Corteza rules Pacman 10-ball, halts Orcollo

MANILA, Philippines - Lee Vann Corteza mastered world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo, 11-7, to pocket the Manny Pacquiao International 10-ball crown at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City last Sunday.

Corteza, a former two-time National Open champion, gained the upper-hand early and held on to thwart the fancied Orcollo and bank the top $30,000 purse in the event put up by the Filipino boxing icon.

Orcollo settled for $10,000.

Corteza marched to the finals after beating 2007 Manny Pacquiao 9-ball champion Jeffrey de Luna, 11-6, in the semifinals while Orcollo trounced unheralded Jeffrey Diaz, 11-7, in the other semis encounter.

It was Corteza’s second straight win over Orcollo as he also beat the latter, 11-8, in the Masters category finals in the San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 9-ball Open at Resorts World Manila last month.

“I’m very happy and proud to win this tournament,” said Corteza.

Corteza earlier disposed of 2007 World Pool Championship finalist Roberto Gomez, 9-6, to arrange a final four showdown with De Luna while Orcollo edged Jundel Mazon, 9-7, to face Diaz.

The winner of the tournament was supposed to play Pacquiao in an exhibition match, but the boxing superstar, who also celebrated his 33rd birthday in grand fashion in General Santos City, also last Saturday, failed to make it.