Pin Yi Ko
TWO of the hottest Asian superstars from Chinese-Taipei are now members of Bugsy Promotions - a billiards stable of the country's finest players owned by sports patron Ceferino "Perry" Mariano.
Jung-lin Chang, World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) ranked no.7 and currently no.15 in the Player Money list with total earnings of $56,400 won the 2011 Beijing Open last May 1 for a $40,000 payday.
Two-time World Junior Champion Pin-yi Ko, WPA ranked no.17 and currently no.7 in the Player Money list with total earnings of $87,500. His biggest triumphs this year were winning the Guinness World Series of Pool last July in Jakarta, Indonesia for the top prize of $41,000 and the All Japan Championship last November for the champion's purse of $28,600.
"Chang and Ko both possesses the quality of future WPA world champions starting with personality, dedication and discipline. With proper training and motivation, both of them are bound for glory in the sport of billiards," said Mariano who formally announced the acquisition of Chang and Ko as new members of Bugsy's on Thursday at the Hermes Sports Bar in West Avenue, Quezon City.
" We (Ko) are very honored to be a member of famous Bugsy Promotions. We will try our best to reach their expectations. Our ambition to become a world champion is nearing to reality with the support of Mr. and Mrs. Perry and Verna Mariano," said Chang, through an interpreter.
Chang and Ko, both 1-2 punch of Taiwan will be joining fellow Bugsy Promotions stalwarts headed by World No.1 and World 8-ball champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, 2011 World Ten-Ball semi-finalist Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado, 2007 World Pool Finalists Roberto "Superman" Gomez, 2006 World Junior Quarter-finalist Renemar "Revo" David, Johann "Bubwit" Chua and John Vincent Vicedo.
Other member of Bugsy Promotions under the rigid training of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PSCO) Billiards Academy are Hadley Mariano of College of St. Benilde, Biondi Ti of Ateneo de Manila University, Rodlin John Baustita and Cedric Gonzales of University of Sto. Tomas and Geona Gregorio of Letran College, all product of the National Collegiate Billiard League (NCBL) or much known B-League which will launch Season 2 on January 8.
