SEA Games: PH’s Orcollo captures men’s 9-ball gold

Dennis Orcollo. INQUIRER file photo

Former world champion Dennis Orcollo imposed his superiority over Burma’s Maung Maung, 9-4, Tuesday to capture the men’s 9-ball singles and complete a pool sweep for the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games.

The former 8-ball world champ scored his third SEA Games gold and produced for the country its third triumph in all three pool events.

“Suki sa atin yan, sila ang kinakabahan sa atin (we beat them all the time, they’re the one who fear us),” said the 36-year-old former No. 1 in the money list of the World Pool Association.

Before the start of the tournament, Orcollo said the only thing they have to fear is “tsamba” or lucky shots which are prevalent in 9-ball.

At the cramped OCBC Arena Hall 4, the Filipino cue master’s skills and experience was just strong for Maung to overcome.

Maung beat Filipino Carlo Biado (9-6) in the semis. For a while it looked like he had Orcollo on his toes as he led, 3-0. But it quickly dissipated as the Filipino masters soon showcased accurate and deliberate shot-making.

After a 4-4 tie, Orcollo cranked up the action and won the next five racks through precise shots and preparations.

The Philippines also won the 9-ball doubles through Warren Kiamco and Biado, and the women’s 9-ball through 15-year-old Chezka Centeno who faced fellow Filipina Rubilen Amit in an all-Filipino final.

As of posting, the Philippines has 14 golds, 19 silvers and 21 bronzes, good for sixth place.  CFC