Yi joins younger brother Chung in World Ten Ball tourney

Two-time world junior champion Ko Pin Yi made sure he will accompany his little brother, Ko Pin Chung, in his first stint in the World Ten Ball Championship. Big brother Yi formalized his entry to the big event following his 9-6 triumph over Filipino Roland dela Cruz for the last seat of Stage 2 in this World Pool-Billiard Association ranking tournament late Saturday night at the Star Billiards Center. “I’m so happy I was able to join my younger brother in the event. I know this is something special for him," said Yi, thru interpreter Mars Chan. Yi, champion of the 2007 and 2008 World Junior Championship, will appear in his third WTBC event. Chung, the 15-year-old made it to the main draw earlier in the day after defeating another Filipino, Marvin Tapia, 9-5, in the Finals of Qualifier No. 9. A spectacular bank shot that completed a 1 and 10 combo to the left corner capped Yi’s brilliant performance. Dela Cruz was making a last ditch stand in hope of completing a come-from-behind win. The Filipino, who became the last qualifier in the recent Philippine Open Pool Championship last month, was down 8-4, but rallied and came to within two racks of forging a hill-hill encounter. He sank the No.8 ball off a break in the 15th rack. He opted for a safety shot at No.1, but he left a small space for Ko to launch a shot and bank in a shot at 1 to 10 combo at the corner for the win. - Rey Joble, GMA News