Puyat replaces Ilagan as billiards president

THE BILLIARDS Sports Confederation of the Philippines, now under a new leadership, has vowed to step up efforts to replenish the dwindling roster of young talents.

BSCP president Aristeo “Putch” Puyat yesterday said the association will now focus on discovering a fresh crop of cue players who are capable of following the footsteps of the country’s billiard idols.

Godfather

“We still have Dennis Orcollo, Rubilen Amit, Irish Rañola and a couple of players who can win medals. But after them, there’s nobody else,” said Puyat, the billiards godfather who produced the likes of icons Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante.

He said the BSCP should create a deep pool of players 20 years old and below to sustain the accomplishments of these cue masters.

Puyat was installed as billiards chief in an election last week, replacing Arturo Ilagan whose stint at the helm had been tainted with complaints from his players.

“The constant disagreement of Mr. Ilagan with the players and the written complaints forced us to take action,” said Puyat.

Other officers

Chosen as vice president was Jimmy Chiongo, former North Cotabato representative Bernard Pinol became chair and Mahar Mangahas was elected treasurer.

Billiards manager Perry Mariano and Christine Caparras were appointed secretary general.

Mariano, president of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP), is the secretary general for local affairs while Caparras will take care of the international dealings of the BSCP.

There was no observer from the Philippine Olympic Committee when the election was held.

POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta said the BSCP exercise would be recognized by the Olympic body if there’s no formal objection from another party.

“They just have to submit a full report to the POC and make sure there will be no complaints,” said Romasanta.