RP's best cue masters to compete in US World Pool Masters

MANILA, March 12 (PNA) -- Just like his compatriots, Marlon Manalo said he is ready and confident for the forthcoming 2010 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters slated on May 12 to 16 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I will do my very best for flag and country,” said the former snooker champion, dubbed as "Marvelous” in the world of pool playing under the banner of Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr. and Solar Sports.

Joining Manalo are Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan, Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo and Lee Van “The Slayer” Corteza.

The Filipinos will contend with cue artists from more than 20 countries. The tournament featuring a 64-man field offers a US$ 100,000 total pot prize with the champion getting US$ 20,000.

Some of the international players entered in the event are Darren Appleton, Mika Immonen, Johnny Archer, Thorsten Hohmann, Daryl Peach, Ralf Souquet, David Alcaide, Shane Van Boening, Tony Drago, Allison Fisher, Yu Ram Cha, and Jasmin Ouschan.

The first two days of the event features double elimination play on a multi-table set-up as the field will be reduced from 64 to 32.

It will then go to single elimination and the Last 16 will be played out in a single table arena setting in front of the TV cameras, culminating in the final on the evening of Sunday, May 16. (PNA)
vcs/LOR