4th NATIONAL POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Lee Van Corteza displays National Champion trophy, flanked by (L-R) Tournament Director Mario Aquino, BSCP Chairman Yen Makabenta, Negros Stables Manager Jonathan Sy and BSCP President Sebastian Chua

December 22, Star Billiards Center, Quezon City - 2nd World 10-Ball Championship 1st runner-up and the 2007 National Champion Lee Van Corteza clinches the 2009 National Championship title edging Rodrigo Geronimo 11:6 in the final round. Settling for 3rd were Dennis Orcullo and Victor Arpilleda in semifinal matches.

The 4th BSCP National Pool Championships registered 82 men and 14 women cue players from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Dubbed as "Bilyaran sa Pasko", the Championship welcomed the return of Bugsy and Negros Billiard Stable players such as Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcullo, Joven Bustamante, Carlo Biado, Lee Van Corteza, Warren Kiamco and seasoned independents Antonio Lining and Ramil Gallego, to name a few.


Defending champion Marlon Manalo had numerous challengers, one noteworthy opponent was 2008 World 10-Ball 1st runner-up Demosthenes Pulpul from Paul Magadian's Cebu stable.


On the distaff side, Zemonette Oryan defended her title, defeating Mica Claveria from the Negros Billiard Stables, 9:5. Floriza Andal of Laguna and Jingle David settled for 3rd place.

Rankings – Men

1. Corteza, Lee Van

2 Geronimo, Rodrigo

3. Arpilleda, Victor

4. Orcollo, Dennis

5. Tapia, Marvin

6. Biado, Carlo

7. Gomez, Roberto

8. Alcano, Ronnie

9. Valle, Gandy

10. Salazar, John

11. Gallego, Ramil

12. Tullao, Rocky

13. Feliciano, Michael

14. Lining, Antonio

15. Dela Cruz, Roland

16. Zerna, Ricky

Rankings – Women

1.Oryan, Zemonette

2.Claveria, Mica

3. Andal, Floriza

4. David, Jingle

BSCP AFTER YEAR 2005

The Philippines recently hosted the 2nd World 10-Ball Championship (WTBC) from November 25-30 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

Mika Immonen of Finland emerged as the 2009 World 10-Ball Champion defeating Lee Van Corteza of the Philippines 11:6 in the final match.

David Alcaide of Spain

and Antonio Lining of the Philippines settled for 3rd place.











Sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) and the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP), the 5-day feat was attended by 40 countries with a total of 128 players, as follows:

Australia:
Louis Condo
Ben Nunan
Austria:
Mario He
Martin Kempter
Belgium:

Serge Das
Brunei:
MB Alias
Canada:
Alain Martel
Raymond Cruz
Erick Hjorleifson
Adam Smith
Tyler Edey
China:
Li Hewen
Fu Jianbo
Liu Haitao
Croatia:
Phil Stojanovic
Czech Republic:
Roman Hybler
Denmark:
Kasper Krisofferson
Bahram Lofty
Finland:
Markus Juva
Mika Immonen
France:
Stephan Cohen
Vincent Facquet
Japan:
Hayato Hijikata
Yukio Akakarimaya
Toru Kuribayashi
Naoyuki Ooi
Satoshi Kawabata
Korea:
Jeong Young Hwa
Kim Woong Dae
Choi Chul Mook
Ryu Seung Woo
Malaysia:
Ibrahim Bin Amir
Lee Poh Soon
Mexico:
Ignacio Chavez
Netherlands:
Huidji See
Niels Feijen
Nick Van den Berg
Norway:
Vegar Kristiansen
Philippines:
Jeffrey de Luna
Demosthenes Pulpul
Marlon Manalo
Antonio Gabica
Allan Cuartero
Jerico Banares
Warren Kiamco
Dennis Orcullo
Ronnie Alcano
Lee Van Corteza
Carlo Biado
Ramil Gallego
Michael Feliciano
Jundel Mazon
Roberto Gomez
Antonio Lining
Jomar de Ocampo
Steve Villamil
Emil Martinez
Poland:
Mateusz Sniegocki
Tomasz Kaplan
Mariusz Skonechny
Radoslaw Babica
Qatar:
Basher Hussain
Abdulatef fawal
Rashis Almari
Russia:
Konstantin Stepanov
Ruslan Chinakhov
Serbia:
Sandor Tot
Singapore:
Tey Choon Kiat
Toh Lian Han
Slovenia:
Matjaz Erculj
South Africa:
Jason Theron
Alphonse Hoge
Spain:
David Alcaide
Rafel Guzmann
Sweden:
Marcus Chamat
Switzerland:
Dimitri Jungo
Taipei:
Chao Fong Pang
Chang Yu-Lung
Kuo Po-Cheng
Cheng Tsung-Hua
Ko Pin-Yi
Lu Hui Chan
Fu Che-Wei
Yang Ching-Shn
Wanh Hung-Hsiang
Turkey:
Mehmet Cankurt
Ramzan Dincer
USA:
Oscar Dominguez
Shawn Putnam
Johnny Archer
Stevie Moore
Charlie Bryant
Shaun Wilkie
Shane Van Boening
Corey Deuel
Charlie Williams
Venezuela:
Frailin Guanica
Jalal Youse
Vietnam:
Nguyen Ang Tuan


After a brief hiatus, other top Filipino players from the stables of Bugsy and Negros joined the 2nd WTBC giving the Philippines more opportunities to grab the "World 10-Ball Champion" title.

