Breaks of the game still a big factor for cue artists

Despite the inclusion of Francisco "Django" Bustamante in the Busan-bound national team, the Filipino cue artists will still need all the breaks they could get to win the gold and help the country erase the stigma of its dismal finish in the Bangkok Asian Games four years ago.

"All these players we are fielding in Busan (South Korea) have strong chances of winning the gold. Ipagdasal na lang natin na huwag sila malasin," said Ernie Fajardo, president of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Holiday Inn.

"Malaki ang tsansa natin pero siyempre, mahirap sabihin na sigurado tayo sa gold. Knockout format ang laro sa Asian Games pero ngayon pa lang, madami na ang nagtatanong na mga Japanese at Taiwanese players kung talagang lalaban kaming dalawa ni Bata (Efren Reyes) sa Asian Games," said Bustamante.

After winning three gold medals, all courtesy of boxing, in the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, the Philippines went home with just a single gold in 1998. It came in the closing days of the competition when Gandy Valle and Romeo Villanueva ruled the 9-ball doubles.

Fajardo, who was joined in the forum by billiards patron Putch Puyat, also defended the late inclusion of Bustamante in the team as he urged the public to "trust the decision" of the BSCP regarding the choice of players for each of the events to be contested in Busan next month.

Bustamante’s name was not in the initial list of RP entries to the Asian Games but he was given a slot nonetheless following his strong runner-up finish to American Earl Strickland in the recent World Pool Championship in Cardiff, Wales.

Bustamante will be paired with Antonio "Nikoy" Lining in the 9-ball doubles in Busan, taking the slot originally reserved for Warren Kiamco who will see action in the 9-ball singles. Lining, who topped the series of local 9-ball eliminations, will also vie in the singles event.

Reyes, the 1999 world 9-ball champion, will compete in the 8-ball singles. This gives the Philippines a clear shot at the gold in all three pool events rather than have Bustamante and Reyes team up in 9-ball and leave a big hole in the 8-ball event.

Also vying for the 8-ball gold is Lee Van Corteza. Tapped to represent the country in the snooker events are Marlon Manalo, James Al Ortega and Benjamin Guevarra. Ramon Ancaja is head coach.

According to head coach Ramon Ancaja, the player assignments will be finalized before the Aug. 15 deadline set by the POC.