RONNIE Alcano battled back from three racks down to score a
come-from-behind 8-6 triumph over Liu Haitao of China for his second straight
win that propelled the defending champion to the next stage of the 2008 World
8-Ball Championship at the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab
Emirates.
After his 8-1 trouncing of Guatemalan Carlos Talavera in the
opening round, Alcano had a cold start against Liu, and this enabled the Chinese
player to race to a 5-2 lead.
But the 35-year-old stalwart of the Bugsy Promotions of
businessman Perry Mariano and member of the Billiards Managers and Players
Association of the Philippines summoned the power that made him a former double
world champion to avert what could be the biggest upset by far in the eight-day
tournament.
"He (Liu) is very tough that I needed to play my best to beat
him," said Alcano, the first player to advance to the round-of-32, a knockout
stage.
"I’m glad I’ve already past the Group Stage and I’ve got my
game tested. It’s still a long way to go and I’m taking it one game at a time,"
added the pride of Calamba City, who is bidding to become the first cue artist
in 17 years to successfully defend a world title.
Fellow Bugsy boys Dennis Orcollo and Roberto Gomez opened
their bids on a bright note, posting similar 8-4 wins over local bet Muhammed Al
Hosani and South Africa’s Craig Bouwer, respectively.
"I didn’t play my best game, but it’s a good start, and I’m
confident my game will improve as we go on. I’m determined to win this
tournament and finally become a world champion," said Orcollo, who was to play
the winner of the first round match between compatriot Israel Rota and
Englishman Mark Gray late yesterday.
Gomez, attempting to win a world crown since his runner-up
finish in the 2007 World Pool Championship, was slated to face reigning World
10-Ball titlist Shane van Boening of the United States. Van Boening won his
opening match against Iran’s Kaven Zarakani 8-2.
Another BMPAP bet, veteran internationalist Warren Kiamco of
the Negros Billiards Stable of Jonathan Sy, also won his first match, easily
disposing of Amine Quabi of Mauritius 8-2. He will next face countryman Jeff de
Luna, who won over former world champion Ralf Souquet of Germany 8-5.
Not as lucky was Joven Bustamante, who succumbed to Sweden’s
Marcus Chamat 8-5 and dropped to the one-loss side, where he must win two
straight, including his next match against England’s Darren Appleton, to make it
to the Last 32.
Antonio Gabica defeated Chris Melling of England 8-2 while
another Filipino bet, Alan Cuartero lost to Malaysian Ibrahim bin Amir 8-4.
The biggest upset so far was recorded by Japanese Naoyuki Oi who upended
reigning World 9-Ball king Darryl Peach of England 8-5.
