Pool face-off: Orcollo favored over German ace
MANILA, Philippines—Though beaten the last time out, Filipino world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo remains the favorite over German ace Ralf Souquet in their Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Saturday at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City.
Orcollo fans are actually having a hard time finding Souquet believers who are willing to put their money on the former World 8-Ball and 9-Ball champion and reigning World Pool Masters titlist.
United States-based professional pool instructor Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica, best remembered for his pool clashes with billiards legend Jose “Amang” Parica in the ’80s, offered an explanation.
“The odds are in favor of Dennis because Ralf’s fans are afraid to bet on him,” said Mistica, noting the hometown factor. “However, some bets might happen in the last minutes before the game or on the day of the game itself.”
Sports Betting at MegaSportsWorld, put Orcollo at minus-2.5 and Souquet at plus-2.5 yesterday. This means a $1 bet on Orcollo would win $1.40, while the same $1 would win $2.50 if placed on Souquet, who planed in yesterday morning from Frankfurt, Germany.
Charlie Williams, a close ally of Souquet and head of Dragon Promotions, also sees Orcollo as the favorite.
“I give the edge to Dennis,” Williams said in a text message to Bugsy Promotions head Perry Mariano, longtime benefactor of Orcollo.
“It’s hard to beat a great player twice in a row, and Ralf won the last time they met here. Dennis will be super-motivated not to be embarrassed twice on his home court.”
Souquet, a many-time Manila visitor, however, is unfazed by the odds.
“I will do my very best. Let’s see on Saturday,” said Souquet, who beat Orcollo, 8-5, in the World Pool Masters finals last September in Manila.
A race-to-9 10-ball affair, the Face Off is the first to be aired worldwide through the Internet at www.megasportsworld.com and Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34 every Saturday.
The match will usher in the challenge matches, a joint undertaking of Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp.
