WORLD CUP OF POOL RETURNS TO MANILA; REYES AND BUSTAMANTE; ORCULLO AND GOMEZ BANNER RP’s BID

THE prestigious and tough Partypoker.net World Cup of Pool, a battle among nations, returns to Manila schedule on September 7 to 12 with the tandem of Filipino pool legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante leading the way for the country’s bid alongside the pair of Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo and Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez.

According to Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano under the leadership of its’ BMPAP chairman and Philippine Star Editor-in-Chief Isaac Belmonte as host country, the Philippines gaining the privilege of fielding two teams, Reyes and Bustamante have been tapped to form the RP team A while Orcullo and Gomez will carrying the RP team B.

“I believe they’re our strongest bets,” Mariano, referring the pair of Reyes and Bustamante and as well Orcullo and Gomez who doing great in the past international competitions this year from Japan, Canada as well in the United States.

“I think we have a strong chance to retain the World Cup of Pool crown,” added Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, BMPAP co-founder, acknowledge RP billiards patron.

Reyes and Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports ruled the inaugural edition of this event in 2006 in Newport, England, where they beat Americans Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris.

Last Year, Reyes and Bustamante rallied from a, 7-9 deficit to beat the tandem of Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann, 11-9, of Germany to reclaim their coveted title enroute the $60,000 first prize in the 32-team field from 31 countries held at the SM North Edsa Annex in Quezon City.

Reyes, the 2010 Player of the Decade for his part: “The key is really listening to your teammate.” “But this kind of tournament is difficult to predict because some of the strongest teams may not do well and the perceived weak teams may play really well.” added Reyes, also tapped being the playing coach of the RP bound for this November’s Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

Meanwhile, Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn commented, “We are delighted to be returning to the Philippines after having enjoyed last year one of the greatest pool tournaments we have ever promoted.

The entire event will be broadcast by Solar Sports live across the Philippines with the live feed of the tournament available internationally. In addition Matchroom Sport will be producing a 31 x one hour highlights package of the event.

“Solar Sports did a fantastic job bringing all the drama and excitement of the tournament to the screen and the large, enthusiastic crowds created an atmosphere unlike any I have ever seen at a pool tournament. he added.

“The World Cup of Pool is fast becoming the biggest pool tournament in the world and we are delighted to see its continued growth in Asia and around the world.”

Other stars of the pool world scheduled to take part include World Champions Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann (Germany), Daryl Peach and Karl Boyes of England, Johnny Archer (USA) and Finland’s Mika Immonen.

Other top draws appearing in Manila are Marcus Chamat (Sweden), Niels Feijen of Holland, Malta’s Tony Drago and a host of big names to be announced.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.

Nations Represented

Europe (15)

Austria, Croatia, England, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Malta, Poland,

Russia, Spain, Sweden, Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2

Asia (13)

China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines 1, Philippines 2,

Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Rest of the World (4)

Australia, Canada, Qatar, USA