Magpantay Bounces Back in 2nd Billiard Stars Search

RP's brightest hope, Jonas "Pinatubo" Magpantay, bounced back from his loss to Jerico Bonus, 5-8, by winning his match in the loser's side over Japan-based Armando "Agila" Cagol, 8-6, and remains in contention in the on-going Division B of 2nd Billiard Stars Search yesterday at the famous  Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.

The 14-year-old Magpantay, a grade six pupil of Pedro Tuazon Elementary School in Cubao, will face the winner of the match between Raymond Eborda and Dondon Arnado in this double elimination 10-ball event.

Joining Bonus in the winning column were Alexander Aquino, Resty Labastida and Leonardo Hipolito Jr.

Aquino bested Eborda, 8-4, Labastida crushed Richard Talibong, 8-5, while Hipolito subdued Cebu's Marvin Tapia, 8-3, in the event hosted and presented by Star Billiards Center in cooperation with the Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines, Philippine Billiards Foundation and Raya Sports.

Meanwhile, 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball champion Jeffrey De Luna heads the cast in the Division A event that includes defending champion Elvis Calasang, Alex Nobleza, Arnel Bautista, Roel Esquillo, Rudy Morta, James Al Ortega, Victor Arpilleda, Mario and Frank Tolentino, Leonardo Didal, Romeo del Rosario, Alex Lumpay, Florencio Banar, Allan Soliman Val Pajuay and reigning RP junior champion Jerico Banares.

Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top players in each division. Cash prizes will be based on number of entries. As an additional incentive for Division A players, four slots in Stage 2 of the Tagaytay Kabayan Cup in December will be awarded to the top four A players.