 Robert Gomez |
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---WORLD POOL Championships finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, former Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Gandy "Sapsal" Valle and ex-Kuwait 9-ball winner Jundel "Jano" Mazon hurdled their respective rivals to advance in the main draw of the third leg of the Philippine Billiards Running Tour billiards series Friday at the Side Pocket Pool Hall in Quezon City.
Gomez, Valle and Mazon, playing under the banner of Bugsy Promotion, stamped their class over a field of 32 players with Gomez breezing through three easy victories, including a 9-5 victory of Russian Petiza in their winner-take-all match for one of the four slots to the main draw slated next month at the Baloy Beach Resort in Olongapo City .
Valle also posted three consecutive victories, including a 9-5 thumping of Patrick Gonzales, in the quarterfinals, while Mazon also scored similar triumphs over veteran internationalist Eduardo "Pikoy" Villanueva, 9-6.
Richard "Yes" Pornelosa, the only non Bugsy survivor, successfully advanced in the tournament proper with a 9-6 triumph over Danny Tayo.
Formerly known as the BSCP Ranking Tour, the Philippine Billiards Running Tour is a 20-leg series to be staged in different cities all over the country. It is open to all players. It is aimed at promoting the further sport nationwide.
Doha 2006 Asian Games gold medalist Antonio "Gaga" Gabica won the inaugural leg, while Ricky "Bai" Zerna of the Negros Billiards Stable topped the second stage after stunning Gomez in the finals held earlier this month in Lucena City.