Below were the top 64 players who made the hill during the 1st three days of Championship:

1. Warren Kiamco (PHI) -------- 33. Jalal Yousef (VEN)
2. Jericho Banares (PHI) ------- 34. Thorsten Hohmann (GER)
3. Mario He (AUT) --------------- 35. Daryl Peach (GBR)
4. Radoslaw Babica (POL) ------ 36. Satoshi Kawabata (JPN)
5. Antonio Lining (PHI) -------- 37. Corey Deuel (USA)
6. Adam Smith (CAN) ----------- 38. Naoyuki Ooi (JPN)
7. Jeong Young Hwa (KOR) ---- 39. Jomar De Ocampo (PHI)
8. Nguyen Anh Than (VIE) ---- 40. Karl Boyes (GBR)
9. Niels Feijen (NED) ----------- 41. Mika Immonen (FIN)
10. Marlon Manalo (PHI) ------ 42. Fu Jianbo (CHN)
11. Ernesto Dominguez (MEX)-43. Nick Van Den Berg (NED)
12. Jonni Fulcher (GBR) ------- 44. Kenny Kwok (HKG)
13. Alain Martel (CAN) --------- 45. Jundel Mazon (PHI)
14. Huidji See (NED) ----------- 46. Ruslan Chinakhov (RUS)
15. Markus Juva (FIN) --------- 47. Elvis Calasang (PHI)
16. Johnny Archer (USA) ------ 48. Alwi (INA)
17. Lee van Corteza (PHI) ----- 49. Konstantin Stepanov (RUS)
18. Ben Nunan (AUS) ---------- 50. Chang Yu-Lung (TPE)
19. Imran Majid (GBR) -------- 51. Ronnie Alcano (PHI)
20. Thomas Engert (GER) ---- 52. Charlie Williams (USA)
21. Fu Che-Wei (TPE) ---------- 53. Roman Hybler (CZE)
22. Ricky Yang (INA) ----------- 54. Wang Ming (CHN)
23. Li Hewen (CHN) ------------ 55. Oliver Ortmann (GER)
24. Ralf Souquet (GER) -------- 56. Ignacio Chavez (MEX)
25. Darren Appleton (GBR) --- 57. Craig Osborne (GBR)
26. Christoph Reintjes (GER)- 58. Stephan Cohen (FRA)
27. Dang Jin-hu (CHN) ---------59. Yang Ching Shun (TPE)
28. Marcus Chamat (SWE) ---- 60. Kuo Po-Cheng (TPE)
29. Hayato Hijikata (JPN) ----- 61. Erik Hjorleifson (CAN)
30. Oscar Dominguez (USA) -- 62. Dennis Orcullo (PHI)
31. Yukio Akakariyama (JPN)- 63. Fong Pang Chao (TPE)
32. David Alcaide (ESP) -------- 64. Antonio Gabica (PHI)

Prior to the Stage-2 eliminations of the Championship, a 5-day grueling Stage-1 eliminations were held at the Star Billiards Club in Quezon City. A total of 126 players from 20 countries fought for the five Championship slots. These eliminations proved to be the most difficult segment of the WTBC having players compete from 10AM until 1AM the next day. Players who failed to win in the 1st day opted to compete in the succeeding days.

One of this year's WTBC highlights was the convening of the World Pool-Billiard Association's (WPA) General Assembly meeting at the Heritage Hotel, the official lodging for the WTBC. Members from the five continents were present and re-elected Mr. Ian Anderson as WPA president. Other officers elected were:  Peter Hawley as Vice President, Fran Crimi as Treasurer/Secretary General, Georgina Palacios as Deputy Secretary General and Jery Forsyth as Press Officer.

The World 10-Ball Championship was conceived by no other than BSCP chairman, Yen Makabenta. A journalist by profession, Yen is an avid pool player himself. Inspired by the successful hosting of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games Billiard events in Manila, Yen established Raya Sports the year after specifically to promote his favorite sport in the country to a higher level and for the world to know that the Philippines is the Mecca for pool. Raya acquired an 8 year right to organize the WTBC from WPA.

Initially, Raya Sports organized the 2006 World 9-Ball Championship (WNBC) held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City and prior to, the 1st BSCP National (9-Ball) Pool Championship.

In 2007, Raya again organized the WNBC at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and prior to, the 2nd BSCP National (9-Ball) Pool Championships and the 1st National Junior Championship.

2008 became the event filled year for pool in the country. In close coordination with BSCP, Raya sports continued to organize local tournaments such as the: 1st Philippine Pool Tour - Leg 1-Mandaluyong's Mayor's Cup and Leg 2-Palawan's Mayor's Cup, the 2nd National Juniors Championship, the 3rd National (10-Ball) Pool Championships and the 1st World 10-Ball Championship.

This year, the 1st Leg of the 2nd Philippine Pool Tour was conducted in Olongapo City, the 1st Philippine-Open (10-Ball) was organized at the SM Mega Trade Center in Pasig city and the 2nd WTBC. The 4th National (10-Ball) Pool Championships is scheduled on the 3rd week of December.

