World Cup of Pool back in Manila

The World Cup of Pool, a battle among nations, returns to Manila this September, according to Matchroom Sports executive Luke Riches.

As host nation, the Philippines will once again enjoy the privilege of fielding two teams in the tournament, which will run from Sept. 7 to 12.

“We will be working with our good friends at Solar Sports once again and they will be confirming an actual venue soon,” Riches said.

The tandem of Filipino pool legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Django Bustamante won the inaugural staging of the World Cup of Pool, beating the American duo of Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris in a one-sided final, 13-5, to pocket the top prize of $60,000.

Bustamante credited Reyes for some pool magic that enabled them to break away from a 4-4 deadlock.

“Efren played lots of unbelievable shots, some of them I’ve never seen in my life, and that’s why we won. When he plays perfect and I play well, we knew we had a great chance and it’s a great feeling to be World Cup of Pool champions,” said Bustamante.

It was China’s turn to win in 2007, while the American tandem of the returning Morris and Shane Van Boening exacted revenge when they beat the Filipino duo in the semifinals and went on to defeat the British pair of Daryl Peach and Mark Gray, 11-7, in a thrilling final at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.