Ricky Zerna shocks Alcano to capture UAE 9-ball title

NEGROS BILLIARDS Stable bet Ricky "Bai" Zerna defeated Bugsy Promotion ace Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 13-3, in an all-Filipino finals to rule the just-concluded Knightshot Champions 9-Ball Challenge held at the exclusive Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday. Zerna, whose campaign was supported by sportsman/businessman Jonathan Sy, co-founder of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP), earlier beat stablemate Jarry "Putol" Pelayo, 12-10, in the semifinals while Alcano subdued Middle East-based compatriot Allan "Surigao" Cuartero, 12-9. "Malaking panalo po ito para sa akin. Mahirap talunin si Kuya Ronnie (Alcano) lalo na sa finals kaya hindi ko makakalimutan itong panalong ito (It’s a big win for me. It’s hard to beat Ronnie [Alcano] especially in the finals. That’s why I will not forget this victory)," said former Korean 9-ball open ruler Zerna, who pocketed the top prize of $10,000. The Dumaguete-Bacolod City-based Zerna, playing under the watchful eye of NBS head coach Christopher "Toper" Palses, shocked Villar Cup ruler Gandy "Yang-Yang" Valle, 11-6, in the quarterfinals, Alcano downed local bet Rotchild, 11-3, Pelayo crushed Mustafa Hasaan, 11-5, and Cuartero nipped Mohammad Al Hosani, 11-6. 2007 World Pool Championships finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez proved to be the biggest disappointment in the tournament as he failed to advance in the money round. — Marlon Bernardino, BusinessWorld