In all of these events, BSCP president Sebastian Chua owner of Star Billiards Center provided the venue, free-of-charge, for the (WTBC) eliminations, pool tables, cue balls and supplies. Mr. Chua is the exclusive distributor in the Philippines for Brunswick pool tables, Predator cue sticks, Aramith cue balls, Ivan Simoniz pool table cloths, Master cue chalks, among other leading brands. Star Billiards Club also organized several local tournaments dubbed as the Star Search Tournament.

Three years after the 2005 SEA Games, the BSCP ran in full-swing with spectacular events. This is in fulfillment of its mission promoting billiard in the country inspiring more Filipinos to be involved in the sport. More so in garnering respect from international bodies that the Philippines is the place where pool table kings come from.

2009 National Juniors Pool Championship

by Marlon Bernardino

JOHN CARLO CERNA of Pasay City turned back Zoren Bantayan of San Pedro, Laguna, 11-6, in the finals to rules the just concluded Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) 3rd Philippine Juniors Pool Championship for Boys 19 year old and below
on Sunday at the famous Star Billiards Center No.46 Joy St. in Grace Village, Quezon City.

Cerna pocketed won the P50,000 prize money, and earn the right to represent the country in this year’s WPA Junior’s World 9-Ball Championships on November 4 to 8 in Managua, Nicaragua plus a slot in the 2009 WPA World Ten Ball Championships on November 21 to 29 in Cebu City, in the three-day event hosted and organized by the BSCP headed by president Sebastian “Baste” Chua and chairman Florentino “Yen” Makabenta in close cooperation with Raya Sports and Star Billiards.

“Nagbunga din ang ginawa kong paghahanda,” said Cerna, who beat tournament favorite Jonas Magpantay, 9-6, in the cross-over semifinal round.

“At sa wakas po natumbok din natin ang korona,” added Cerna, much known “Putong” in the local pool circuit.

In the 1st Philippine Juniors Pool Championship in 2007, Cerna make it to the top four and settled runner-up place in the last year’s edition which topped by Jerico Banares.

Bantayan, meanwhile went home the runner-up prize of P25,000 for his effort. Bantayan needed to beat Jestoni Magadia of Cebu, 9-4, in another semifinal duel to forge a title showdown with Cerna.

Rounding to the top eight (8) finishers were Ricky Puro of Cebu, Ken Escano of Laguna, Raymond Eborda of Pasay and John Kevin Serdan of Bula, Camarines, Sur playing under the guidance of sportsman Manny Alfelor.

Achivements

For nearly 21 years, the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines has consistently won honors for the country, garnering three Asian Games gold medals and twenty-nine Southeast Asian Games gold medals.Committed to its mission as a National Sports Association, the BSCP has given its amateur players opportunities to master the sport by competing in the international arena other than the Asiad and SEA Games. Today, most of its players have turned “Professionals” competing with various Asian and World Champions such as Daryl Peach of Britain, Chia-Ching Wu of Taipei, Earl Strickland and Johnny Archer of the USA, Kelley Fisher of the USA, and Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, to name a few.

Today, the BSCP is proud to recognize the fruits of its many years of work. Players who have gained respect from the world’s top professional players: Lee Van Corteza, Antonio Lining, Warren Kiamco, Marlon Manalo, Antonio Gabica, Benjamin Guevarra, Jr., Gandy Valle, Joven Alba, Al Ortega, Alan Cuartero, Reynaldo Grandea, Rubilen Amit, Mary Ann Basas and Iris Ranola.

Even with its accomplishments, the BSCP remains vigilant and is fully aware of its crucial role in the sport of billiards. The adoption of new training technologies by foreign competitors is now a standard thus the BSCP feels that in order to remain competitive it is imperative to establish a Billiards and Snooker Academy. Only with this, the BSCP would be able to press forward with its mission in bringing more honors to Filipinos and the country.

Officers

Florentino P. Makabenta
Chairman/ Board Member

Sebastian Chua
President/ Board Member

Edgar AcabaSecretary General / Board Member

Carlos Santos-ViolaBoard Member

Emmanuel Argonza
Public Relations Officer / Board Member

BSCP-NSAs Ranking in the SEA Games

The Southeast Asian Games is the most contested multi-sport event in the region. This is where the Philippines sends the most number of athletes and officials compared to the Asian and Olympic Games.

Although there are sports that are fairly new and not regularly calendared in the SEAG such as baseball, softball, dance sport, & arnis, the Philippines still dominate these sports compared to the traditional ones like aquatics, athletics, lawn tennis, judo, karatedo, cycling, badminton, table tennis, and others. This was also evident during the early stages of the SEAG when the Philippines were the masters in the first three sports mentioned only to be overtaken shortly by its well funded challengers.

Billiards has, on average, ranked 8th among the top 10 sports equal to that of wushu. Like basketball, billiards is just as popular in the Philippine archipelago having over 4 million men and women regularly playing the sport either for recreation or otherwise. However, unlike basketball where there are only 2 events (men & women), billiards involves more disciplines and events as follows: Men's 8-Ball singles & doubles, 9-Ball singles & doubles, Snooker singles, doubles & team, Snooker 6-red singles, Carom 1-cushion, Cadre, English Billiards singles & doubles, 15-Ball Rotation singles & doubles, and Women's 8-Ball singles, 9-Ball singles, Snooker singles, Snooker 6-red singles.

NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS PERFORMANCE AVERAGE
IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES (1995-2007)

Rank - Sport - Medals at Stake - Gold Won - % Average

1 - Softball - 2.0 - 1.7 - 83.33%
2 - Baseball - 1.0 - 0.5 - 50.00%
2 - Arnis - 6.0 - 3.0 - 50.00%
3 - Basketball - 2.3 - 1.2 - 53.33%
4 - Golf - 4.0 - 1.8 - 45.83%
5 - Fencing - 8.2 - 3.2 - 38.78%
6 - Dance Sport - 6.0 - 2.0 - 33.33%
7 - Archery - 4.8 - 1.5 - 31.25%
8 - Wushu - 21.0 - 5.4 - 25.71%
8 - Billiards - 11.7 - 3.0 - 25.71%
9 - Taekwondo - 16.0 - 3.7 - 23.21%
10-Traditonal Boat - 5.8 - 1.2 - 20.11%
11- Chess - 8.0 - 1.5 - 18.75%
12- Bowling - 9.5 - 1.7 - 18.05%
13- Muay - 9.0 - 1.5 - 16.67%
13- Triathlon - 3.0 - 0.5 - 16.67%
14- Rowing - 9.0 - 1.4 - 15.56%
15- Boxing - 12.3 - 1.9 - 15.06%
16- Wrestling - 12.0 1.8 - 14.58%
17- Equestrian - 5.3 - 0.8 - 14.29%
18- Athletics - 42.8 - 5.7 - 13.24%
19- Judo - 14.0 - 1.8 - 13.10%
20- Aquatics - 35.8 - 4.0 - 11.16%
21- Cycling - 13.2 - 1.3 - 9.76%
22- Karatedo - 18.6 - 1.4 - 7.53%
23- Shooting - 29.8 - 1.9 - 6.23%
24- Tennis - 7.0 - 0.4 - 6.12%
25- Lawn Bowls - 6.0 - 0.3 - 4.17%
26- Gymnastics - 18.2 - 0.6 - 3.30%
27- Sailing - 14.0 - 0.3 -1.79%
28- Pencak Silat - 17.8 - 0.2 - 0.94%
29- Badminton - 7.00 - 0.0 - 0.00%
30- Football - 1.83 - 0.0 - 0.00%

Hockey - 2.0 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Net Ball - 1.0 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Petanque - 8.3 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Polo - 1.0 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Rugby - 2.0 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Sepak Takraw - 4.6 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Shuttle cock - 7.0 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Squash - 2.8 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Table Tennis - 7.0 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Volleyball - 3.5 - 0.0 - 0.00%
Weightlifting - 12.3 - 0.0 - 0.00%

Average gold medals at stake/Game = 327

PHI average gold medals won/Game = 46 or 14.00% (w/o 2005 SEAG = 11.00%)

Medals Won in the Asian and SEA Games

Women on Cue

by Boying Santos-Viola

In 1993, a Brooklyn-born Korean American named Jeanette “Black Widow” Lee brought international attention to female cue players as the only Asian female player on the WPA tour. Since then, more and more women participate in the sport, with numbers reaching 100 in a U.S. Pro Tour. Women from Taiwan, mainland China, Korea, and the Philippines have also turned out in increasing numbers for Asian pool events.

In 2002, a handful of female cue enthusiasts under the guidance of World Champion bowler Olivia “Bong” Coo formed an association called The Philippine Women Players on Cue. Although Ms. Coo was not a cue player herself, her passion for sports drove her into helping the women behind PWPC achieve their objectives. They began facing seemingly insurmountable challenges that lacked the support of the local sporting community. After a few years of drumbeating, however, the group eventually dissolved.

Recognizing the efforts of the few active remnants of the PWPC and in keeping with the International Olympic Committee's call to encourage women participation in sports, The Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) included pool events for women at the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in 2005.

The BSCP conducted their first ever women’s, attracting 35 female cue artists from all over the country. Topping the ranks were Mary Ann Basas, Rubilen Amit, Iris Ranola, Magda Say, Johanna Dee and Toni Anne Nobleza.

At the SEA Games, Rubilen outperformed her team mates by winning two gold medals, one each in the 8-Ball singles and 9-Ball singles events. Singapore won two silvers and one bronze medal and Malaysia won one silver medal.

This event was later followed by the Ladies 9-Ball Championship held in Manila. Despite the best efforts of the Filipina players, the finals saw two-time World 9-Ball Champion Ga-Young Kim of South Korea defeating Shu-Pin Kao of Chinese-Taipei, 11-4, in the finals. There were a total of 26 cueists, 12 from the Philippines, 7 from Taiwan, 5 from Japan, 1 from Thailand and 1 Korean.

The following year, the BSCP formed another women’s team to compete in the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. Rubilen Amit and Iris Ranola competed in 9-Ball singles while Mary Ann Basas joined Rubilen in the 8-Ball Pool singles. The Filipinas lost to their Asian counterparts during the elimination round except for Iris Ranola who defeated Tan Shiang Lin of Taipei in the quarterfinals, 7-6. 23 female players took part representing 10 Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, China, Japan, Korea, Syria and the Philippines.

In March 2007, the BSCP conducted their 2nd National Pool Championships. Ranola, Basas, Amit and Jingle David made it to the top eight. Iris later won P200K, Mary Ann P100K, Rubilen P50,000 and Jingle P25,000.

Turning pro that same year, Amit placed second to China’s Xiao Ting-Pan in the Amway Women's World 9-Ball Championship. She defeated Yukiko Hamanishi of Japan in the semis 9-6, and Ga-Young Kim in the quarterfinals, 7-2. Amit won $10,000.

