Orcollo is king of pool world

MANILA, Philippines — The fisherman is now king.

Dennis Orcollo, who once needed to learn how to fish to feed his family, soared to the top of pool royalty after being named 2011 World Pool And Billiards Association player of the year.

Orcollo, 32, racked up 2,570 points to finish the year in the top spot, beating out Yukio Akagariyama of Japan (2382). England’s Darren Appleton was third (2256) while another Filipino, Ronnie Alcano, finished fourth (2063).

Orcollo won his first world title when he topped the World 8-Ball crown in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. He finished third in the World 9-Ball championship, fifth in the World 10-Ball tournament and seventh in the Philippine Open.

Orcollo is set to receive a trophy and a Tag Heuer watch for his feat.

Orcollo was forced to fend for his family when he was 9 years old after his father disappeared in a fishing accident. He turned to pool during breaks from reeling nets and immediately showed potential in the sport.

As a teenager, he decided to travel to Manila to pursue a career in pool.