Django Bustamante tops US tilt, takes home $12,000

Billiards Hall of Famer Francisco “Django” Bustamante proved his mettle once again when he ruled the 2012 Derby City Classic Fatboy 10-Ball Challenge held at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Elizabeth, Indiana, Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Bustamante, the 2010 World 9-Ball pool champion, beat American Steve Moore, 15-5, in the finals to pocket the top purse of $12,000 (about P510,000).

The 48-year-old Bustamante trounced 2012 Derby City Classic Bank champion John Morra of Canada, 15-5, in the semifinals to arrange a showdown with Moore, who repulsed Filipino Alex Pagulayan, 15-12.

Sportsman/businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat lauded Bustamante for bringing honor to the country anew.

Bustamante surged ahead, 2-0, but a scratch on the 10-ball in rack three enabled Moore to draw level at 2-The match was still close at 4-3, before Bustamante rolled off nine straight games for a comfortable 13-3 lead.

Moore then took a break when Bustamante broke dry and the players swapped racks for a 14-5 count. A scratch on the break in the 20th rack sealed Moore’s fate and relegated him to the $7,000 runner-up purse.