Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Orcullo triumphs in Warsaw
By Mike Limpag
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
TWO Pinoys suffered contrasting fates in two international pool tournaments over the weekend.
Dennis Orcullo, touted as the money-game king of the Philippines defeated Neils Feijen, 8-5, to become the third Pinoy to lift the World Pool League trophy, while Rodolfo Luat bungled a chance to take home the US Open title after losing to John Schmidt, 6-11, in the finals.
Orcullo, who topped the six-man elimination round in Warsaw, Poland, earned $20,000, while Luat took home $15,000.
After winning against Ralf Soquet, 8-5, in the semifinals, Orcullo started hot in the finals as he took a 3-1 lead before Feijen evened the count at 3-all.
The Filipino star went out to take a 7-5 lead before a little bit of luck aided him in the final rack.
According to a report at Azbilliards.com, Feijen missed a shot on the one and Orcullo caromed it off the nine, which in turn rolled over to the middle pocket, setting up an easy two-nine combination.
"I'd like to thank the Philippines community in Warsaw for coming out and supporting me. This victory is very, very big for me, I can hardly speak. I'd like to dedicate this win to the people of the Philippines," Orcullo told Azbilliards.com.
After a strong run in the US Open, Luat faltered in the finals. Luat had won seven straight matches, including 11-10 wins over Robb Saez and Gabe Owen before the finals.
Luat started strong and took a 4-2 lead before Schmidt, who eliminated Antonio Gabica and Ronato Alcano, took five of the next racks to seize the momentum.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (October 3, 2006 issue)
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