MAGPANTAY BEATS ARANIEL IN THEIR REMATCH; ENTERS SEMI-FINAL ROUND

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—JONAS MAGPANTAY entered the semi-final phase of the 1st PAGCOR-Kabayan Bilyar Aralan 9-Ball Challenge Sunday held at the Jaca Billiards Hall in Recto Avenue, Manila.

The 15-year-old Magpantay, the 2008 Reno World Junior of Pool championships quarter-finalist, posted a 6-4 win over giant killer Noel Araniel in the one-loss side to reach the final four.

” I hope to sustain my winning form,” said the Bansud Oriental, Mindoro native Magpantay, who won the last two racks after a 4-all deadlock in the eight frame.

It was a sweet revenge for the freshman pupil of Ponciano Bernardo High School in Cubao who bowed to Noel Araniel, 5-1, in the opening round on Friday in this double elimination, race-to-5, alternate break format, organized by Noli Sangil Cruz,  president of the organizing Lion’s Den Enterprises,  supported by Vice-President Noli “Kabayan” De Castro, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), aims to encourage young billiard players to pursue their studies and also promote the sport among students.

“He (Jonas Magpantay) played well and figthing until the end,” added Araniel, who took a 2-1 commanding lead in the third frame before Magpantay tied the match at 2-2 count in the fourth frame.

Magpantay, the 2009 Philippine Pool Championships youngest qualifier earlier beat Christian Rivera via walk over victory, blasted Jesamine Ventura, 5-0, J.D. Serdan, 5-2, Ronald Cayetano, 5-1, Lourjay Cardino, 6-2, respectively then toppled Araniel, 6-4, in their rematch.

Manila’s Jeffrey Dayaon, meanwhile edged lone Bicol survivor Allen Decena, 6-5, in the loser’s brackets for the last final four berth.

Magpantay will face Husly Jusayan while Decena will slug it out with Eduard de Guzman in an exciting semi-final round in this event also backed up by BSCP president and long-time billiards patron Sebastian “Baste” Chua who donated a total of ten (10) cue sticks for the winners in this total prize fund P50,000 tournament which is offer P20,000 to the champion.Chua, also the local distributor of famous Brunswick Billiards table graced the second day action on Saturday.

Jusayan and de Guzman, both undefeated player who ealier make it to the money round. Jusayan nipped Reynold dela Fuente, 5-1, Jesamine Ventura, 5-2, Elmer Ranara, 5-2, and Allen Decena, 5-2, in the winner’s brackets while de Guzman trounced Dan Mendoza, 5-1, Paolo Galleto, 5-2, Ronald Cayetano, 5-4, and Noel Araniel, 5-3.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.