Pagulayan nips Archer in thriller for Diamond 10-Ball crown

FILIPINO-Canadian Alex Pagulayan defeated Johnny Archer in a thriller, 15-14, to capture the Diamond 10-Ball Challenge in Tunica, Massachusetts.

Pagulayan won after surviving ties of 6-6, 12-12 and 14-14 in bagging the US$12,000 top prize.

The former world 9-ball champion had a 14-12 lead, but Archer forced hill-hill and was breaking for the match in the 29th game. The American sank three balls on the break, pocketed the one-ball following a difficult shot, but had no clear shot at the two.

With Archer failing to get a shot off the two ball, Pagulayan proceeded to ran out the rack and claim the crown.

Pagulayan reached the final by beating Landon Shuffett, 15-10, while Archer downed Filipino Dennis Orcollo, 15-12, in the semifinals.