Ronnie Alcano hopes to play in Asian Games

CALAMBA CITY- After making fortunes and gaining respect by winning the 2006 World Pool Championships, Ronato "Calamba" Alcano still has one thing on his mind: To be able to play in the Doha Asian Games in December. "Playing in the Asian Games is one of my dreams. I'm hoping that I could still make it in the Philippine Team," Alcano told GMANews.TV shortly he returned to a hero's welcome here on Thursday morning. He said he has already informed the committee in-charge of the billiards team that he is ready and willing to play in the Asiad, the Asian region's version of the Olympics. If Alcano can make it to the team, the Philippine billiards team will be much formidable to win a gold medal in the event, said his brother Robert. "Ronnie is on top of his game right now," he said. Filipino billiards legends Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante have dropped from the competition because of conflicts in their schedules. In the 2002 edition of the quadrennial event held in Busan, South Korea, the Philippines won three gold, seven silver, and 16 bronze medals. The country landed 19th in the 45-nation sports event. During last year's Southeast Asian Games, Alcano was a member of the billiards team that won a gold in the event. Alcano said he would continue to polish his game as he awaited the decision of the Philippine organizing committee for the Asiad. "Maybe I will play some exhibition games here in Laguna," he said. Alcano then said that his recent success came with a lot of luck. "You can't win with pure talent only. You have to have luck. But luck is not enough. You must learn discipline to win games," he said. Alcano also denied rumors that he is considering the possibility of running as city councilor in next year's local elections. "Right now, my mind is set on playing billiards. I don't know anything about politics. I will just concentrate on what I do best," he said. - GMANews.TV