During the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand, Amit won a gold medal in the 9-Ball Pool singles and a bronze in the 8-Ball Pool singles. Basas and Ranola won silver and bronze in the 6-Red Snooker singles, respectively. A total of 22 women players competed in the Games. 3 from the Philippines, 3 Indonesians, 4 Malaysians, 4 Singaporeans, 6 Thailanders and 2 Vietnamese.
Ranola then competed in the 2008 WPA US Open 9-Ball defeating pool’s “Duchess of Doom” Allison Fisher in the 1st match, 9-8. She brought down five more opponents in the winners bracket before being outclassed by Kelly Fisher in the finals, 1-7.

September, the BSCP introduced 10-ball to its 3rd National Pool Championships. Monette Oryan, a 19-year old freshman nursing student from Laguna and a native of Iloilo, won the 2008 title defeating Floriza Andal, 9-6 in the final rack. Oryan and Andal, also 19 years of age, scored equal racks until the last four when Andal gave in to pressure missing crucial shots. Veteran player Jingle David won over Beberly Flores, 7-6 settling for 3rd and forth place. A total of 13 players competed in the Championships. Amit, Basas and Ranola did not compete.

As a National Sports Association (NSA) and a member of the Philippine Olympic Committee, BSCP is committed to its mission in encouraging and developing women players to excel in billiard sports.

Playing billiards is not the only skill Filipina cue players have mastered, refereeing has taken the interest of a few. One of the two female referees, Ma. Rochelle "Cielo" Lopez of Valenzuela, Bulacan shifted from breaking cues to refereeing and has gained respect for her professionalism. She has refereed in two World Championships and numerous BSCP sanctioned Championships and Tours. BSCP is eyeing on training more specialized referees in the coming years to raise the standard of local competitions.

Though a few Filipina players have caught the eye of international promoters, women players still face an uphill challenge with minimal support from both the private and government sectors compared to their male counterparts. A number of players including Jasmin Ouscher (Austria), Ine Helvik (Norway), Katrine Jensen (Denmark), Kelly Fisher of the USA, Liu Shin Mei of Taipei, Pan Xiaoting (China), Lin Yuan Chun (Taipei), Kim Ga Young (South Korea), Hamanishi Yukiko (Japan) have already earned more than enough from podium finishes and sponsors’ endorsements to keep them well-supported for future competitions.

BSCP is proud to have supported the development women players such as Rubilen Amit, Iris Ranola, Mary Ann Basas and all of its young women cue artists, allowing them to serve their country well. BSCP has set its sights on Monette Oryan and Floriza Andal to be just two of the upcoming new names to be added in the Philippine history of women billiards.

2009 Snooker and Carom Challenge Series

8 May: Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) Academy, RMSC, Malate, Manila – After five frustrating frames James Al Ortega conceded to his teammate Benjamin Guevarra, Jr. with a 4-1 loss in the 6-Red snooker finals. Guevarra, a silver medalist in the 2007 SEA Games won the first 3 frames with a 42 pt. average versus the 17.6 pts of Ortega, a SEA Games bronze medalist. Even though Ortega rallied in the 4th frame he lost on the 5th deciding frame giving Guevarra the 1st place.

In the 3rd & 4th place playoff, SEA Games gold medalist Joven Alba won 4 frames of 5 over Luis Saberdo averaging 32.4 pts per frame compared to Saberdo’s 12 pts. Alba’s accuracy proved well earning him the 3rd place in the 6-Red snooker event.

Two young cueists 25 yr old Alvin Barbero and 19 yr old Michaelangelo Mengorio entered in their first ever snooker tourney. Barbero beat Guevarra 4-3 early on in the group matches.

After almost 5 hours of ball spins and placing, Reynaldo Grandea won the carom 1-cushion event by a mere 7 point lead over Luis Saberdo. Both players gave their best shots on even footing from the start up to the 60th inning with 149-142 pts as their final score. BSCP Technical Director Ricardo “Mon” Ancaja expressed his admiration for both of the players motivation to win the carom event.

Grandea is a 2003 SEA Games medalist in the Balkline and 3-cushion carom events as well as in English-billiards. Saberdo is also a 1995/93 SEA Games medalist in both snooker and English- billiards.

Winning carom’s 3rd and 4th place were Emilio Villariza and Ernesto Reyes respectively. Villariza is a 2005 SEA Games bronze medalist in the cadre 47/1 carom event.

This 7-day event was the 1st of 3 series, the latter being the championship. A total of twenty five entries played snooker and fifteen in carom. In-line with its mission to promote & develop billiard disciplines in the country, the Snooker and Carom Challenge will now be an annual BSCP tournament .

The 2009 Snooker & Carom Challenge 1 partners were the Philippine Sports Commission and Pocari Sweat.

2008 WPA World Juniors Championships

by Marlon Bernardino

A gathering of 20 countries from four continents with Asia having the largest contingent, the WPA World Junior Championship broke open on December 1-4 in Sands Regency Hotel, Reno, Nevada, USA.

The Philippines fielded three players, two boys - Jerico Banares and Jonas Magpantay and a lone girl - Zemonette Oryan. All (except for Jerico) first timers in competing in a foreign country and international in nature, the Filipinos proved their mettle in the 4 day event.

