MANILA, Philippines – Current World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World 8-ball champion Dennis Orcollo, reigning World Number 1 player Antonio Lining and newbie Jonas Magpantay got off to good starts in the World 10-Ball Championship (WTBC) by posting victories in the opening round at the World Trade Center in Roxas, Boulevard, Pasay City.
Orcollo, a former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, beat Carlos Cabello of Spain, 9-3, in Group D.
On the other hand, Lining, who hails from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, routed Karol Skowerski of Poland, 9-2, in Group B.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Magpantay, who hails from Bansud, Oriental Mindoro nipped Mohanna Obaidly of Qatar, 9-3, in Group D.
He will meet the survivor between Jia Qing Wu of China and Chris Melling of Great Britain.
Sharing the limelight are Vicenancio "Tukao" Tanio, Demosthenes Pupul and Ruben Cuna, who also beat their respective opponents.
Tanio defeated Abdulatef Fawal of Qatar, 9-8, in Group C to meet Pupul in the next round. Pulpul brought down Manuel Pereira of Portugal, 9-4.
Cuna upset compatriot Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, 9-7, in Group B.
He will meet defending WTBC winner Mika Immonen of Finland, who toppled Lee Chen Man of Hongkong, 9-4.
