Ronnie Alcano not to blame for Philippine loss

When the Philippine pair of Dennis Orcollo and Ronnie Alcano failed to advance to the semifinal round of the recent World Cup of Pool, local billiards enthusiasts were quick to point an accusing finger at the latter, who bungled an open shot on the 8-ball in the 17th rack of the quarterfinal game against Chinese Taipei.
It was such an easy shot, according to pool fans, it was unbelievable that a world champion would miss it.
To cut a long story short, the Taiwanese climbed out of a 6-8 hole and eventually won, 9-8. All on account of Alcano’s great fumble.
* * *
Perry Mariano, president of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) and former manager of Alcano, was the first to cry foul!
“That is so unfair,” he said. “If Ronnie wanted to throw the game away, he would not have exerted an effort to catch up and overtake the Taiwanese. Hindi na aabot sa 8-ball yan.”
Perry believes that the Filipino players should have a say on the pairings.
“It really should be the NSA involved, but since they don’t seem to be concerned, then the players should be allowed to suggest the pairings,” he said.
How can Orcollo and Alcano play together well, he asks, when the two do not see eye to eye.
Alcano is said to have a reputation as an inveterate gambler. He is being supported and sponsored by no less than boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, whose assistance he solicited.
* * *
Brothers James and Phil Younghusband were training in Bacolod when they got word of their mother’s death.
A widow, Susan Younghusband suffered a massive and fatal heart attack Saturday night.
As I was told, Mrs. Younghusband was a diabetic for some years now and the heart attack is said to have been a complication caused by the endocrine disorder.
She was only 49.
Her demise leaves James, 25, Phil, 24, and their young sister Keri who is only 10, orphans.
* * *
Only a couple of days prior to their mother’s death, Phil and James signed up with the Meralco Loyola Sparks, a football club owned by businessman Manny V. Pangilinan in the United Football League.
The brothers were presented to the media, along with the Hartmann brothers, Darren, Matthew and Mark, who are also Filipino-Britons.
They were in high spirits that night and obviously had no foreboding of the tragedy that was about to strike. They cordially fielded questions from the media and were interviewed by TV5 hosts Ruffa Gutierrez and Chiqui Roa.
* * *
The Younghusbands immediately flew to Bacolod after the media presentation to join the rest of the Azkals, only to return to Manila within hours.
Susan’s death is a severe blow to the brothers, said a family associate, considering that she was the only surviving parent. Phil and James’ father died eight years ago.
“She has always been foremost in the mind and plans of Phil and James. Their priority was to provide for her,” said the close family associate.
Susan Younghusband’s remains are at Funeraria Paz in Sucat, Parañaque. Interment is on Thursday at The Heritage Memorial Park in Fort Bonifacio.