Chua rips Django, gains Kings semis

MANILA, Philippines - Johann “Bubwit” Chua stunned pool legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 11-5, to secure a virtual spot in the semifinal round of the Battle of Kings 10-ball Challenge Monday night at King of Sports in Quezon City.

Chua, a regular in money games, pounced on a couple of miscues from the veteran Bustamante to break away from a tight 6-5 lead and run away with his second triumph in three outings.

The victory practically sent Bacolodnon Chua into the Final Four alongside unbeaten Jeff de Luna and Dennis Orcollo.

De Luna racked up his third consecutive win via an 11-6 disposal of Jeff Ignacio while former world champ Orcullo went 3-0 at the expense of Carlo Biado, 11-8, to assure themselves of semis stints over the weekend.

Efren “Bata” Reyes, who split his first two assignments, was gunning for the last semis berth against Ronnie Alcano last night. Also in the hunt is Ignacio, who totes a 2-1 win-loss slate.

Chua’s reversal effectively shut the door on Bustamante (0-3) in the MSW and King of Sports-backed tourney that stakes a winner-take-all prize of P100,000.

Chua stormed to an early 6-3 lead but a miscue on the 10th rack gave Bustamante an opening to take the next two sets and pull closer at 6-5.

The momentum, however, swung back to Chua as he got the better of Bustamante in a positional battle to seize the 12th rack, took advantage of a Bustamante miss to win the next then broke and ran out to build a 9-5 cushion.