Pampanga bet stuns Dabawenyo, captures ‘Araw’ 9-ball crown

ANGELO Ariola of Pampanga emerged champion by beating Rutchell Padal, 7-5, in the finals of the Mayor Inday Sara and Vice Mayor Rody Duterte 76th Araw ng Dabaw 9-Ball Billiards Tournament held at NCCC Mall Davao B3 lanes over the weekend.

Ariola pocketed the top purse of P20,000, while Padal settled for the runner-up prize of P10,000 in the two-day knockout elimination cuefest presented by the City Government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office and organized by the Davao Billiards Association Inc. (DBAI).

The Pampanga bet turned back Davao City native Lloyd Menchavez, 5-3, while Padal also hacked out a 5-3 win over Dabawenyo Lauro Bongay in the semi-finals.

In the quarter-finals, Ariola subdued Uben Resola, 5-3, while Padal whipped Jolan Sabile, 5-2. Menchavez edged John Ray Barredo, 5-4, even as Bongay defeated Morsalim Ibrahim of Cotabato City, 5-3.

DBAI president Menlee Migellano, who was also tournament director, said Davao City's Valeriano Pajuay Jr., and Christopher Alanunay, both former champions of the Sun.Star Superbalita Mindanao Open 9-Ball Challenge, bowed out of contention early in the tournament.

Veterans Oliver Villafuerte of Davao City, Alex Lumpay of Tagum City, Tommy Datoon of Davao City and Leonardo Didal of the Island Garden City were also eliminated in earlier rounds.

A total of 90 players competed in the event organized as part of the Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival.