Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante rules 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 21 May 2026
Francisco "Django" Bustamante of the Philippines added another feather to his cap after defeating Evan Lunda of the United States, 4-0, to capture the 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division crown at the Buffalo’s Billiards, located at 5015 Bloomfield in Jefferson, Louisiana, situated near New Orleans, USA on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Still playing sharp at age 62, Bustamante flashed his veteran poise and blanked Lunda to wrap up their showdown and bag the $3,700 grand prize.
Prior to his triumph, the Tarlac City native Bustamante earned an early bye before decimating Mike Delawder of the USA, 4-3, and Bobby Emmons of the USA, 4-3.
Bustamante’s highlight in the event came when he outlasted Josh Roberts of the USA, 4-2, in the quarterfinals to secure his spot in the semifinal.
In the semifinals, Bustamante edged Alex Lely of the Netherlands, 4-3, in another tight match, then delivered his most dominant performance in the final, shutting out Lunda, 4-0, to claim the championship.
It shall be recalled that in 2010, Bustamante again reached the finals of the World Nine-ball Championship, winning the match and the title against Taiwan's Kuo Po-cheng.
On July 27, 2010, Bustamante, along with Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart, founders of the American Pool Players Association (APA), were elected to the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame, and inducted on October 21, 2010. Bustamante was the second player from the Philippines to be inducted, after his bosom buddies Efren "Bata" Reyes.
Actually, Bustamante, Reyes and Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre are among invited guests on Sports activities of Billiards and Chess on Friday, May 22, 2026 upon the invitation of San Manuel, Tarlac Mayor Doña Cresencia "Donya" Reyes Tesoro.
However, Bustamante and Reyes, both prize fighters of Puyat Sports failed to attend San Manuel, Tarlac Sports activities, both campaigning in the United States. -Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jenn Perella shines, Bobby Laing stops Russ Kimber in 1st round
Thu, 21 May 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Gustavo Trujillo Looks to Continue his Rise in the Heavyweight Division
Thu, 21 May 2026Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante rules 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures Eight More Victories on Day Three of 2026 Copa America
Thu, 21 May 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 19 MAY 2026: Davis Outpoints Albright; Kuse Dethrones Jerusalem; Donovan Defeats Chukhadzhian; Hrgovic Stops Allen
By Eric Armit, Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 2026Filipino grabs second place in the National Canada Chess Challenge 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama Outshines MVP Gilgeous-Alexander as Spurs Beat Thunder 122-115 in Double Overtime Thriller
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 20260 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP
Wed, 20 May 2026CARL “THE COBRA” FROCH REUNITES WITH ANDRE WARD ON ART OF WARD FOR FIRST IN-DEPTH SIT-DOWN SINCE THEIR LEGENDARY SUPER SIX FINAL
Wed, 20 May 2026BOXING LEGEND DARREN BARKER ANNOUNCES 'THE LONGEST ROUND' – A WORLD-FIRST ENDURANCE CHALLENGE FOR MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Wed, 20 May 2026IBA stands ready to organise Jon Jones professional boxing fight in Russia
Wed, 20 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Eight More Wins on Day Two at 2026 Copa America
Wed, 20 May 2026QC ends PCAP Season 6 All-Filipino conference campaign
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026