Manila, Philippines- The Philippines may have new stars on the horizon as Mary Ann Basas and Gillian Go surprised their international champions in the first day of play at the JBETpoker.net Women's World 10-Ball Championship. On the other side, Filipina favorites Iris Ranola, a 2nd place finisher at the US Open, lost to Korea's Yun Mi Lim 5-3 while SEA Games Gold Medalist Rublien Amit fell to World #1 Kelly Fisher 5-1. Newbie Fil-Ams Zarah Delroasrio and Shanelle Loraine both suffered 5-0 defeats against World Champion Yuan Chun Lin and favorite Jeanette Lee.
Basas, who won a qualifier, faced multi-national Japan champion Akimi Kajitani. Basas kept Kajitani at bay helpless as she cruised to a 5-1 victory. Go, the 11 year old prodigy, gave Australian #1 Lyndall Hulley all she can handle with a 5-3 win. Go has become the darling of the event with her brave play at an astoundingly young age.
"Even the 11-year old girl here has a chance at the title!" said Jeanette Lee during an interview with the press.
Korea's top bet to win Yu Ram Cha, ranked 5th in the world, fell to France's Dos Santos 5-1 in a poor performance by the South Korean. Jasmin Ouschan lost a 5-2 match to Taiwan's Tan.
All the Filipina players are still in action as there are two days more of round robin play. The Philippines flag looks good so far to advance to the latter stages of the event.
The historic event is considered to be the biggest women's sporting event of the year for the Philippines, and one of the biggest in Asia as it draws massive media attention with 40 hours of match coverage going to over 40 countries with 20 hours live on ESPN and equally in its local partner ABS-CBN, the leading TV channel of the Philippines. 48 women from around the globe will attend the event vying for $20,000 (1M) 1st place prize out of the $75,000 (3.75M) purse available.The event is produced by Dragon Promotions and takes place in Manila, Philippines at the SM Mall North Edsa June 2-6,2009. 48 top women pros from around the world are vying for gold to become the Jbetpoker.net Women's World 10-Ball Champion. The historic event is supported by JBETpoker.net, ABS-CBN, SM Mall North Edsa, Magic 89.9, Predator Cues, Takini Cloth, Puyat Sports, Philippines Star, Bugsy Promotions and recognized by the BMPAP. www.WomensWorld10Ball.com will feature the latest news and results of the Women's World 10-Ball Championship. It will also feature interviews, pictures, and all the info of complete player roster,prize money and match-ups.
"Billiards, the sport of the Philippines. The sport of the people."
For more info email womensworld10ball@gmail.com
