 Marlon Manalo |
LONE Filipino entry Marlon “Marvelous” Manalo bowed to Konstantin Stepanov of Russia (10-6) in the semi-final round to end his campaign in a strong third place finish at the just concluded 2007 Euro 9-Ball Tour Monday at the Hotel Babylon, Liberec-Czechia in Czech Republic.
However, Stepanov lost to eventual winner Wojciech Trajdos of Poland (10-6) in the finals as the latter player received the championships trophy. Trajdos bested Thomas “The Lean Machine” Engert of Germany (10-5) in the other semi-final matche.
Among Manalo's early victims were Reijo Rantala of Finland (10-5) Sebastian Staab of Germany (10-9), Cetin Aslan of Austria (10-6) and Krzystof Kubas of Poland (10-3), in order before losing to Kasper Kristoffersen of Denmark (9-10).
However, Manalo, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports bounced back in contention to reach the final four by demolishing Miesco Fortunski of Poland (10-0), Harald Stolka (10-4) of Germany, Daryl Peach of United Kingdom (10-5), Marco Tschudi (10-6) of Switzerland, Antonio Fazanes of Spain (10-4) and Murat Ayas of Turkey (10-4), respectively.
In Verona New York, once again Filipino pool legend Jose “Amang” Parica made the country proud after a strong third place finish in the 128-man field of Turning Stone Classic VIII Monday to receive US$ 3,800. The event was held at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.
The acknowledged leader of the Filipino pool invasion in the mid 80's lost his last two round assignments against John Morra of Canada (9-8) and eventual winner Johnny “The Scorpion” Archer of United States (9-6).
Archer then blasted 17-year-old Morra (13-4) in the championships round to take home the top prize US$8,000. Morra settled for runner-up prize of US$5,300.
Before suffering his two consecutive losses, Parica made an impressive showing in the winner's brackets by crushing Mike Gasper (9-3), John Aiello (9-2), Tony Ruberto (9-8), Richard Broumpton (9-0), Archer (9-8), and Joey Korsiak (9-4) respectively.
Other cue artists to make it into top eight finishers were Korsiak (US$2,700), Steve Moore (US$2,000), Santos Sambajon (US$2,000), Rodolfo Luat (US$1,600) and Warren Kiamco ($1,600).
Other Filipino pool sharks who competed are Gandy “Sapsal” Valle and Antonio “Ga-Ga” Gabica.
