ANTONIO GABICA SETTLES FOR JOINT THIRD IN QATAR 9-BALL OPEN

MANILA, Philippines—ANTONIO “Gaga” Gabica, the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medallist yielded to former world champion Mika “The Iceman” Immonen of Finland, 11-3, in the semifinal round but still wound up as the best Filipino finisher in the 2009 Qatar International 9-ball Pool Championship at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Doha, Qatar on Monday.

Reigning two-time World Junior Champion Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei, on the other hand bested 2008 World Ten Ball Champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain, 11-8, to arrange a titular showdown with Immonen. Gabica and Appleton, both received US$10,000 for reaching the final four. The US$150,000 tournament offers US$40,000 to the champion while the runner-up gets US$20,000.

Others Filipino who saw action were last year’s Qatar Open Champion Dennis Orcollo, Marlon Manalo, Jeffrey de Luna, Demosthenes Pulpul, Elvis Calasang, Raymond Faraon, Alan Cuartero, Joyme Vicente, Valerino Pajuay, Oliver Medinilla and Israel Rota.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.