New champ Orcollo brings act to Villar Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Newly-crowned Predator International 10-Ball champion Dennis Orcollo will take another crack at a title that has been eluding him as he competes in the Calabarzon leg of the Manny Villar Cup beginning May 22 at the SM City Mall in Lipa, Batangas. “I hope I could continue my good performance, especially in this Villar Cup, which we Filipino billiards players consider as one of the prestigious tournaments now," said Orcollo. The 30-year-old former world number one cue artist has seen action in six of the past seven legs of the island-hopping series but his best showing was a runner-up finish to Gandy Valle in Cebu in June 2008. “I’ve been trying very hard to win the Villar Cup, but it is like a world championship," Orcollo mentioned. With his victory in the international arena, Orcollo will be a marked man. Roberto Gomez, who also ruled the Isabela and Davao legs to become the first double winner in the series, will not take part in this event as he is still campaigning in the United States. But being the man-to-beat is one thing and actually winning is another, as Orcollo will have to deal with a tough field composed of fellow grizzled veterans and a horde of up and coming youngsters. For one, there is the legend Efren “Bata" Reyes. Other world-class veterans competing in the tournament are former world champion Ronnie Alcano, 2007 national titlist Lee Van Corteza, and former leg champions Warren Kiamco (Alabang), Gandy Valle (Cebu), Ramil Gallego (Bulacan), Rodolfo Luat (Bacolod), and Francisco “Django" Bustamante. The young turks will be led by Joven Bustamante, Rene Mar David, Mike Takayama, Michael Feliciano, Ricky Zerna, and Egie Geronimo. Joining the mix are six players, who will come off the qualifying tournament to be held on Thursday also at SM City Lipa. This serves as a qualifier for the National Championship slated late this year. –GMANews.TV