RP pool masters rule World 9-Ball Challenge

Team Philippines, bannered by Ronato Alcano and Marlon Manalo, claimed the Kabayan San Miguel Beer (SMB) World 9-Ball Challenge: RP versus Rest of the World title at the Filipiniana Hotel on Tuesday in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Alcano, the 2006 World Pool Champion titlist, and Manalo got strong support from teammates Gandy Valle, Jeffrey de Luna, and Antonio Gabica to score a 31-19 against the Rest of The World. The victory was worth $20,000, according to a statement issued by organizers on Tuesday. The World Team – composed of Rodney Morris of the United States, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Karl Boyes, Darren Appleton, and Scott Higgins of England – received $10,000. The World Team started slow on Monday and was down, 1-5, in the morning sessions but gained a 19-17 advantage after the evening games. On Tuesday, the RP team played strongly, with Valle, the 1998 Asian Games gold medalist, and Manalo, the 2005 World Pool Championships third placer, posting victories against Chamat and Higgins, respectively. Valle, who hails from Davao City, trounced Chamat, 7-3, while Manalo crushed Higgins, 8-2. "Sinigurado kong maganda ang start ko kasi pressured na ang mga kalaban," Valle said after his match. Alcano made sure that the Philippines will win explosively when he dominated Boyes, 9-1, in the last match. "Buti na lamang nakabawi kami sa Day Two. Krusiyal 'yung panalo nina Gandy (Valle) at Marlon (Manalo) kaya wala ng pressure sa laro ko," Alcano said. - GMANews.TV