Ronnie Alcano yields to Japanese foe in World 9-Ball final

Filipino bet Ronnie Alcano’s resilient course toward a third world crown ran into a brick wall.

Alcano, who boasts a double world title under his belt, yielded to Japan’s Yukio Akagariyama, 11-13, in the finals of the 2011 WPA World 9-Ball Championship Saturday at the Al Sadd Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.

The 38-year-old Alcano had two cracks to regain the upper hand, but faltered on both occasions.

Alcano botched a long shot on the eight-ball in the 19^th rack before missing on another attempt in the 23rd frame on the blue two that eventually laid out the easy table for Akagariyama.

Akagariyama, battling not only Alcano but also a predominantly rabid Filipino crowd, handily dealt a nearly conjoined two and three for a break and run out in the clincher.

The Japanese, who escaped UK’s Mark Gray in the semifinals (11-10), failed to sink the six-ball in the 18th rack that allowed Alcano to knot the game at 9-9 after trailing, 6-9.

But the long-limbed Alcano just couldn’t gather enough momentum to push past Akagariyama, whose break along with his shot-making was in fine form.

The towering Alcano, who bested compatriot and number one ranked Dennis Orcollo in the semis (11-9), could have been the first Filipino cue artist to have three world titles across his name.

Alcano actually held a 3-1 advantage before Akagariyama took four of the next five racks to take the lead for good.

Akagariyama, who also bagged $36,000 for topping the tourney, would have easily taken a 5-8 spread if not for a scratch after pocketing the nine-ball.