Ronnie Alcano and Dennis Orcollo. Inquirer file photos
MANILA, Philippines — At least one Filipino is assured of a finals berth in the 2011 WPBA World 9-Ball Championship in Doha, Qatar.
World number one Dennis Orcollo, who dethroned compatriot and defending champion Francisco “Django” Bustamante, will face double world champion Ronnie Alcano in the semifinals which kicks off at 8 p.m. Friday.
Orcollo had the easiest way to the semis as he routed the 2007 World-9 ball titlist Daryl Peach of Great Britain, 11-4 while Alcano had his hands full against another Japanese Toru Kuribayashi, 11-10.
Meanwhile, unheralded Vicenancio Tanio blew his chance to have an All-Filipino final in the $250, 000 tournament after a 10-11 meltdown against Japan’s Yukio Akakariyama.
Tanio was only one shot shy from glory when he missed a long shot on the coveted nine-ball in the final rack that would have propelled him to a final four seat.
Akakariyama was left with a tough angle, but nailed the final shot nonetheless as he set up a meeting in the semis with UK’s Mark Gray, also tonight.
Orcollo ousted Bustamante, 11-7.
Bustamante joined up-and-coming cue artist Carlo Biado, and veterans Antonio Gabica, Antonio Lining and Lee Van Corteza in the round-of-16 exit.