LUAT BEATS GALLEGO, TOPS VILLAR CUP IN BACOLOD

RODOLFO “BOY SAMSON” LUAT won the Bacolod International Billiard Festival, First Senate President Manny Villar Cup Bacolod leg. In the final he defeated fellow Negros Billiard Stable (NBS) bet Ramil “Bebeng” Gallego 13-10 to claim the $15,000 or more than a half a million pesos first prize was held at the Garden Royale in Bacolod City, on Sunday.

“Winning a tournament against the different world’s best players is a very big accomplishment, and I’m very happy winning this game,” said Luat, playing under the banner of Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) head sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy and NBS coach Christopher “Toper” Palses.

“Maraming salamat din sa suporta nina Boss Jo (Jonathan Sy) at Toper (Christopher Palses),” added Luat, who is best to remember winning the 1996 World Open Nine-ball Championship, much known “Boy Samson” in a pool world, moniker he has carried since the 1970s because of his powerful break.

The feat made Luat the first winner of this international event hopping series presented by Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports and organized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the city government of Bacolod led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia and the Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) of businessman Jonathan Sy and sponsored by Camella Communities and Kopiko.