RP pool masters rule World 9-Ball Challenge

Team Philippines, bannered by Ronato Alcano and Marlon Manalo, claimed the Kabayan San Miguel Beer (SMB) World 9-Ball Challenge: RP versus Rest of the World title at the Filipiniana Hotel on Tuesday in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Alcano, the 2006 World Pool Champion titlist, and Manalo got strong support from teammates Gandy Valle, Jeffrey de Luna, and Antonio Gabica to score a 31-19 against the Rest of The World.

The victory was worth $20,000, according to a statement issued by organizers on Tuesday. The World Team – composed of Rodney Morris of the United States, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Karl Boyes, Darren Appleton, and Scott Higgins of England – received $10,000.

The World Team started slow on Monday and was down, 1-5, in the morning sessions but gained a 19-17 advantage after the evening games.

On Tuesday, the RP team played strongly, with Valle, the 1998 Asian Games gold medalist, and Manalo, the 2005 World Pool Championships third placer, posting victories against Chamat and Higgins, respectively.

Valle, who hails from Davao City, trounced Chamat, 7-3, while Manalo crushed Higgins, 8-2.

"Sinigurado kong maganda ang start ko kasi pressured na ang mga kalaban," Valle said after his match.

Alcano made sure that the Philippines will win explosively when he dominated Boyes, 9-1, in the last match.

"Buti na lamang nakabawi kami sa Day Two. Krusiyal 'yung panalo nina Gandy (Valle) at Marlon (Manalo) kaya wala ng pressure sa laro ko," Alcano said.

Filipino billiards masters

Filipino billiars masters participating in the 32nd US Open in Chesapeake, Virginia are shown during lunch October 16 hosted by the Filam community in the Hampton Roads area. From left are Michael Vigilia (co-sponsor), participants Ronato Alcano, Warren Kiamco, Jonathan Sy, (manager), Bienvenido Ruizo, Lee Vance Corteza, Godwin Mendoza, Edwin Montal, Rogelio Velasco, and Dennis Orcollo.

On Oct. 20, Alcano won second place and $25,000 while Shan Van Boening the first placer romped away with $50,000. The two are expected to meet again in the Kabayan World 9-Ball Challenge: Philippines vs. Rest of the World on Nov. 12-13 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Ronato Alcano

Personal Background

• Name: Ronato Alcano
• Known as: "Ronnie Calamba" or "the Volcano"
• Sex: Male
• Age: 35 years old
• Date of Birth: July 27, 1972
• Place of Birth: Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines
• Country: Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Hobbies: Playing pool
• Spouse: na
• Sports: Billiard

Achievements:

• Eight-ball Champion (2007)
• WPA Men's World Nine-ball Champion (2006)
• Rookie of the Year for 2002

Trivia:

• He finished elementary school, but did not enroll in high school and college.

• Alcano was charged on 12 July 2007 with rape of his 14-year-old daughter and with violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law (Section 5 of Republic Act 7610) before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The case was filed after Assistant City Prosecutor Corazon Romano who recommended a total bail of P400,000 ($8,743) for both charges. Alcano denied the allegations, saying the girl was only after his money. He filed a perjury case against his daughter and her mother. But judge Fiscal Romano found in favor of his child. Alcano’s daughter alleged three incidents of sexual assault of a minor happened on November 25, 2006 and on the first week of December 2006. She alleged that Alcano touched her private parts, made lewd gestures in front of her, and put his hand on her private parts while they were lying on the bed with Gwendolyn, Alcano's partner. On July 23, 2007, Alcano posted a bail bond of P80,000 – 20 percent of the initial bail recommendation.