Mendoza, Damuag advance

FORMER world juniors campaigner Mark Mendoza and Panfilo Damuag swept their respective opponents to advance to the semifinals of the Search for the New Billiards Idol first leg on Saturday at New Farmers Plaza in Cubao, Quezon City.

Mendoza trounced Jose Beltrano 7-1 before beating Jech Limen 7-4, Andy Guzman 7-6 and Allan Gomez 7-2.

Damuag, meanwhile, defeated Miko Ladiao 7-4 before downing John Rebong 7-6, Allan Duloa 7-2 and Rudy Morta 7-2.

Cris Bombita also advanced by beating Macky Pascual 7-4, Bobong de la Cruz 7-2, Eric Taneo 7-2 and Patrick Gonzales 7-4.

Ricky Gamboa took the other semis slot after defeating Sebastian Padua 7-2, Florencio Banar 7-5, Junbert Ogang 7-6 and Danny Trazona 7-5.

The semifinal matches were being played at presstime at Bugsy Lair in Quezon City with the winners immediately squaring off for the title and the P20,000 top prize. The runner-up receives P10,000 while the losing semifinalists get P5,000 apiece.

Close to a hundred players joined the event of the event organized by Bugsy Promotions of businessman Perry Mariano and sponsored by the Association of Club, Karaoke and Disco Operators, Puyat Sports and Negros Billiards Stable.