World 8-Ball champ Orcullo takes shot at historic triple crown

Newly-crowned World 8-Ball champion Dennis Orcullo of the Philippines will have a rare chance at getting a shot at history — by trying to become the first ever triple-crown winner, meaning to top the three world championship events of the World Pool-Billiard Association. This became possible after Orcullo stamped his class and bagged his first-ever world title in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates Sunday. Orcullo joined Efren "Bata" Reyes, Alex Pagulayan, Ronnie Alcano, Rubilen Amit, and Francisco "Django" Bustamante as the only other Pinoy cue artists to win a world title.

The World 8-Ball Championship is the first major event of the WPA this year. The World Ten Ball Championship will be held in May while the World 9-Ball Championship will be played in June. The Philippines plays host to the WTBC for the third straight time, giving Orcullo a good chance of winning his second consecutive title. The former world No.1 player is already seeded in the main draw, according to Yen Makabenta, head of the organizing Raya Sports. “Dennis was given an automatic spot in the WTBC by the sanctioning WPA for winning the World 8-Ball Championship. This will give him a shot at winning another title, this time in the Philippines, and possibly a chance to score a Grand Slam," said Makabenta. While winning two more championships will be on Orcullo’s radar, the newest member of the illustrious set of Pinoy world champs is likely to set his sights on the first two major events to be hosted by the country, beginning with the Philippine Open. The Philippine Open will be held from April 6 to 11 at the SM Megamall Mega Trade Hall 3 in Mandaluyong City. It is one of the three ranking tour events to be hosted by the Philippines this year, with the top ranking male and female players in the world participating. The world’s top 16 players will automatically secure spots in the main draw of this event. While male competitors will be the centerpiece of this event, the lady players are also expected to draw attraction. This early, crack lady players like Ga Young Kim of Korea, Allison and Kelly Fisher of Great Britain, reigning Women’s World Ten Ball champion Jasmine Ouschan of Austria and eight other formidable Asian players have confirmed their participation. Ouschan and Ga are two of the most popular lady players in the Philippines, and their games are keenly awaited by Filipino fans. - KY, Rey Joble, GMA News