 Shawn Putnam's loss will be Santos Sambajon's gain |
Matchroom Sport can announce that four players have withdrawn from the 2006 Philippines World Pool Championship, which spells good news for the pre-tournament qualifying event as well as a couple of Sponsor's Wildcard picks.
Americans Shawn Putnam and Charles Bryant have pulled out for various reasons and so have one of the Indian representatives and the Hong Kong pick.
Manan Chandra (India) has withdrawn from Group 17. This spot will now become Qualifier 11.
Charles Bryant (USA) has withdrawn from Group 10. This spot will now become Qualifier 12.
Kong Man-ho (Hong Kong) has been withdrawn from Group 7. This spot will go to Tony Fransson (Sweden), the current EPBF European Seniors 9 Ball Champion.
Finally, Shawn Putnam (USA) has withdrawn from Group 23 due to ill-health. His spot will go to Santos Sambajon (Philippines).
Last year Sambajon qualified for the World Pool Championship by winning the 2004 World Summit of Pool on the UPA Tour in the USA. He also garnered a runners-up spot at the BCA Open, one of the two majors in the USA, which would also have been good enough to gain a spot.
The diminutive Filipino though, was forced to withdraw from the tournament as he was unable to travel from the USA due to his passport being lodged with US Immigration authorities whilst applying for a green card.
Sambajon, who is making his World Pool Championship debut at the age 52, said “It is a big thrill to be able to play in the World Championship for the first time in my own country. I hope I can do the people proud.”
With just three days to go before the qualifiers start at the Star Billiards Center, Quezon City, any further player withdrawals will see the spots revert to the qualifying event wait list.
