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.
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.
