Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: One More Time

The world-class actions in the San Miguel Corporation Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World left the people of Oriental Mindoro gasping for air and wanting more.

"Two days are not enough," said Board Member Butch Soller. "Our kababayans want more actions."

The Team Philippines put an anti-climactic ending to the $30,000 tournament with a massive final day rout on its way to a 31-19 victory at the Filipiniana Hotel in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

There were a number of firsts in the event supported by the San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR, PCSO, ACCEL, DZSR Sports Radio, Manila Times and Business Mirror.

It was the first time that a province hosted an international team competition in billiards and the first time a match-point system with a possibility of a draw was used in a pool tournament here in the country.

It was also the first nationally televised sporting event in Oriental Mindoro. The airing is set on Nov. 27-29 on Solar Sports.

"This is arguably the biggest event in this island," said Oriental Mindoro governor Arnan Panaligan. "We' ve just seen the best set of players to ever play here."

Panaligan admitted he was thrilled to do the ceremonial break alongside double world champion Ronnie Alcano.

With the event 's smashing success, the organizers are planning to stage bigger and better international competitions in the province.

"Given more time and more help from the national government, Oriental Mindoro could become a major sports hub in the country," said Rep. Alfonso "Boy" Umali of the provinces second congressional district.

Vice-President Noli "Kabayan" De Castro vowed to help his fellow Mindorenos achieve their goal of promoting the province through sports.

" I' ll do my best to make a better and productive Oriental Mindoro," he said when the Team Philippines paid him a visit.