MAGPANTAY FALTERS IN OPENING ROUND OF 1ST PAGCOR-KABAYAN BILYAR ARALAN 9-BALL CHALLENGE

MANILA-PHILIPPINES—LITTLE known Noel Araniel was sharp in his opening match to beat tournament favorites Jonas Magpantay, 5-1, to post the biggest upset yesterday at the start of first PAGCOR-Kabayan Bilyar Aralan 9-Ball Challenge at the Jaca Billiards Hall in Recto Avenue, Manila.

Araniel race a 4-0 commanding lead including a golden break in the third frame and never looked back to stuns Magpantay, the 2008 Reno World Junior of Pool Championships quarter-finalist in the three (June 19 to 21) day tournament, 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.

“Malas talaga, walang pumapasok sa break ko. Siya naka golden break na tapus maganda pa ang latag ng bola,” said Magpantay, 15, a freshman pupil of Ponciano Bernardo High School in Cubao whose only rack in the fifth frame, in the race-to-5, double elimination format.

Magpantay, the youngest qualifier in the 2009 Philippine Pool Championships was relegated in the loser’s brackets and need to win his all matches to progress in the money round. At stakes in the total prize fund P50,000 tournament is P20,000 to the champion.

Prior the tournament proper, 2008 World Ten Ball Championships semi-finalists Demosthenes “Plong-Plong” Pulpul made the traditional ceremonial lag. He also gave playing tips (mini billiards clinic) to all participants.

The organizing committee would like to thank BSCP president and long-time billiards patron Sebastian “Baste” Chua who donate a total of ten (10) cue sticks for the winners.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.