RP bet Dennis Orcollo rules Predator 10-Ball tilt

MANILA, Philippines – Former world no. 1 Dennis Orcollo ruled the 9th Annual Predator International 10-Ball Championship on Sunday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, besting a field of 112 topnotch cue artists from around the globe. Orcollo trounced current world no.1 and multi-world titlist Ralf Souquet of Germany, 8-3, in finals to finally put a jewel to his tag as one of the best players in the world today. The man regarded as the world’s money-game king is now also the best in tournament play. “I’m very happy that, finally, I won the big one," said the 30-year-old pride of Bislig, Surigao del Sur and Quezon City who netted $20,000 (over P900,000) for the feat. It was not a walk in the park for Orcollo in winning this $86,000 event organized by Dragon Promotions. After winning his first two matches in the qualification phase, Orcollo was upset by American Tony Robles, 10-6, that sent him to the complicated one-loss side. There, he blasted another American Jeremy Sossei, 10-2, to advance into the 32-man knockout stage via the backdoor. Orcollo then dethroned defending champion Tony Drago of Malta , 10-6, in the Last 32 and later defeated compatriot Rodolfo Luat, 10-6, in the Last 16. He scored another 10-6 win over top US pro Charlie Williams in the quarterfinals before subduing countryman Warren Kiamco, 7-4, in the semis. Souquet made it to the title-match by beating fellow former world champion Alex Pagulayan, 7-1. The German, whom Filipinos vividly remember as the man Ronnie Alcano defeated in the finals of the 2006 World Pool Championship in Manila, settled for the runner-up prize of $10,000. Pagulayan and Kiamco each received $5,000. The Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, according to its president Vic Rodriguez, is planning a victory party for member Orcollo, one that fits the new Filipino world champion. –GMANews.TV