Billiards: Orcollo wins, Soquet falters in WTBC opener
November 26, 2009 12:12 am
MANILA,Nov. 25 –The Philippines' Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo defeated compatriot Steve Villamil, 9-6, in Group A to open his bid in a bright note.
However, Thomasz Kaplan of Poland pulled the biggest upset in Day One of the second World Ten Ball Championship when he brought down world’s No.1 player Ralf Souquet of Germany at the World Trade Center in Manila.
Billiards enthusiast and chess International Master Marlon Bernardino reported that actually, Villamil closed the match at 7-6 count after Orcollo suffered a scratch in the 12th racks.
"I was unlucky with the No. 3 ball,” Bernardino qouted Villamil as saying while searching for a place in the grueling qualifying round to make it to the 128 players field main draw.
Kaplan, on the other hand rallied from behind a 2-6 deficit to beat Souquet, 9-6, to advance to the winner’s bracket.
“It could happen to anybody, especially in our group where anybody could beat anybody,” said Souquet.
“He (Kaplan) was composed in coming back. I knew he’s capable of winning because I’ve faced him in the European circuit.”
Also winning their opening matches in this event sponsored by Star Billiards, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, PetNet, Department of Tourism and Smart Sports is defending champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain by whipping Tey Choon Kiat of Singapore, 9-5.
“I feel good. I hope I feel better in tomorrow’s game,” said Appleton, who ruled last year’s event at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Niels Feijen and Nick van den Berg, the Netherlands’ top-rated players, made short work of their respective rivals Wednesday.
Feijen, ranked No. 3 in the world, scuttled Scott Higgins of Great Britain, 9-1, to quickly storm his way to the winner’s bracket.
He is just a win away from securing a berth in the last 64 stage of this tournament sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association and organized by Raya Sports.
Van den Berg had a similar victory over his rival, Kim Wong Dae of Korea, 9-1, to join his compatriot in the winner’s bracket.
Chinese-Taipei’s Kuo Po Cheng outplayed Matjaz Erculz of Slovenia, 9-4.(PNA) LBV/LOR
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