Monday, April 14, 2008 Gomez tops 8-ball qualifier
WORLD Pool Championship (WPC) runnerup Roberto “Superman” Gomez will be joining four other Filipino top cue artists in the main draw after ruling the first qualifying tournament for the 2008 World 8-Ball Championship at the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates last Saturday.
Gomez, who lost Daryl Peach of England in the finals of the WPC last year, barged into the 64-man main draw when he defeated all of foes.
“I’m very happy that I made it on my first try,” said the 28-year-old stalwart of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions of businessman Perry Mariano and a member of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).
“Now that I have another chance to become a world champion, I will give my best to finally achieve that dream. I think I’m a lot better now, especially on the psychological aspect, and with the experience I have, I’m confident with my chances,” said the former newsman from Zamboanga.
Gomez became the fifth Filipino cue artist in the event, along with fellow Bugsy boys and defending champion Ronnie Alcano, current world no.1 Dennis Orcollo, Antonio Gabica and Elvis Calasang, who got wild card slots from the organizer.
Players like last year’s semifinalist Joven Bustamante, former world champion Alex Pagulayan, former Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle, reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza, veteran international campaigner Warren Kiamco and Ramil Gallego will have to go through another series of qualifying tournament to get to the main draw.
Aside from Alcano and Orcollo, other world-renowned players seeded in the main draw are Taiwanese Wu Chia Ching, who ruled the World 9-Ball and World 8-Ball in 2005 at the same time, Peach, reigning world 10-Ball titlist Shane Van Boening of the United States, and former WPC champions Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann of Germany.
The field will also have a lone female entry in Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, and a touch of royalty with the participation of Brunei’s Crown Prince Muhtadee Billah. (NSM from PR)
