Orcullo, other world champs enter Final 64

Dennis Orcullo became the first Filipino player to make it to the round-of-64 of the World Ten Ball Championship. On the second day of this World Pool-Billiard Association ranking tournament Wednesday at the World Trade Center, the man known in the international pool circuit as "The Robocop" barged his way to the knockout last 64 stage trouble free after whipping Max Eberle of the United States, 9-2. The newly-crowned World 8-Ball champion and former world No.1 player had a jackrabbit start and was all poised to sweep the American, but a dry break in the ninth rack allowed Eberle to get back at the table. The American took the next two racks but couldn’t get the better of safety exchanges against Orcullo. Orcullo was given a slight opening at the No.6 then cleaned up the remaining balls to finally wrap up the match. "Muntik na tayong maka-sweep kasi medyo masama rin laro ni Max (Eberle)," said Orcullo. “Malaki tsansa natin para sa titulo pero dito na magkakaalaman talaga yan sa round-of-64." But one notable Filipino player became an early casualty in this event. Veteran campaigner Ramil Gallego lost his second straight match, 6-9, to Chen Man Lee and eventually bowed out of the tournament. Defending WTBC champion Mika Immonen of Finland and other former world champions Wu Chia Ching and Thomas Engert of Germany, also advanced to the round-of-64. Immonen dumped Ruben Cuna of the Philippines, 9-5, to become the first player to make it to the knockout stage following two straight wins. Making his comeback after a three-year absence, Wu is now playing for mainland China and carrying a new name Wu Jia Qing. The double world titlists used his championship experience in scuttling rookie Jonas Magpantay, 9-4. The 17-year-old Magpantay, who was rewarded a seat in the main draw of the WTBC after playing in two Finals matches in the qualifying stage at the Star Billiards Center last week, led 2-1, but the pressure was too much for him to handle. He missed several shots, including the No.1 in the eighth rack, and Wu was able to capitalize and clean up the table for a 6-2 lead. The Chinese player, who won his first World 9-Ball championship at the age of 16, also took the next two racks before Magpantay got his turn in the 11th rack off a dry break by Wu. "I’m playing much better now," said Wu thru interpreter. “I still use my powder because it makes me feel comfortable." Engert, a former World Straight Ball and World 9-Ball titlists, subdued Francis Diaz-Pizzaro of Spain, 9-6. - GMA News