Saturday, June 21, 2008 Pool fans troop to SM to watch billiard stars
AS EXPECTED, people came in droves to watch some of the world’s top pool players pit skills against each other in the Manny Villar Cup-Sun.Star Superbalita 9-ball challenge.
From people trying to sneak a peak at the living pool legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, to traveling from different provinces to watch the games, the SM City Trade Hall was packed up to its capacity.
“I was out to get some books when I chanced upon the streamer so I decided to sneak a peak,” said Richard Lim.
Friends
“Natutuwa naman ako na pumunta ang mga tao. Dapat pasalamatan si Senator Villar kasi dahil sa sunod-sunod na mga competition mas madalas nakakapanood ang mga tao. Tapos, wala pang entrance fee,” said Reyes.
Meanwhile, Ronah Orcullo, the wife of player Dennis Orcullo came all the way from Manila along with a bunch of family members and friends to show her support in her husband.
“We are here to show our support. Friends din naman namin yung ibang mga players but I am here mainly to support my husband,” said Ronah.
Meanwhile, donning a VIP ID was Carmelita Dionaldo, who for her age, considers all the players as family members.
“Wherever the games may be, I am there,” said the former Lahug resident, who now lives in Negros with her husband.
“I do not play billiards, I am just a huge fan. But mind you, I know better than any of these players,” the grandmotherly fan laughed after having her picture taken with Gandy Valle.
Meanwhile, organizers are expecting the crowd to swell as the matches progresses. Since the venue is not very big, organizers still expect the place to be more packed in the coming days.
“We have prepared for when we will have a bigger crowd. We have placed barricades all over the place so that the spectators will know where they are allowed to be in
and also we have a dozen security guards to help us control the crowd,” said organizer Christian Ben Rodriguez. (MCB)
