Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica stunned three time San Miguel Asian 9-ball Tour runner-up Warren Kiamco on the opening day of the Hope P1 million All- Filipino Billiards Open at the Ever Gotesco Mall in Quezon City yesterday.
The reigning Filipino 9-Ball Open champion raced to a commanding 6-2 lead against the seeded Kiamco and held on to win 9-7 after Kiamco came charging back to win three straight racks to come to within one rack at 5-6. But the cool and calculating Gabica doused the rally simply protecting his chance at the table in the alternate break format to win. Next up for Gabica will be the winner of the late night clash between Efren "Bata" Reyes and Carlo Viado.
Gandy Valle, the 1998 Asian Games gold medallist also got off to a flying start in the double elimination round of sixteen by whipping the favored Leonardo "Dodong" Andam 9-5 while Jeffrey De Luna who has been nicknamed "Jeff Bata" because of his propensity to go for magical shots like his hero "Bata" Reyes won by default over "Marvelous" Marlon Manalo who pulled out due to a high fever.
Among the seeded players who moved into the next round were Asian Games gold medallist Lee Van Corteza who downed snooker champion Luis Saberdo 9-7 and veteran Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat who got the better of Edgardo Acaba 9-6.
The Hope P1 million All-Filipino Billiards Open is also sponsored by Talk N' Text and Smart and is being staged under the leadership of BCAP president Edgar Fajardo in partnership with Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, recognized as the "Godfather" of Philippine pool and Jemah Television president Marc Roces.
