VILLAR CUP RETURNS FOR A CAUSE; 'DJANGO' LEADS EARLY WINNERS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 27 Aug 2011
Former world 9-ball champion Francisco ?Django? Bustamante capitalized on his experience in eking out a 9-7 triumph over Renemar David to lead the opening day winners of Villards ? The Manny Villar Cup (Playing for a cause) yesterday at StarMall Alabang in Muntinlupa City.
Bustamante, who became the fourth Filipino to hold the most prestigious diadem in billiards last year, struggled in the early goings and found himself tied with the resilient David after 10 racks before running up four of the next five to secure the victory in this two-day event organized by Senator Manny Villar for the benefit of more than a dozen children with cancer.
Joining Bustamante in the winners? bracket were Roberto Gomez, who outlasted Rodolfo Luat (9-7), Warren Kiamco, who blasted Iris Ranola (9-1) and Ramil ?Bebeng? Gallego, who defeated Carlo Biado (9-4).
Senator Villar, who is acknowledged as the biggest patron of Philippine Billiards, led the opening ceremonies, wherein he reiterated his support for the sport, ?where we, Filipinos, are on top of the world.?
?But this time, we?re also helping children who are suffering for cancer,? said Villar.
The event marked the return of the world-class billiards series that traveled around the country from Santiago City in Isabela, Baguio City, Marilao, Bulacan, Lipa City in Batangas, Cebu City, Bacolod City to Davao City ? before taking a hiatus for over a year.
Also seeing action in the tournament backed by StarMall, the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, Puyat Sports, Bugsy Promotions, Negros Billards Stable and sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board are Efren ?Bata? Reyes, Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Jundel Mazon, Joven Bustamante, Antonio Lining, Lee Van Corteza and Rubilen Amit
Close to a million pesos will be up for grabs, including a lion?s share of P300,000 to the champion. The runner up will get P120,000, while the two losing semifinalist will receive P63,000 each. Part of the players? prizes will go over a dozen cancer-stricken children from different part of the country thru the Villar Foundation.
Photo: Senator Manny Villar hits the ceremonial break to usher the start of Villards ? The Manny Villar Cup (Playing for a cause). Looking on are the country?s top cue artists playing in the event).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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