Monday, April 14, 2008 Gomez wins, makes it to World 8-ball tournament
ROBERTO "Superman" Gomez will have another shot at becoming a world champion as he bested a huge field of aspirants to rule the first qualifying tournament for the 2008 World 8-Ball Championship Saturday at the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates.
After luckily drawing a bye in the opening round, Gomez, who narrowly missed the World 9-Ball title last year, blazed his way up the ladder, thumping all his opponents to barge into the 64-man main draw of this annual event slated from April 18 to 25.
"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 on my chances," added the former newsman from Zamboanga.
By winning this first of eight qualifying tournaments, Gomez became the fifth Filipino to enter the tournament proper. He joined seeded compatriots and fellow Bugsy boys in defending champion Ronnie Alcano and current world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo, as well as Antonio Gabica and Elvis Calasang, who were gifted by the organizers with the wildcard slots.