Banares twice missed on the black eight during his 8-11 defeat at the hands of Taiwanese Ko Pin-yi in the finals. Breaks didn't go his way.

After picking up a win off Ko's break to level at 5-all, Banares came up empty in each of his next four breaks.

Banares miscalculated another shot on the black eight for the second time in the match on the 16th frame.

With Ko on the hill, Banares clustered two racks to pull within 8-10 and breaking. After yet another dry break, Banares got a chance to put more pressure on the defending champion as Ko failed to cover the blue two on his safety shot.

But Banares, again, couldn't get past No. 8. miscued a shot on the green six, Ko gamely cleaned up the table to retain his crown.

"Bilog talaga ang bola," said Banares. "Ayaw akong paboran sa break ngayon. Mabuti pa sa semis laging may pumapasok sa sargo ko."

His fine breaking game against Norio Ogawa of Japan in the semifinals resulted to an easy 9-4 victory.

It also avenged the 5-7 loss of Zemonette Oryan to Japanese Konischi Samia in the semifinals of the girls' division.

Oryan's defeat was also a hard pill to swallow. She was undefeated heading into the semifinals and the heavy favorite to win it all.

But she fell behind early and her missed shot on the nine-ball sealed her fate on the 12th. Samia, however, fell to Britanny Bryant of Canada, 8-9, in the finals.

Banares took home the silver medal while Oryan settled for the bronze.

Meanwhile, Jonas Magpantay ended his campaign with an 8-9 loss to Banares in the quarterfinals.

2008 National Pool Championships

An annual open event designated to recognize and honor the top players in the Philippines, the 3rd BSCP National Pool Championships attracted 120 pool players from all over the country.

Seasoned Marlon Manalo effortlessly knocked down all his opponents to win the 2008 National Men's Champion award. Manalo has gathered medals in the Asian and Southeast Asian Games both in billiards and snooker disciplines.

19-year old, Zemonette Oryan bested the women's event winning the 2008 National Women's Champion award. A new talent from Iloilo, Monette outskilled her veteran rivals with another new player, Floriza Andal from Laguna who settled for the 1st runner-up award.

The top four male players were awarded a slot to the 1st WPA World 10-Ball Championship held in Manila.

SWS Report on National Sports Associations

7 August 2008

SWS Sports Survey:93% feel proud when RP does well in world sports;91% call it important to compete in the Olympics

Social Weather Stations
Ninety-three percent of adult Filipinos feel proud when Philippines does well in international sports or games, according to the SWS Sports Survey of March 30-April 2, 2008.

To the question, "How proud are you when Philippines does well at an international sports or games competition?" the SWS Sports Survey found 74% answering very proud, 19% somewhat proud, 5% not very proud, and only 2% not proud at all.

The SWS Sports Survey also found 91% calling it very/somewhat important for the Philippines to compete for as many medals as possible at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The more the effect of sports on pride, the more the importance given to competing in the Olympics.

Among member-associations of the Philippine Olympics Committee, the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and the Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines were the most cited as doing well in promoting sports.

Pride from sports relates to the Olympics
The SWS Sports Survey asked the respondents, "How important is it for the Philippines to compete for as many medals as possible at the 2008 Olympics in China?" and found that 67% say it is very important and 24% somewhat important, while only 7% say it is not very important and 2% not at all important .

The importance of competing in the coming 2008 Olympics is much higher among those who have much pride in the country's accomplishments in international sports and games: it is 76% among those who are very proud, compared to 46% among those somewhat proud, and only 35% among those not very/not at all proud.

POC Associations that are doing well in supporting sports
From a list of all 38 associations of the Philippine Olympics Committee, respondents were asked to name up to three associations that they think are "doing very well in supporting Philippine sports." The survey found the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines mentioned by 27%, the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas by 26%, and the Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines by 10%.

The next most cited associations were the Philippine Badminton Association (8%), the Philippine Volleyball Federation (8%), the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (7%), the Philippine Bowling Congress (7%), the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (7%), the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (6%), the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (5%), and the Philippine Taekwondo Association (5%).

Associations cited by 2-4% are the Philippine Karatedo Federation (4%), the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (4%), the Philippine Football Federation (3%), the National Golf Association of the Philippines (3%), the Philippine Tennis Association (3%), the National Archery Association of the Philippines (2%), the Philippine Federation of Bodybuilders Inc. (2%), and the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (2%).

Other associations received fewer citations: the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (1%), the Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (1%), the Philippine Amateur Judo Association (1%), the Philippine National Shooting Association (1%), the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (1%), the Philippine Amateur Fencers Association (1%), the Philippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association (1%), the Philippine Lawn Bowls Association (1%), the Wrestling Association of the Philippines (1%), the Amateur Soft Tennis Association (0.5%), the Amateur Rowing Association of the Philippines (0.4%), the Philippine Sailing Association (0.3%), the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation (0.3%), the Philippine Weightlifting Association (0.3%), the Equestrian Association of the Philippines (0.3%), and the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (0.1%).

None of the respondents to the SWS Sports Survey mentioned the Philippine Pencak Silat Association, the Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines, and the Triathlon Association of the Philippines.

About one out of three (34%) had no answer. Three percent answered "none."

High pride in the country's international sports achievements across the board
Four out of five (82%) in Metro Manila, 77% in Balance Luzon, 69% in Mindanao, and 67% in the Visayas are very proud of the Philippines' accomplishments in international sports or games.

