VILLAR CUP CALABARZON LEG MAIN DRAW CUES OFF TODAY

LIPA CITY – The country’s top cue artists, led by the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes arrived in this bustling city yesterday all ready to give their best to secure the coveted tiara of The Manny Villar Cup, which unfurls with its Calabarzon leg today at the Activity Center of SM City Mall.

“We’re always doing our best that’s why, as you’ve seen in previous tournaments, it’s been unpredictable and thrilling. And this one is no exception,” said Reyes, who was warmly greeted by the Batanguenos upon is arrival, along with the rest of Team Villards, who will banner this topnotch event presented by Senator Manny Villar.

The 55-year-old Maestro is looking to improve his semifinals finish in the recently-held Isabela leg with an ultimate goal of finally joining the elite list of players who have won a leg in this prestigious island-hopping series coorganized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, sponsored by Camella Communities and sanctioned by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines.

“Just like what my fellow players said, this is like a world championship that is very hard to win. But I’m confident on my chances, and I really want to win this and offer the title to Senator Villar, who we’re very thankful for his all-out support in our sport,” added Reyes.

Reyes will be joined by fellow world-renowned pool masters in newly-crowned International 10-Ball champion Dennis Orcollo, former world champion Ronnie Alcano, Lee Van Corteza, and former leg winners Warren Kiamco, Gandy Valle, Ramil Gallego, Rodolfo Luat and Francisco “Django” Bustamante.

Reigning double titlist Roberto Gomez won’t be around to defend his crown as he is still campaigning in the United States, along with former world champion Alex Pagulayan.

But still the field remains as tough, especially with the entry of a horde of up and coming stars in the likes of two-time world juniors campaigner and former Villards Sipag at Tiyaga Division champ Rene Mar David, Joven Bustamante, Carlo Biado, Ricky Zerna, Jharome Pena, Michael Feliciano, William Millares, Jomar de Ocampo, and last year’s Search for the New Billiards Idol grand winner Mike Takayama.

Also competing in the event, which offers close to a million-peso cash prize, are six aspiring cue artists from the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, who made it via the qualifier cum Villards Calabarzon Regional Championship held yesterday.

Senator Villar will be on hand to grace and hit the ceremonial break ushering the start of the competition. He will be joined by BMPAP president Atty. Vic Rodgriguez and the officials of the new BSCP headed by its president Bong Ilagan and chairman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat.

by: Press release