Cue artists Warren Kiamco and Jeffrey Ignacio. Photo by Denison Dalupang
MANILA, Philippines–Philippine bets punched their respective tickets to Southeast Asian Games men’s 9-ball doubles semifinal Tuesday night at Manila Hotel tent.
Carlo Biado and Johann Chua met token resistance in their 9-3 conquest of Indonesia’s Jefry Zen and Irsal Nasution.
Meanwhile, Warren Kiamco and Jeffrey Ignacio had to grind out a 9-8 decision in their thriller of a contest with Brunei’s Ahmad Murni and Bakar Muhammad Abu.
The four athletes are assured of at least a bronze medal.
“I could barely keep it together,” said Kiamco, who missed driving the eight ball to the side pocket and the chance to end a hotly-contested affair at the 16th rack.
“I’ve been in many SEA Games, and even in the Asian Games. But this is just something else,” he added.
“This time, we had a nice break to kick off things,” said Biado. “We had better shots this time. Also, we caught Indonesia struggling. I’m glad we pulled it off.”
The twin victories preserved what could be a potential All-Filipino final between previous featuring two previous partners in Biado and Kiamco.
The semifinal phase begins at 4 p.m. the same time the legendary Efren Reyes plunges into action against Thailand’s equally grizzled cuemaster Thongchai Punyawee in 1-cushion carom.
Biado and Chua take on 2017’s gold medalists Singapore, while Kiamco and Ignacio go up against Myanmar.