‘DJANGO’ ELIMINATES KIAMCO AND ORCULLO; CORTEZA CONTINUES WINNING STREAK IN VEGAS 10-BALL

FORMER World No.1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante eliminated compatriots Warren “Warrior” Kiamco (9-3) and Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo (9-7), respectively in the loser’s brackets to remain in contention while reigning national open champion Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza continues his winning streak in the on-going 2010 US Open 10-ball championship at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada, USA yesterday (Friday night in US Time).

“Sana mahawakan natin ang momentum,” said Bustamante who also beat Mike Dechaine of the USA (9-2) in the following round of their do-or-die match after raced a 3-0 to 7-1 commanding lead and never looked back of this winner’s break format.

Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports who lost to compatriot Edwin Montal (9-1) in the 3rd round of winner’s bracket, earlier beat Sylver Ochoa of the USA (9-4) in the one-loss side of true double elimination format which offers $20,000 to the champion.

Corteza, from Negros Billiards Stable, meantime turned back giant killer Manny Chau of Peru (9-8) for his six straight wins and remains the only Filipino unbeaten players of this $89,000 total pot prize event.

Corteza impressive wins against Tony Robles of Mexico (9-6), Chris Bartram (9-5) and Francis Crevier of the US (9-8), Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan (9-2) and Dechaine (9-8), respectively.

“ Muntikan na tayo, buti na lamang pumanig ang bola sa end game sa dalawang laro ko kina Dechaine (Mike) at Chau (Manny), parehong 9-8 ang panalo natin,” said Corteza, who thanked his long-time benefactor NBS president Jonathan Sy for undying support of his local and international campaign.

Corteza will face fellow unbeaten player Lo Hi-wen of China in the next round for the hot seat match, winner over reigning World Ten Ball Champion Mika Immonen of Finland (9-5).

2007 World Pool Finalist Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez suffered his second loses to bowed out in this tournament.

Gomez from Zamboanga City lost to Immonen (9-8) in the fifth round of winner’s bracket after failing to sank the No.10 ball in the final racks lost again to American Shane Van Boening (9-8) to failed to progress.

According to Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica, RP team spokesman, Gomez had a chance to beat Immonen when he failed to sank the No.10 ball in the last racks after an 8-ball deadlock in the 16th frame.

“Sumablay sa 10-ball si Gomez (Roberto) sa last racks kay Immonen (Mika) dahil sa nerbiyos,” said Mistica in a long distance interview.

Edwin Montal still playing as of press time with American Charlie Williams in their do-or-die match. Montal suffered his first set back at the hands of Chau (9-6) in the fourth round of winner’s brackets.

Aside from Kiamco, Orcullo, and Gomez, other Filipino bets in the exit door that include popular cue masters Efren “Bata” Reyes, Jose “Amang” Parica, Ronato “Volcano” and Al Lapena.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.