Ronnie Alcano opened his bid for a World 9-Ball title with a 9-3 victory over Toh Lian Han as Filipinos continued to assert their mastery in Doha, Qatar.
Alcano, one of several Filipinos who joined Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante in the winners’ bracket of the double elimination format tournament, never gave the Singaporean a chance in their Group 13 affair.
The former world 8-ball titlist, who will next face Hunter Lombardo of the United States, looks to redeem himself after falling short last year after he was beaten by Yukio Akagariyama of Japan, who also advanced to the winners’ bracket with a 9-7 win over Jentsch Dominic.
Meanwhile, Dennis Orcollo also had a solid opener as he thrashed Al Saeed Alsuwaidi of United Arab Emirates, 9-6, in Group 15. He will next take on Andrew Kong of Hong Kong, a 9-6 victor over Huri Ryouji of Japan, 9-6.
Antonio Gabica beat Serbian Andrea Klasovic, 9-4, in Group 13 to also moved to the next bracket as he set up a meeting with Denis Grabe of Estonia, who won over Salaheldeen Alrimawi of United Arab Emirates, 9-7.
Lee Van Corteza and Marlon Caneda face off in Group 14 after beating separate foes. Corteza blanked Ivica Putnik, 9-0, while Caneda beat Spaniard Francisco Diaz-Pizarro, 9-6.
Israel Rota, Joven Alba, Oliver Mendenilla and Raymound Faraon stayed alive after beating foes in the losers’ bracket.
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