Ronnie Alcano bounced back

April 20, 2008

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Ronnie Alcano bounced back from three racks down in scoring 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 being held at the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates
After his easy 8-1 trouncing of Guatemalan Carlos Talavera in the opening round, Alcano had a hard time against Liu, and his cold start enabled the Chinese to seize the opportunity and race to a 5-2 lead.

But the 35-year-old stalwart of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions of businessman Perry Mariano and member of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) summoned the power that made him a former double world champion to avert what could be the biggest upset by far in this eight-day tournament.

“He (Liu) is very tough that I needed to play my best to beat him,” said Alcano, who was actually the first player in the knockout stage round of 32.

“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 seeking to become the first cue artist in 17 years to successfully defend a world title.

Fellow Bugsy boys Dennis Orcollo and Roberto Gomez, meanwhile, 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 that my game will improve as we go on. I’m so 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, who is on his first attempt at 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, dropping him 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.

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