Gomez, Orcollo top Asian Games qualifier

MANILA, Philippines – Roberto Gomez and Dennis Orcollo clinched the slots in the main draw of 16th Asian Games Cue Sports Competition in China.
The tournament will be held in Guangzhou on November 12 to 27.
Gomez and Orcollo made it after topping the qualification tournament at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.
The 2007 World Pool Championship finalist Gomez, dubbed as “Pinoy Superman” in the local pool circuit, defeated fellow Bugsy team mate Orcollo, 13-11, in the finals of 8-ball competition last Monday.
On the other hand, Orcollo, the reigning International Predator 10-ball champion, came back by beating Hall of Famer Efren “Bata” Reyes in a thrilling 13-12 win in the finals of 9-ball competition on Wednesday.
Gomez and Orcollo, both top players of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions, will represent the country in the forthcoming Asian Games.
“Right now, I feel we can win gold medals in the billiards competitions. We're strong in the men's 8-ball and 9-ball events and we can surprise our rivals in women's billiards," said Bugsy stable chief Ceferino “Perry” Mariano.
Aside from billiards, Mariano cited dragonboat, taekwondo, chess, boxing and athletics as possible gold mines for a Philippine contingent to the Asian Games in China.
The Philippines is seeking to improve its previous four-gold haul in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
The ASIAD qualification tournament will resume next Monday, according to National billiards coach Boyet Asonto.