RP Team Wins Kabayan SMB World 9-Ball; Pockets $20,000

CALAPAN CITY , ORIENTAL MINDORO---THE Kabayan San Miguel Beer (SMB) World 9-Ball Challenge: RP versus Rest of the World ended at the Filipiniana Hotel on Tuesday.

Team Philippines which was composed last year's WPC winner Ronato Alcano, Marlon Manalo, Gandy Valle, Jeff De Luna and Antonio Gabica claimed the title over the World Team (Rest of the World) by a huge 31-19 margin, to pocket the top prize of $20,000 in the event which will be aired on Solar Sports on Nov. 27-29 and jointly organized by board member Butch Soller and journalist Noli Sangil Cruz of Mansalay in the first international event in Oriental Mindoro coincides with the province's 57th founding anniversary.

The World Team whose members were Rodney Morris of the United States, Marcus Chamat of Sweden, Karl Boyes, Darren Appleton and John Higgins of England received $10,000 in the event made possible by the San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR and PCSO with the help of the Office of the Vice President, Governor Arnan Panaligan, vice-governor Estee Aceron, Calapan City mayor Doy Leachon, Rep. Alfonso P.A. Umali, Rep. Rod "RGV" Valencia, Sporteum Inc. president (ACCEL) Willy Ortiz, Manila Times, Business Mirror, DZSR Sports Radio, Sebastian Chua and Bugsy Promotion and fully sanctioned by the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).

The World Team began their title quest with a four point deficit (5-1) in the early session on Monday before taking a 19-17 lead after the evening session.

The RP team bounced back yesterday when 1998 Asian Games gold medalist Gandy "Yang-Yang" Valle and 2005 World Pool Championships third placer Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo posted victories over Chamat and Higgins to virtually clinch the title. Valle, who hails from Davao City trounced Chamat, 7-3, while Manalo crushed Higgins, 8-2.

Alcano, the 34-year-old from Calamba City, Laguna nipped Boyes, 9-1, in the last match yesterday afternoon.