ORCULLO, ARPILLEDA GAIN SEATS IN FINAL FOUR

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—REIGNING Predator Ten-Ball Champion Dennis “Robocop”Orcullo and former Southeast Asian Games 9-ball gold medallist Victor Arpilleda cruised into the semifinals of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) 4^th Philippine National Championships yesterday at the famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.

Orcollo, one of the top player of businessman Ceferino “Perry” Mariano of Bugsy Promotions beat John Salazar, 9-7, and Bugsy stablemate Carlo “Cool” Biado, 9-0, to book his seat. For his part, The Jakarta based pool Instructor Arpilleda toppled double world champion Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, 9-3, and Cebuano hopeful Marvin Tapia, 9-8.

A new champion is sure to be crowned this year with the elimination yesterday of last year’s champion and heavyweight Marlon “Marvelous” Manalo.He lost two hill-hill thrillers to John Salazar and Japan based Antonio “Nickoy” Lining in the event hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian “Baste” Chua in close cooperation with Raya Sports and Star Billiards Center and backed up by congressman Bongbong Marcos.

From the losers bracket, six players remain in contention for the two other semis slots. Alcano outlasted another Japan-based Ramil “Bebeng” Gallego, 2007 World Pool finalist Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez beat Gandy “Yang-Yang” Valle, 9-5, 2009 World Ten Ball finalist Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza eliminated John Salazar,9-7, Rodrigo “Edgie Marilao” Geronimo took out Rocky Tullao, 9-6. The other contenders in the losers side are Tapia and Biado, who await separate opponents for their bid for seats in the final four.

BY:  MARLON BERNARDINO.