Philippines Vs Korea in World Mixed Doubles Classic Finals

Efren “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen Amit proved to be the perfect combination to cool down the hottest player and the most dominant continent in the pool world these days.

The two world champions showed the form that made them the toasts of Philippine billiards in beating Mika Immonen and Borana Andoni of Team Europe, 7-1, Wednesday to enter the final of the 2009 World Mixed Doubles Classic at the Nuvo City Lifestyle Center in Libis, Quezon City.

They will face Team Korea in today's title match.

“We know the caliber of the European players. They are tough to beat,” said Reyes, the 1999 World Pool Champion and four-time world 8-ball winner. “I think we just caught them on an off day.”

Perhaps they did.

Immonen, a cinch to win his second straight Player of the Year trophy from the World Pool Billiard Association, looked shaky throughout the match.

He missed a textbook shot, scratched and undercooked a preparation.

“I played a horrible game,” admitted Immonen, who retained his US Open title and won the World Ten Ball Championship this year.

Team Europe took solace for placing second in Group A and having a shot for third place in the $12,000 tournament supported by Puyat Sports, ABS-CBN Sports, ESPN-Star Sports and Philippine Star.

Team Korea booked the first seat in the final of the event presented by Nuvo Land Philippines, Inc. and Dragon Promotions by beating Team Philippines “B,” 7-3. The pair of Charlie Williams and Eun Ji Park topped Group B with a 2-0 mark.

The tandem of 2009 World Ten Ball Championship finalist Lee Van Corteza and Fil-Am Shanelle Loraine would face Team USA's Shane Van Boening and Amy Chen in the evening session for the right to play in the battle for third.

The loser would meet the winless Team Japan.

For the second straight game, the Koreans raced to an early big lead.

This time, Williams and Park combined to take a 4-0 cushion against Corteza and Loraine. The locals pulled within 3-4, but ran out of steam.

The Koreans also took an early four-rack cushion in their 7-4 victory over Team USA in the opening day.