INQUIRER Sports

FILIPINO Jeffrey "The Bull" de Luna, the country?s only bet left in the 2009 (JUS) World 9-Ball China Pudong Tang Cheng Open, got booted out in the final 16 at the Pudong Yuanshen Gymnasium in Shanghai, China.

De Luna suffered a 2-11 loss to Yukio Akakariyama of Japan on Saturday to join compatriots Antonio Ga-Ga" Gabica, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo and Demosthenes "Plong-Plong" Pulpul in the exit door.

Meanwhile, all roads lead to the University Belt when the 1st PAGCOR-Kabayan Bilyar-aralan 9-Ball Challenge gets underway on June 19 at the Yes Billiards Hall in Recto, Manila.

Tournament organizer Noli Sangil Cruz said that Pulpul will be the guest of honor in the said 9-Ball Challenge, offering a total of P50,000 with the champion getting the lion?s share of P20,000.

The 2008 World Ten Ball Championships semifinalists Pulpul, playing under the banner of Cebuano sportsman Paul Monera Magadan of Magi Group, will also give playing tips to the participants.

The tournament is supported by Vice-President Noli ?Kabayan? De Castro, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). /Correspondent MArlon Bernardino