Manila, Philippines---TWO-time National Open champion Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza lived up to his moniker by beating World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Player of the Year and World No.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, 11-7 late Sunday, to rule the Manny Pacquiao International 10-ball championships at the famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.
Corteza, the top player of Negros Billiards Stable and JSY Sports took home the $30,000 USD prize while Orcollo, received $10,000 USD from the total prize pool of $60,000 USD put up by Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in close cooperation with long-time billiards patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua and tournament organizer Edgar "Malabon" Acaba who supervised the said 10-ball affair.
The Davao City native Corteza, whose stint is backed by Energen and Kopiko, marched to the finals after beating 2007 Manny Pacquiao 9-ball ruler Jeffrey "The Bull" de Luna, 11-6, while Orcollo dealt unheralded Jeffrey Diaz, 11-7.
Last month, Corteza also beat Orcollo, 11-8, to pocket the top prize of P350,000 in the Masters category of the 2011 San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 9-ball Open held at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.
I'm very happy and proud to have won this tournament made by my boxing idol and cong. (Manny) Pacquiao, sayang nga lang, hindi s'ya nakarating sa awarding kasi sumabay halos sa birthday n'ya,” said Corteza a stalwart of the star-studded Negros Billiards Stable of businessman Jonathan "Bacolod" Sy.
Earlier, Corteza beat 2007 World Pool Championship finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 9-6, to arranged a final four showdown with de Luna while Orcollo edged Jundel Mazon, 9-7, to face Diaz. In fact, de luna and Diaz waiting their final four opponent after undefeated record in this true double elimination format. de luna sent Orcollo in the loser's brackets while Diaz inflicted first loses of Corteza.
Corteza Tops Pacquiao 10-Ball, Pockets $30,000
December 20, 2011