Pool ace Andam dies in motorcyle mishap

MANILA, Philippines — Cue master Leonardo “Dodong” Andam died Monday after falling off a motorcycle in Iligan City. He was 55.

Sketchy reports said that Andam, a multiple gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, was on his way to Ozamiz City at dawn with a back rider when he met the accident.

Iris Rañola, double-gold medalist in the 2011 SEAG and Andam’s teammate in the national team, said she and her fellow national pool players received text messages confirming the death of Andam.

Rañola said Andam, who won several gold medals in the 1991 and 1999 SEA Games, last played for the national team in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

“As an athlete and a member of the national team, he will get support,” said Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia. “We share the sorrow of his family.”

Andam won the men’s snooker team title with Alex Pagulayan and Joven Alba in the 2005 Manila SEAG.

He also won the 2000 San Miguel International Masters, 1995 Dallas Open and 1994 Tennessee State Championship, among others.