MANILA, Philippines – Unheralded Jerico Bañares shocked Mika Immonen, 9-7, and booted the Finnish world champion out of the 2011 Philippine Open Pool Championships Saturday at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall.
The 21-year-old had luck on his side as a dry break by Immonen, who was fighting his way in the losers’ bracket, in the 15th rack paved way for the run out and the biggest upset of his career.
“Masama rin mga tira niya, ako naman binibwensas sa mga tira [His shots were bad and I was the one getting the lucky shots],” said the 21-year-old Bañares hailing from Antipolo.
Bañares began business with a 2-0 lead before the resilient Immonen tied the match at 6-6.
But not all Filipinos were as lucky as double world champion Ronnie Alcano also bowed out of competition after a 4-9 loss to Abdullah Al Yousuf of Kuwait.
Alcano, who was also relegated to the win-or-go-home side, did not have time to flash his fiery form as he trailed by as many as 0-5 against Al Yousuf.
“I know that he’s a world champion, but this is billiards and my opponent is the balls,” said Al Yousuf.
Allan Cuartero escaped Wu Hao, 9-8, Roland Dela Cruz dominated Vincent Facquet, 9-2, while Ramil Gallego and Oliver Medenilla downed their respective opponents with an identical 9-6 score to live another day in the competition.
Five more Filipinos who are in the winner’s bracket are set to see action later tonight (Saturday).