Asiad champ, Japan ace gain pool slots
TWO-TIME Asian Games gold medalist Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei and Japan’s Tamoo Takano bagged slots to the World 10-Ball championship proper next week after pounding out contrasting wins over separate foes in the qualifiers Wednesday night.
The Taiwanese encountered token resistance from greenhorn Filipino Jonas Magpantay and prevailed, 9-2, while Takano edged Taiwanese veteran Hsieh Chia-chen, 9-6.
Filipino Allan Cuartero and Chinese Taipei’s Chang Yu-lung also made it to the main draw Tuesday night.
Article continues after this advertisementA banner field of 128 of the world’s best players will vie in the tournament proper as the Philippines tries to produce a hometown winner for the first time since 2006, when Ronnie Alcano ruled the World 9-Ball championship.
Two more qualifying stages that will send four more players to the main draw will be held until Saturday with the likes of veterans Demosthenes Pulpul, Warren Kiamco and Antonio Gabica joining the chase.
Takano made it to a third stint in the tournament following fruitless, tiring stints in the World 8-Ball, the Philippine Open and the Beijing Open.
Article continues after this advertisementYang posted victories over Sannad Al Jallaf of UAE; 7-2, Ko Ping-chun of Taiwan, 7-3, and Filipino Arnel Bautista and Marvin Tapia, both 7-2.
