Filipino Pulpul routs rival, earns seat in World 10-Ball main draw

DEMOSTHENES “Plong-Plong” Pulpul of the Philippines advanced to the main draw of the World Ten Ball Championship on Friday after routing Edgar Acaba, 9-2, in the penultimate day of the qualifying stage at the Star Billiards Center.

The former WTBC semifinalist made short work of the veteran Acaba moments after he dominated 17-year-old Jonas Magpantay in the semifinal round. By winning Qualifier No. 8, Pulpul marched to the main draw of the WTBC for the third straight time.

While Pulpul had an easy time disposing of his last two rivals on Friday, Guo Hoa of China and Egie Geronimo battled to a standstill until the final rack.

In the end, the Chinese cue artist proved to be the steadier player as he salvaged a tense 9-8 win.

Guo appeared headed to an easy victory when he won the 14th rack to go up 8-6. But in the 15th, he missed the last ball, allowing Geronimo to win the rack. Geronimo then set the pulse-stopping decider by winning the 16th rack with a nifty combo on Nos. 6 and 10.

Off the break, Geronimo sank No. 3 and appeared ready to complete a come-from-behind victory. However, his run hit a snag when he missed the No. 5 at the corner, allowing his Chinese rival to return to the table and clean up the remaining balls. /Correspondent Marlon Bernardino