” said Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) chairman Yen Makabenta.

The Filipinos bounced back from that loss in the first 8-ball Scotch doubles event with a victory by Warren Kiamco and Dennis Orcullo, 6-4.

Lee Vann Corteza and Antonio Lining then made it 3-1 for Team RP with 8-4 wins over Roman Pruchai and Egor Plishkin in the 9-ball event before Alcano clinched the match.

On the road to the finals, the unbeaten Team RP routed England II (4-0), Czech Republic (4-1), Norway (4-2), Poland (4-2) and Russia.

Great Britain, on the other hand, downed Norway (5-1), lost to Sweden (2-4), whipped Israel (4-0) and Germany (4-0) then edged China (4-3) and Greece (4-2).