Taiwan’s Chang downs Corteza

MANILA, Philippines—Reigning world 8-ball champion Chang Jung-Lin of Chinese-Taipei kept his solid form, downing Filipino ace Lee Vann Corteza, 9-7, Saturday night in their Philippine Bigtime Billiards Face-Off at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City.

Pocketing with precision, Chang, a few weeks removed from his world title conquest in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, overcame an early deficit in the 10-ball event to secure the $5,000 (about P214,000) purse.

The win also gave Asia a 2-1 lead in the event also dubbed as Philippines versus Asia. Another Taiwanese ace, Ko Pin-yi, gave Asia its first point three weeks ago with a 9-4 win over Efren “Bata” Reyes, but Francisco “Django” Bustamante exacted revenge with a 9-7 nipping of Ko.

Chang gave the Davao-born Corteza little chance after trailing 2-3, winning the next three racks in the match staged by Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp.

Chang said the winning purse was only secondary to the recognition he received for winning against Corteza, a finalist in the 2010 World 10-ball championship in Manila.

“It’s about being recognized as an international player that makes this victory mean so much to me.”

Chang, who faces world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo on March 10, said through an interpreter.