Tolentino wins World 10-Ball Qualifier

MANILA, Philippines -- Overseas Filipino worker Mario Tolentino edged snooker ace Benjie Guevarra, 9-7, to win the 2011 World 10-Ball Championship (WTBC) qualifier on Thursday.

The qualifier took place at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City.

The victory gave Tolentino the right to compete against the world's best cue masters in the 2011 WTBC.

The event, organized by Florentino "Yen" Makabenta's Raya Sports, will take place in the Philippines for the third straight time.

The 2011 WTBC is slated to take place at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from May 10 to 15.

Darren "Dynamite" Appleton of Great Britain ruled the inaugural WTBC, which took place at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City in 2009.

In 2010, Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland won the 2nd edition of the WTBC that was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.