Reigning World 9-Ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, Ralf Souquet and Thomas Engert of Germany, Chinese-Taipei’s Wu Chia-ching and Americans Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening are the favorites when the Philippines hosts the first World 10-Ball Championships at the Philippine International Convention Center starting Sept. 29.
Around 40 countries representing 128 of the world’s best pool players are vying for the total $400,000 purse at stake, $100,000 of which goes to the champion.
A seven-man contingent will banner the local side, led by former Asian snooker champion Marlon Manalo, Doha Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey de Luna, Elvis Calasang, Elmer Kalaquian, Jerico Banares and Mario Tolentino.
Tournament format will have the players grouped into 16 seeing action in the winner’s break elimination.
The top four from each group will advance into the 64-man knockout stage.
A winner-take-all match for third place will be played during the final day, preceding the championship game that begins 5 p.m.
“This is going to be the biggest international billiards tournament in the country since, I believe, the World 9-Ball Championship has been postponed for next year,” said Raya Sports president Yen Makabenta of the tournament that ends on Oct. 5.
Makabenta, also the chair of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, appeared at yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Avenue branch.
A five-day qualifying meet is slated on Sept. 23-27 at the Star Billiards Center to complete the cast of players seeing action in the main tournament.
“It would be good if everybody would take part,” said Makabenta in the forum supported by Shakey’s, Accel, Brickroad gym and Aspen spa and MedCentral Medical Clinic.
Despite the absence of some of the country’s pool pride, Makabenta said the 10-ball “leaves little room for luck.”
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