Phl aces stamp class in world 9-ball opener

MANILA, Philippines - Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante trounced their respective rivals to lead the charge of the Filipino aces at the start of the World 9-Ball Championship at the Al Sadd Sports Club in Doha, Qatar yesterday.

Reyes, a former world champion, outplayed Phillip Stajanovic of Croatia, 9-3, in Group 1 while Bustamante beat Lo Li-wen of China, 9-7, in Group 9 of the tournament that drew the world’s leading players and rising stars.

Also hurdling their first round matches are Dennis Orcollo, who prevailed over Ali Saeed Alsuwaidi of UAE, 9-6, in Group 15; Ronnie Alcano, who edged Toh Lian Han of Singapore in Group 13; and Lee Vann Corteza, who blanked Ivica Putnik of Coatia, 9-0, in Group 14.

In other results, Ramil Gallego beat Sundee Gulati of UAE, 9-6, in Group 2; Jundel Mazon downed Chris Melling of Great Britain, 9-7, in Group 3; Carlo Biado routed Rajandra Nair of India, 9-1, in Group 4; Roberto Gomez beat Takht Zarekani of UAE, 9-6, in Group 10; and Antonio Gabica clobbered Andrea Klasovic of Croatia, 9-4.

Meanwhile, Elvis Calasang stayed alive in the loser’s bracket by nipping Kuo Yi Pe of Chinese-Taipei, 9-8, while Joven Alba prevailed over Henrique Correia of Portugal, 9-4, and Israel Rota smashed Lee Wan Su of Korea, 9-4.

Oliver Medenilla bowed out with a 9-3 loss to Lo Li-wen in the loser’s side.