Phil Open: Lining last Filipino standing, Hohmann makes semis

Antonio Lining is the last Filipino standing in the Philippine Open Pool Championships. Lining outlasted former World Ten Ball champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain, 9-6, to secure the last seat in the semifinal round of this WPA event Sunday night at the SM Megamall. The 47-year-old veteran Pinoy campaigner became the country’s only hope after up-and-coming player Carlo Biado lost to Thorsten Hohmann of Germany in a hill-hill encounter, 9-8, also for a seat in the semifinals. “It’s nice to be in the semifinals. It’s always fun for me competing in the Philippines and until now, I have yet to win a title here," said Hohmann. “I made several mistakes, including the missed shot at the No. 10 ball, which could have given me a chance to finish off the match earlier. But he made mistakes, too, and we had an interesting finish by making several safety exchanges." “Swerte lang, at sinamahan pa ng masamang laro ni Appleton," said Lining. "Nagpa-plano sana kami ni Biado ng all-Pinoy finals para at least isa sa amin maging champion, pero hindi nangyari." Earlier, Hohmann’s compatriot and buddy, Ralf Souquet, also made it to the Final Four after completing a five-win run. He was joined by Liu Haitao of China. The four players plunge back to action Monday beginning 12 noon, with Lining taking on Souquet and Liu going up against Hohmann. Chen vs Fisher for women’s championship An all-Chinese finale was being projected at the start of the semifinal round late Sunday night. But Kelly Fisher, a veteran player from the European Tour, had other ideas. Fisher defeated former World Women's 9-Ball champion Wu Shia Shia, 9-6, to spoil a possible championship showdown between Shia and her compatriot Siming Chen. Chen survived former Amway World champion Lin Yuan Chun of Chinese Taipei, 9-6. Fisher and Chen slug it out for the women's crown at 2 p.m. Monday right after a pair of semifinals matches in the men's side. - Rey Joble/KY/OMG, GMA News