It is 81% among the upper-middle classes ABCs, 75% among class Es, and 73% among the masa or class Ds.

Competing in the Olympics is very important in all areas and classes
Majority in all areas say it is very important for the country to compete for as many medals as possible in the coming Beijing Olympics: it is 78% in Metro Manila, 68% in Balance Luzon, 63% in the Visayas, and 62% in Mindanao.

It is 74% among classes ABCs, 68% among class Es, and 66% among class Ds.

Survey Background
The SWS Sports Survey was conducted on March 30-April 2, 2008 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults randomly selected from 240 locations throughout the country, and divided into samples of 300 each in Metro Manila, the Balance of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for area percentages). The area estimates were weighted by National Statistics Office medium-population projections for 2008 to obtain the national estimates.

The items described here were specially done by SWS in conjunction with the Leisure Time and Sports Survey of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP), a network of annual social surveys in 44 countries, in which SWS has represented the Philippines since 1991.


NSAs THAT ARE DOING WELL IN SUPPORTING SPORTS, APRIL 2008
Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines 27%
BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 26
Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines 10
Philippine Badminton Association 8
Philippine Volleyball Federation 8
Philippine Amateur Baseball Association 7
Philippine Bowling Congress 7
Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association 7
Philippine Amateur Swimming Association 6
National Chess Federation of the Philippines 5
Philippine Taekwondo Association 5
Philippine Karatedo Federation 4
Gymnastics Association of the Philippines 4
Philippine Football Federation 3
National Golf Association of the Philippines 3
Philippine Tennis Association 3
National Archery Association of the Philippines 2
Philippine Federation of Bodybuilders Inc. 2
Philippine Dragon Boat Federation 2
Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines 1
Table Tennis Association of the Philippines 1
Philippine Amateur Judo Association 1
Philippine National Shooting Association 1
Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines 1
Philippine Amateur Fencers Association 1
Philippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association 1
Philippine Lawn Bowls Association 1
Wrestling Association of the Philippines 1
Amateur Soft Tennis Association 0.5
Amateur Rowing Association of the Philippines 0.4
Philippine Sailing Association 0.3
Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation 0.3
Philippine Weightlifting Association 0.3
Equestrian Association of the Philippines 0.3
Wushu Federation of the Philippines 0.1
Don't know 34
None of them 3

Q91. Alin sa mga sumusunod na asosasyon ng Philippine Olympic Committee ang sa tingin ninyo ay may ginagawang mabuti sa pagtataguyod ng isports sa Pilipinas? (SHOW LIST; UP TO 3 RESPONSES

Olympic Family Chart

The Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) is the only National Sports Association (NSA) for billiards sport in the country duly recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the only sports organization in the nation recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The BSCP is governed in the continent by the Asian Pocket-Billiards Union (APBU) for the pool discipline, the Asian Congress of Billiards and Snooker (ACBS) for the snooker discipline and the Asian Carom and Billiards Confederation (ACBC) for carom.

Each of these Asian sport federations are under a specific International Sports Federation (IF) such as the World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA), International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) and the Union Mondiale de Billiards (UMB) all of which are under the World Confederation of Billiard Sports (WCBS) the only organization for billiard sports recognized by the IOC.

Other than following the rules and regulations of each IF, the BSCP also abides by their charter ensuring the universality of it policies that governs its members and officers.

Following one of the many rulings of the IOC regarding fairplay, the BSCP adheres to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) code in eliminating the use of illegal drugs and enhancing substances in and out of competition.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is the only government sports agency directly funding the NSAs with their elite and mass based programs. However, the PSC is not part of the Olympic family.

The Academy

Objective:

To establish and maintain a national training center that would facilitate world-class structured training systems for beginning and advanced players, trainers certification courses for levels 1 and 2, advanced and master instructor, technical officials, and game organizers.

Pool Hall – The centerpiece of the BSCP Academy will be the pool hall which will house up-to-date tables for pool, snooker and carom with the corresponding cues and balls for each discipline. Competition lighting will be provided for each table allowing the trainees to experience using the correct equipment and lighting conditions for specific tournaments.

Museum - Surrounding the pool hall would be memorabilia from various world-renowned players such as Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and the likes. Souvenirs from various games such as the Asian and Southeast Asian Games, the Guinness, Asian & World Championships will also be on display not only to preserve such a collection but also to inspire future national athletes who will bring honors to the country

Classroom – All trainees will be taught various international game rules, game ethics, doping, game theories, sports psychology and other related topics in order to become a world-class player. The classroom will be equipped with comfortable chairs and desks, whiteboard, podium, adequate lighting and air-conditioning system conducive to the teaching and learning process.

Library/Archive – To supplement the learning process, various books, manuals, magazines, newsletters, DVDs and other audio-visual materials related to the sport will be established in the Academy. Both the students and trainers will benefit from these collections.

Audio-Visual Equipment – With the advent of IT in sports, the learning progression needs to be reinforced with audio-visual equipment such as video camcorders that will record each of the students’ playing skills capturing each action from the top of the table, side of the table, and from other angles. This would allow the student and trainer to analyze and make necessary corrections on player movements. Other equipment such as desktop computers will be used to keep record of all the data, laptop for field use so as to get an on-the-spot record during competition days, LCD projector, projection screen, flat screen, DVD player, and speaker system for better presentations in or outside the classroom.

