ORCULLO DELIVERED TWICE TO SPEARHEADED RP TEAM INTO LAST 16

The Bislig, Surigao del Sur native Orcullo, one of the top players of star-studded Bugsy Promotions defeated Roman Hybler, 8-2, in 9-ball, and Lukas Krenek, 7-2, in 10-ball.

Japan based Antonio “Nickoy” Lining beat Michal Gavenciak, 8-4, in 9-ball.

In the 8-ball Scotch Doubles, the two countries split the points according to Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) Chairman Florentino “Yen” Makabenta with the Nationals winning by a score of 6-3 but the Czech Republic rebounded in the second game by a score of 6-4.

“Nagtabla tayo sa 8-ball Scotch Doubles,” said Makabenta.

Two-time BSCP National Pool Championships ruler Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza, top player of Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) still playing with Hybler in the 10-ball competition with a 1-all count but since the Filipinos have already chalked four wins the third and last discipline featured in this prestigious event – were no longer played in this 48-nation tournament that dangles a total purse of $400,000 (P19.2 million) with the winning team receive $100,000 purse, using point-system tournament patterned after the famous Davis Cup in international tennis.

“Hindi na tinuloy ‘yung laro kay Van-Van (Corteza) panalo na kasi sa match,” said Jonathan “Bacolod” Sy, the president of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS).

The RP team which is backed up by BSCP president Sebastian “Baste” Chua, BSCP chairman Florentino “Yen” Makabenta, Bugsy Promotions, Negros Billiards Stable and Raya Sports also made up by WPA 9-ball and 8-ball champion Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, former Asian Snooker champion Marlon Manalo, Southeast Asian games gold medalist Warren “Warrior” Kiamco and non-playing team manager Edgar “Malabon” Acaba, the founder of BSCP.

Last Monday, the RP team blanked Great Britain II, 4-0, while Czech Republic edged Korea, 4-3.

Also cruising to the “Sweet 16” were Poland, Russia, Sweden, Germany, China, Switzerland and United States.

Poland downed Croatia, 4-1, Russia edged Netherlands, 4-3, Sweden upset Great Britain, 4-2, Germany blanked Greece, 4-0, China toppled Slovakia, 4-1, Switzerland dealt Denmark, 4-3, and United States blasted Morocco, 4-0.