Thursday, October 05, 2006
Filipino-Japanese is youngest qualifier is SMB 9-Ball
FILIPINO-Japanese Mike Takayama became the youngest ever qualifier in the San Miguel Philippine 9-Ball Open after going undefeated in the Baguio leg of the qualifying events.
The 18-year-old Takayama, who caught the fancy of local pool followers following his impressive performance in the recent national championship, trounced Eric Taneo, 7-3, to get an outright ticket to the main draw.
Takayama highlighted his run with a 7-6 victory over Warren Kiamco, a perennial contender in the World Pool Championship.
"This guy (Takayama) can play. He's not afraid to take and make darin shots," observed Eric Centeno, the Fil-9 project head.
"Against Warren (Kiamco) ang hihirap ng tira n'ya sa deciding rack. Kumbaga sablay talo s'ya." Taneo, who earlier beat fancied players Jerome Pena, 7-2, and Venancio Tanio, 7-6, still made it to the finals by whipping Jeffrey Tacbas, 7-3, in the loser's bracket.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (October 5, 2006 issue)
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