Filipino cue artists Roberto Gomez and Jeff De Luna in the World Cup of Pool. WORLD CUP OF POOL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino pair Roberto Gomez and Jeff De Luna came from the brink of defeat and stunned the American duo of Skyler Woodward and Billy Thorpe, 7-5, to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2021 World Cup of Pool at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England.
Gomez and De Luna were down 0-5 in their match but racked up a near miracle against the Americans, who were ranked no.7 in the tournament.
A 𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙘𝙝 pot on the 9 from Jeff De Luna means the Philippines have won the last four racks and are only one behind the USA!
It came after Thorpe left the 7 in the jaws 😬#WorldCupOfPool pic.twitter.com/fEQQ5nQS0D
— Matchroom Pool (@MatchroomPool) May 12, 2021
The Filipinos, who are seeded 10th in the competition, will next face Denise Grabe and Mark Magi of Estonia, who defeated Jayson Shaw and Chris Melling of Great Britain-A, 7-6, in their own match to advance to the quarters.
🦸 🕺 #WorldCupOfPool pic.twitter.com/o0CIWCI2FS
— Matchroom Pool (@MatchroomPool) May 12, 2021
Grabe and Magi beat the Brits by the skin of their teeth after Shaw and Melling scratched with just one ball remaining on the last game thus setting up the quarterfinals matchup against the Philippines.
Gomez and De Luna are already assured of $9,000 in prize money as they advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament that will award $250,000 to the winners.