
"Marvelous Captain" Marlon Manalo is first Filipino World Pool qualifier
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 03 Sep 2013

Manalo.
Veteran campaigner Marlon Manalo became the first Filipino to qualify in one of 12 qualifying event of the World Pool 9-Ball Championship at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday.
Manalo, the affable cue artist and chairman of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City, defeated Jasen Al Hasawi of Kuwait, 7-6, in the finals.
?I hope to perform well in the World Pool main draw,? said Manalo, who kept himself in shape by practicing daily in his own pool hall in Talumpung, Mandaluyong and famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City, hosted by long-time sports patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua.
Earlier, Manalo blasted Sultan Alfalih of Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, 7-0, in the pre quarters, compatriot Demosthenes Pulpul, 7-5, in the quarters and Mohammad Ali Hassan of Kingdom of Saudia Arabi, 7-0, in the semis.
Manalo advanced in the 128 player field main draw of the World Pool 9-Ball Championship. He will join Filipino seeded players Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo, Lee Vann Corteza, Carlo Biado, Jeffrey de Luna, Israel Rota and Antonio Gabica, the national coach of Qatar.
Fondly called "Marvelous Captain" Manalo captivated the billiard circuit by clustering victories against noted pool sharks Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan and countrymen Efren ?Bata? Reyes and Francisco ?Django? Bustamante in the knockout stage of the World Pool Championship in 2004. The following year, the 2000 Asian Snooker Champion and 2008 National Champion Manalo went all the way to the semifinals of the same event before bowing to eventual champion Wu Chia-ching (Wu Jia-qing).
Manalo local and international campaign are supported by his long-time benefactors Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr., Rep. Neptali "Boyet" Gonzales II and Solar Sports head Ronald Tieng.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxlab Promotions Signs Undefeated Nicaraguan Knockout Artist Jordan “La Cobrita” Orozco
Tue, 03 Mar 2026STACKED MARCH 14 UNDERCARD SHOWCASES GOLDEN BOY’S NEXT GENERATION OF CHAMPIONS
Tue, 03 Mar 2026The Perfect Boxing Prospect 12-0 Marco Romero
Tue, 03 Mar 2026Quietly formidable boxers Kristian Prenga & Pyrce Taylor continue Their assault on the heavyweight division
Tue, 03 Mar 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Flies to Perth for WBC Australasia Title Fight
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Ryan Daye vows a dominant standout performance in WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth Thunderdome 53
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Moncal, Mag-aso rule Legacy Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lavant Brownlee Earns Gold, Lorenzo Patricio Earns Silver at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Disputes hometown decision for NBA Americas Featherweight title
Mon, 02 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER WINKY WRIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Reyes Siblings New Champions in US chess tourney
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lorenzo Parra Delivers Stunning Second-Round Knockout at Sold-Out Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026Almacen Bros Score Knockout Wins in Exciting Brico Santig Show in Thailand Live on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Lorenzo Patricio and Lavant Brownlee Advance to Gold Medal Round in Bulgaria
Sun, 01 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. TO RETURN TO CANASTOTA FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND
Sun, 01 Mar 2026