MANILA, Philippines – Saint Mary’s College brushed off fancied Ateneo High School, scoring a 3-0 shutout to move up to solo third in the juniors’ division of the National Collegiate Billiards League at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City recently.
RJ Bautista and Karl Tamayo blanked Martin Leachon and Ren Pinlac, 5-0, in the 8-ball doubles, while James Benzon whipped Pinlac in 9-ball play and Bautista cruised past Leachon, 7-3, in 10-ball competition as St. Mary’s hiked its output to five.
Ateneo remained in the cellar with one point.
Leader Xavier turned back Pasig Catholic College, 2-1, while second-running Claret School pulled the rug from under pre-season favorite La Salle-Greenhills, 2-1, in the tournament backed by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Accel and Negros Billiards Stable.
With Biondi Te beating PCC’s Daniel Cruz, 7-2, in their 10-ball battle, the Golden Stallions kept their firm grip on the lead with seven points. Te teamed up with Ryan Te in beating Cruz and Jerome Pascual, 5-1, in 8-ball doubles.
Obie de Guzman prevented a shutout loss by squeaking past Carlos Que, 7-6, in 9-ball play, enabling the PCC Crusaders to remain in fourth with four points in a tie with the Greenies.
After routing Ateneo, 3-0, last week, Claret leaned on Hans Pablo in beating La Salle-Greenhills. Pablo beat Karlo Marcilla, 7-4, in their 9-ball tussle and paired with Neil Porciuncula in thrashing Marcilla and Hadley Mariano, 5-0, in 8-ball doubles.