Joven Bustamante gets into main draw of World 8-Ball tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Joven Bustamante reached the main draw of the 2008 World 8-Ball Championship Monday at the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates. Bustamante defeated Englishman Mike Hill, 5-3, in the finals to complete his sweep of Qualifier no.4 and reach the 64-person main draw, according to a Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) statement issued on on Tuesday afternoon. Bustamante, a semifinalist in last year's edition of the tournament, joined seeded compatriots in defending champion Ronnie Alcano, current world No.1 Dennis Orcollo, WPA invitees Antonio Gabica and Elvis Calasang, and fellow qualifiers Roberto Gomez and Jeff de Luna in the main tournament. "At last I made it," the 29-year-old Bustamante said. "I was so determined to make it to the main draw and contend for the world title. I'm so glad that I achieve my first target here. Now I'm looking at the next one, which is to become a world champion." Bustamante was eliminated in the Last 6 round of Qualifier 1 and lost to De Luna in the semifinals of Qualifier 2 before earning his spot. Also on Monday, Qatar-based Israel Rota became the eighth Filipino qualifier as he edged another Englishman in Chris Melling, 5-4, in the finals of Qualifier 5. Also trying to make it to the main draw were Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle, reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza, Ramil Gallego, and Warren Kiamco of the Negros Billiards Stable. - GMANews.TV