WITH THE 2013 World Cup of Pool set to take place in London from 17-22 September, it’s no surprise that leading UK bookmaking firm William Hill have installed the super-talented Filipino pairing of Dennis Orcollo and Lee Vann Corteza as joint favourites at 8/1 along with the USA.
The deadly duo from Manila, currently world ranked #2 and #3 respectively, are certainly one of the in-form pairs competing for the $60,000 top prize when 32 two-player teams from all over the world convene at the York Hall for the six day event.
Although the Philippines have won this event on two occasions in its seven year history, both times it was the pairing of Pinoy pool legends Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante who claimed the glory.
The nearest Orcollo has come was a runners-up spot in 2010 when he and Roberto Gomez were well beaten by China, while Corteza will be making his second appearance in the competition after partnering Orcollo in Manila in 2012.
Last September, with the weight of expectation on their shoulders, they flopped, going down 8-7 to a giant-killers Switzerland in the first round.
“I am very honoured to be given another chance to represent the Philippines in the World Cup of Pool,” said Corteza.
“To be honest, last year was like a blur and it was over before we knew it. The pressure from our home crowd was a little too much to handle but hopefully this time we can perform better.”
There will certainly be plenty of Filipinos in the crowd when Corteza and Orcollo break off against Croatia on the opening night but it will be nothing to compare to the stifling pressure of 3,000 countrymen willing every ball into the pockets.
Orcollo added, “We feel a bit more confident away from home but it would be great if there were some of our countrymen cheering us on.
“Playing in the World Cup is always a thrill and this is my fifth consecutive year with four different partners. My dream is to finally raise the Cup this year together with Lee Vann. We are more mature, a little more confident and we are very hungry to win this one.”
“It’s certainly one of the best tournaments on the calendar and when you’re playing for your country it always means a little bit more.”
The 2013 World Cup of Pool runs from 17 – 22 September and takes place at the York Hall, London. All tickets are available fromwww.seetickets.com (Search ‘World Cup of Pool’)
The 2013 World Cup of Pool is delighted to work with our valued suppliers – Official Table - Diamond; Official Cloth: Iwan Simonis; Official Balls: Super Aramith; Official Cue: Predator.
