Orcollo opens World Pool defense vs Drago

MANILA, Philippines - World No. 1 Dennis Orcollo opens defense of his World Pool Masters crown today as he takes on Malta’s Tony Drago while Francisco “Django” Bustamante hopes to get past Canadian Jason Klatt at SM North Edsa in Quezon City

Orcollo is upbeat of his chances in the Race-to-8, winner-break format event spread over three days that also features the likes of Finland Mika Immonen, German Ralf Souquet and American Shane Van Boening and Filipino legend Efren “Bata” Reyes.

“I’m confident of my chances but I need to play hard since everybody has a chance to win here,” said Orcollo.

The day’s featured match is set at 12 noon.

Bustamante, a two-time winner here, slugs it out with Klatt in the 6 p.m. match while another Filipino bet, Lee Van Corteza, battles Dutch Huidji See.

Other matches pit Taipei’s Chang Jung-lin against Van Boening at 3 p.m., England’s Chris Melling vs Fu Jianbo of China and Yukio Akagariyama of Japan against Indian Raj Hundal.

Reyes, the sentimental favorite to win here, sees action tomorrow against England’s Darren Appleton while Souquet and Immonen fight it out in the other top duel.

Organized by Matchroom Sports in cooperation with Solar Sports, the tournament offers a top purse of $20,000.

“We have a stronger lineup and I’m confident that we can win the crown again,” said Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) co-founder Perry Mariano.