Students:
The heart of the BSCP Academy will be its students. Open to everyone and anyone who has a special interest in becoming a world class player, the academy will train both amateurs and professionals alike. With a low student-to-instructor ratio, the training system will focus on developing and improving the playing and competitive skills of each individual.

Sample topics to be covered:

International game rules & ethics
WADA doping regulations
How to select the right cue
Correct Fundamentals of stance, bridge, grip, and stroke
Alignment & aiming systems
Collision physics
Understand how deflection, swerve and throw effects shot making
Increase shot consistency
Learn to control the cue ball
How to play the patterns that will simplify run out
Defensive tactics
Winning strategy
Practice drills to improve in all aspects of the game
The mental game - how to maximize performance in competition
Physical Fitness
Other than recruits and walk-ins, the BSCP Academy will establish branches nationwide. Partnerships with private learning institutions and corporations will be established to ensure a continuing flow of fresh talents.

Trainers/Instructors:
There are a few skilled players who have a are gifted to teach. The trainers at the BSCP Academy will all have a keen sense of teaching, a thorough knowledge of and experience in the sport to assure a competitive learning process. Part of the requisite to pass, all candidates will be required to assist in an on-going training to see how the teaching theories are applied and try them out. The BSCP will have foreign guest trainers who will conduct special seminars on occasion.

Seminars:
Teaching how to play the sport will only be a part of the academy’s program. The Academy will offer relevant courses such as:

Trainers/instructors - This program would allow a standardized method of teaching and accreditation. Four level courses will be offered – Level 1, 2 Advanced & Master. Each level would focus on the skill level of each trainer and the students they wish to handle. The Master level certification will enable the instructor to certify other trainers.

Sample topics would cover:

BSCP History & Objectives
BSCP Programs & Standards
BSCP Instructor Ethics
International Game Rules & Regulations
WADA Doping Regulations
Teaching Theory & Methods
Oral communication
Establishing Lesson Objectives
Lesson Preparation
Training Exercises
Training Aids
Organizing & Scheduling a Course
Budgeting Courses
Student Recruitment
Physical Fitness

Referee – International game rules need to be respected and followed by every player. This course will help the candidate to be a qualified international referee who would officiate in a local and foreign tournament sanctioned by the BSCP, APBU and/or the WPA.

Technical Official – All local and foreign tournaments need people to make the event successful. This course will present the different individual tasks and importance of each role in a tournament.

Game Organization & Management – With all the world-class players wanting to join a tournament, it is imperative that every event be prepared and managed properly so that future competitions will have more participants and sponsors. A successful event will leave a good impression on the sports community and its followers.

Talent Identification Program:
It is inevitable that one day players would lay down their cue sticks and choose another path in their lives. Thus, the BSCP Academy will continuously develop and implement a nationwide and overseas Talent Identification Program (TIP) in search of replacements for the “Magician”.

Honor for the Country:
As an incentive, qualified BSCP students and graduates will be given an opportunity to represent the country in Asian Pocket Billiards Union and World Pool-Billiard Association sanctioned tournaments. These events will be the major testing ground for their effectiveness as products of the BSCP Academy.

Self-Sustaining:
Self-sufficiency would be the long term administrative goal. Funds for operating costs would be derived from course fees and corporate partnerships. All courses and seminars offered will require fees whether they are conducted in or outside the BSCP Academy facility. An example would be after school courses to be offered in learning institutions. This will require a student fee covering the instructors’ professional fee and assistant, payment for the use of the school facility, and contribution to the operating cost of the Academy.

For more information contact:

Mr. Lester Dulawan - Academy Head Instructor
BSCP Academy
2nd Floor Philippine Center for Sports Medicine Bldg.
Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
M. Adriatico Street, Malate, City of Manila

Tel. No. 409 2014 (Lester)

Schedule of Activities

Month	Days	Activity	Location
JANUARY	22-23	22nd Japan Kansai Open	Kansai, Japan
FEBRUARY	19-26	Men’s World 8-Ball Championship	Fujirah, UAE
MARCH	6-9	Amway Cup Open Stage 1	Taipei, China
	10-13	Stage 2
	19-21	24th Japan Open	Tokyo, Japan
APRIL		Philippine Pool Championships Stage 1	Star Billiards Center, Q.C.
		Stage 2	SM Mega Trade Hall 1, Pasig City
MAY	10-16	World 10-Ball Championship	World Trade Center, Pasay City
	16-22	BCA US 10-Ball Open Championship	Las Vegas, USA
JUNE	6-8	China 9-Ball Open Stage 1	Shanghai, China
	9-12	Stage 2
	25	World 9-Ball Championship	Qatar
JULY	2
	30	European Championships
AUGUST	6
		National Pool Championships (Men, Women, & Jrs)	Star Billiards Center, Q.C.
	31	World Junior  9-Ball Championship
SEPTEMBER	4
	12-18	Predator International 10-Ball
		Philippine Pool Tour	Palawan, Olongapo, Bacolod, Pampanga, Quezon City
OCTOBER	14-20	44th All Japan Championships	Osaka, Japan
	16-22	US Open 9-Ball	Chesapeake, USA
NOVEMBER	7-13	Reno Open	Reno, NV
	11-22	26th SEA Games	Indonesia
	21-27	WPA Philippine Classic
DECEMBER