DAVID Alcaide completed a run of perfection on Saturday, conquering the Philippines Open Pool Championship with a clinical 13-3 triumph over Arseni Sevastyanov of Finland on Saturday at Gateway Mall in Cubao.
The world No. 13 was just in form in the final, taking the last five racks to wrap up his first Matchroom major of the year.
His clincher, though, still offered suspense, as Alcaide broke dry in rack 16 only for the Finnish Sevastyanov to scratch after potting the 2. That opened the chance for the Spaniard to clean up the table and take home the USD30,000 cash prize.
"El Matador" actually asserted control early on, racing to a 5-1 lead and was just disciplined all throughout, and in the process, also earned his spot in Team Europe for this year's Mosconi Cup.
"In the beginning, I felt good and confident and I knew that I had to try to stay focused and don't lose that. I also had luck because [Sevastyanov] also had his misses," said Alcaide, expressing how special this triumph was as he soaked in the appreciation from the crowd.
"When you play in so many tournaments, you always look forward to the World Pool Championships, the U.S. Opens. But now I can proudly say I have the Philippines Open."
Alcaide a 'Bata' superfan
Alcaide, a self-professed Efren "Bata" Reyes fan, also may have gotten the blessing from "The Magician" after getting his shirt autographed prior to the championship match.
"I've always shared it in my social media that [Reyes is] the GOAT, he's a legend, and he's the best. When I started, I was watching him in Las Vegas and I always ask him something and he always helps me. That's why he has all my respect," he said.
En route to the title, Alcaide got the better of Saud Kareem Alshammari of Saudi Arabia, 10-1, in the first round; Jaybee Sucal, 10-9, in the Last 64; Paul John Ladao, 10-5, in the Last 32; Michael Baoanan, 10-7, in the Last 16; Jeffrey Ignacio, 10-7, in the quarterfinals; and Hong Kong-born Filipino Robbie Capito, 10-4, in the semis.
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