Newly-crowned Villar Cup champion Roberto “Superman” Gomez, along with fellow Bugsy boys Ronnie Alcano and Gandy Valle left the country yesterday to compete in the Ramadan 9-Ball Invitational Championship starting today in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
After breaking out from a string of runner-up finishes with that title romp in the Davao leg of the First Senate President Manny Villar Cup, Gomez hopes to sustain his topnotch form, reap more crowns and affirm his tag as one of the country's best cue artists today.
“I hope to continue the momentum I've got from my Villar Cup victory.” said the 29-year-old Gomez, who rose to prominence with his runner-up finish in the 2007 World Pool Championship.
The three Filipinos, whose campaign is supported by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines and Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports, were personally invited by the organizers to compete against some of the world's top players for the $10,000 top purse in this five-day event.
Like Gomez, Valle is also looking to sustain his good performance this year, which started after he ruled the Villar Cup Cebu Leg in June.
“I want this 2008 to become a bounce back year for me, and I hope I could win more tournaments before it ends,” said Valle, who was the runner-up to Gomez in the Villar Cup Davao Leg.
Alcano, on the other hand, will break into the tournament looking to snap a long title drought.
The former double world champion has not won a title since reigning in the 2007 World 8-Ball Championship held in Fujairah.
“It was there in Fujairah where I last won a title. So I hope it will also be there where I will start winning again,” said Alcano.
