BILLIARDS FACE-OFF: Corteza takes scalp of Taiwan ace Yang

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino cue master Lee Van Corteza pounced on a miscue by Yang Ching-shun of Chinese Taipei halfway through their duel on Saturday night and pulled off a 9-6 win in the Philippine Bigtime Billiards Face-Off Series at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City.

The Filipino, known in the international billiards circle as “the Slayer,” squeezed out of a tight 4-4 standoff to seize the lead for good after Yang, also known as “the Son of Pool,” scratched in the ninth rack.

“Luck played a big part in my victory,” said Corteza, a two-time National Open champion who picked up $5,000. “Yang is a very tough opponent.”

Corteza, a former World 10-Ball finalist, took an imposing 7-4 lead after Yang’s miscue. The Taiwanese managed to close the gap at 6-7 but the Filipino found his way back to the table again to put the game away.

Corteza’s win came after Francisco “Django” Bustamante scored the first Filipino victory in the face-off series between local and international superstars by beating Daryl Peach of England last week.

Dennis Orcollo and Carlos Biado earlier fell to Ralf Souquet, and Ronnie Alcano bowed to Peach.

It was also a big follow-up for Corteza, who captured the 3rd Golden Break 9-Ball Invitational title last August in Kuala Lumpur, and the San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 9-Ball Open Masters last October at Resorts World Manila.

The match was organized by Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp. in cooperation with Airport Casino Filipino, Crown Sound System Sakura Amplifiers and Home Theater Systems, Malungai Life Oil, Diamond Billiard table, Hermes Sports Bar, I-Bar, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Bugsy Promotions and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines.

The match, where gamers can place bets on the Internet and at casinos, was aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34 and also through live streaming at www.starbilliards.com.ph,www. megasportsworld.com andwww. philippinebigtimebilliards.com .

Yang will take on Orcollo this Saturday in the resumption of the series.