Orcullo reaches last 32 but Corteza bows out

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino Dennis Orcullo outclassed his Australian rival in their do-or-die match to make it to the last 32 but compatriot Lee Vann Corteza was booted out in the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United Sates.

Orcullo dominated Jasmin Ouschan, 9-4, breaking out of a 3-all tie by claiming the four racks in the race-to-9, winner’s break duel.

Earlier, Orcullo beat Shaun Wilkie of the United States, 9-1, but lost to Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 9-8, to face Ouschan in a must-win outing.

Corteza, the reigning national Open champion, suffered two losses in Group 6 to join compatriots Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Ronnie “Volcano” Alcano on the sidelines of the double round elimination.

Corteza beat Carlo Cabello of Spain, 9-2, in the first match but bowed to former US Open 9-ball ruler John Schmidt , 9-8.

The Filipino master later lost to American Jayson Shaw, 9-4, to move out of contention.

With the win, Orcullo made it to the Last 32 along with Bugsy Promotions stablemate Roberto Gomez.