ALARMED by the poor performance of local cue artists in the
opening leg of the 2008 Guinness 9-Ball Tour in Taiwan, the Billiards Managers
and Players Association of the Philippines yesterday reiterated its call for a
total overhaul of the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines
program.
Perry Mariano, one of the BMPAP’s prime movers, said the
billiards association must put premium on grassroots development to preserve
the Filipinos’ reputation as a force to reckon with in the sport.
Five Filipino players saw action in the Taipei leg of the
Tour, with Joven Bustamante making it to the finals, bowing 5-11 to reigning
grand champion Chang Jung Lin.
"I hope this will serve as an eye opener to government
agencies that we are not alone in the world of pool," said Mariano. "Dapat may
program at hindi puro sa profit-oriented events dinadala ang pera ng government
in disguise of helping the sport.
Mariano also pushed for qualifying events to determine the
players who will represent the country in international competitions.
"Tigilan na ang turo-turo at railroading ng qualifiers to
give players the right motivation. Mga tamad at takot na players lang ang
nakikinabang," he said.
In the absence of a qualifying tournament, the BSCP handpicked Marlon Manalo,
Antonio Gabica and Jeff de Luna to represent the country while former world
champion Alex Pagulayan and Bus-tamante were invited by the organizers of the
Guinness tour.
