Taiwanese Lu upstages teen bet Magpantay, secures WTBC seat

For the second straight night, young Jonas Magpantay of the Philippines found himself battling in the Finals. And for the second straight time, the 17-year-old pride of Calapan, Mindoro went unsuccessful against another Taiwanese foe. Magpantay lost to Lu Hui Chan of Chinese Taipei, 8-9, in the Finals of the Qualifier No. 6 of the World Ten Ball Championship on Thursday night at the Star Billiards Center. The Filipino player was on the verge of completing a remarkable comeback win and the battle was still unsettled until the final two balls. The pressure was so high for both players, who missed their shots while taking at ball No. 9 of the 17th and final rack. Magpantay rallied from an 8-5 deficit and was so close from completing a comeback victory. After several exchanges of safety shots at ball No. 9 in the 17th and final rack, the Filipino was able to get a clear look at No. 9 at the side pocket. But Magpantay missed it, and the Taiwanese was given another chance to take at No.9 at the corner. With pressure building up, Lu also missed the shot, giving Magpantay another chance. Magpantay took time for a corner shot at No. 9 – and missed it again – allowing the Taiwanese to get back at the table. This time, Lu had an easier time at No. 9 and sank it at the corner then wrapped up the match by nailing the last ball at the other corner end. “Iniingatan ko kasing mag-scratch eh, kaya nagdadalawang isip ako sa pagpasok ng nuwebe sa corner," said Magpantay, formerly the country’s representative to the World Juniors Championship two years ago. The last four berths in the main draw of the World Ten Ball Championship will be disputed in the last two days at the Star Billiards Center. This qualifying event of this WPA event and supported by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines returns on Friday. The Stage 2 main draw will start on May 10 to 15 at the World Trade Center featuring 128 players from 44 countries composed of past and present world champions and top-rated players. - Rey Joble, GMA News