PINOY POOL WIZARD SHINES IN USPPA 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS; POCKETS $1,000

RENO, NEVADA—NONOY Quinones played true to form to beat compatriot Jaynard Orque, 5-1, in the all Filipino-finals to rules the just concluded 2008 United States Pool Players Association (USPPA) 9-Ball Championships at the Sand Regency Hotel here on Thursday.

With the win, the Reno based Quinones, who hails from Tandag, Surigao del Sur pocketed the top purse of $1,000 for his impressive showing in this 128 player’s field, single knock-out format.

The native of Bataan Orque, who is currently residing in Modesto, California, on the other hand didn’t go empty handed with a consolation runner-up prize of $700.

On the road’s to the final four, Quinones subdued Sylvester Coronado, Piere Benitomako, John Thomas, Al Markasky, Mike Morang and Bret Baker while Orgue nipped Lisa Coronado, Tammie Lemm, Ryan Buechler, Alex Bradley, Bobby Hunter and Rafael Martinez.

Two-time world junior girl’s 19 and under titlist Filipino-American Mary Rakin, Dante Rakin, reigning US Junior champion Austin Murphy, Billiards Congress of America (BCA) World Affairs representative Fran Crimi seeing in action in this annual event, a warm up event for the Reno Open.

US based Pinoy Danny Petralba (California), Edwin Urbano (California), and Jing Peregrino (Reno) also participated here.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.