Cuartero secures seat in World 10-ball main draw

Allan Cuartero of the Philippines became the first player to secure a main draw seat via the star-studded qualifying stage of the World Ten Ball Championship on Tuesday at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City. Cuartero battled back from a 6-1 deficit then won eight straight racks to turn back comebacking and Qatar-based Filipino Antonio Gabica, 9-6. Gabica, a former Asian Games gold medalist, is one of the most notable players vying for a main draw seat. Other players included in the strong 36-player field divided in the morning and afternoon matches are two-time Asian Games 9-Ball gold medalist Yang Ching Shun of Chinese Taipei, former World Ten Ball semifinalist Demosthenes Pulpul and veteran campaigner Warren Kiamco of the Philippines. But Cuartero, who also made it to the Philippine Open Pool Championship via the qualifying stage last month, was unperturbed. Playing with his back against the wall, the Kuwait-based Cuartero inched his way slowly but surely to get back into the game. “Talo na talaga dapat ako, pero hindi ako bumitaw, dahil nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon nu’ng hindi siya makahulog ng bola galing sa break," said Cuartero, a house pro from Kuwait. Cuartero not only got the breaks he needed, but he also pounced on every miscue made by Gabica. Trailing 6-3 in the 10th rack, Cuartero saw a golden opportunity when Gabica missed the No.10 ball at the corner. In the 11th rack, Cuartero was lucky enough to salvage another rack. He scratched the cue ball while going for ball No. 5, but Gabica, with ball on hand, missed on a corner shot that could have given him more cushion. Instead, it was Cuartero’s turn to gain the momentum and change what looked like a one-sided match into an exciting finish. He secured the 11th rack and came within striking distance, 6-5. With momentum on his side, Cuartero did not waste any chances and took the next four racks to complete a remarkable comeback victory. - GMA News