Fiery Lee Vann Corteza rules SMB tilt
MANILA, Philippines—Lee Vann Corteza completed his conquest of the champions by downing world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo, 11-8, to rule the 2011 San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest Festival 9-Ball Open Masters at the Resorts World Manila late Sunday.
Corteza, top player of the Negros Billiards Stable, never looked back after taking two consecutive racks for a 6-4 lead.
“The turning point was when Dennis missed a tough shot on the 8 ball in the 10th rack, said Corteza, a former National Open champion. “That’s when I managed to pull away.”
Corteza bagged the P350,000 grand prize after upending a list of heavyweights that also included former World 9-Ball and 8-Ball champion Ronnie Alcano and former World 9-Ball titlist Francisco “Django” Bustamante.
Up next for Corteza is the Japan Open slated Nov. 16 in Osaka.
Orcollo, a two-time SMB 9-Ball Open champion, settled for the P100,000 runner-up prize.
Corteza disposed of Bustamante in the semifinals, 9-4, while Orcollo nipped the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes, 9-8, to arrange the championship showdown.
A Davao City native, Corteza also defeated Alcano, 9-5, in the round of 16 and 2006 Sydney World Junior quarterfinalists Renemar David, 9-7, in the round of eight.
Orcollo outclassed Ramil Gallego, 9-1, and Jundel Mazon, 9-6, in the early rounds.
“I’m happy for him and we’re hoping that he’ll be a world champion by next year,” said Corteza’s benefactor Jonathan Sy.
Corteza also credited his coach, Christopher Palses, for his improved stints in local and international tournaments.
Jomel Sultan, meanwhile, pocketed the P50,000 prize in the Open regional category after edging fellow NBS stalwart Ruben Cuna, 9-8, in the finals.
Other top national players who saw action in the Open Masters category were lone female player Rubilen Amit, Rodolfo Luat, Ricky Zerna, Warren Kiamco and Gandy Valle.
Puyat Sports, with Ish Caparras serving as tournament director, organized the event that was sponsored by San Miguel Beer, NBS, Bugsy Promotions and Resorts World Manila.
