Taiwan's Chang outlasts Corteza in billiards faceoff

MANILA, Philippines - Taiwanese Chang Jung Lin outlasted Lee Vann Corteza, 9-7, to top the Philippine Big-time Billiards (PBB) Face-Off Series dubbed “the Philippines versus Asia” at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City late Saturday.

Chang fought back from a 2-3 deficit as he won the next three racks to seize control then held on to fashion out the victory worth $5,000.

Corteza settled for $2,500 in the race-to-9, winner’s break format event.

“It’s more than just the monetary reward, it’s about being recognized as an international player that makes this victory mean so much to me,” said Chang through an interpreter. 

Chang also lifted Team Asia to a 2-1 lead against Team Philippines in the Philippine Big-time Billiards team event.

The PBB Face-Off Series resumes with a match pitting Chang against Dennis Orcollo on March 10. Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei, meanwhile, battles Carlo Biado on March 17 while Yang will take on Francisco “Django” Bustamante on March 24. Chang Yu Long of Chinese-Taipei will meet Ronnie Alcano on March 31.