Manas runner-up in WC 10-Ball

MANILA, Philippines — At seven years old in dark-lit pool halls in Antipolo, AJ Manas took up billiards and dreamt of becoming Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante someday. He is getting there.

The cue artist known as “Starboy” came close to snatching a major crown after barging into the Qatar World Cup 10-ball finals before falling to German Joshua Filler, 6-13, at the Ezdan Palace Hotel in Doha yesterday.

It was another close shave at glory for Manas after also finishing runner-up in the WPA Men’s Doubles 10-ball World Championship early this month in Bali, Indonesia where he teamed up with mentor Carlo Biado.