Orcollo claims nat'l pool 9-ball crown

MANILA, Philippines - World No.1 Dennis Orcollo asserted his top ranking as he got back at Carlo Biado, 11-8, to capture the 9-ball crown in the BSCP National Pool Championship at the Star Billiards Center yesterday.

Orcollo, who lost to Biado in their two previous meetings, including in last week’s 8-ball division of the current pool championships, fought back from 3-6 down by pouncing on his rival’s dry breaks and miscues, winning eight of the next 10 racks to clinch the victory.

“I knew he would dictate the tempo because he already had the feel of the TV table after playing in the 8-ball finals,” said Orcollo moments after clinching the top P50,000 prize.

“But I just waited for the perfect opportunity to launch a comeback by pouncing on his dry breaks and missed shots. Luckily, I was able to complete the win.”

With Orcollo’s win, the race to the grand championship of the BSCP nationals headed to a down-to-the-wire finish with Orcollo and Biado posting a victory each in the three-game format of the event. The last category will be the 10-ball.