By MARK REY MONTEJO
Johann Chua and James Aranas of the Philippines claimed the scalps of local bets Jose Alberto Delgado and Jonas Souto Comino, 7-2, to advance to the quarterfinals in the World Cup of Pool 9-Ball Championship in Lugo, Spain on Friday, June 30.
The Filipino cue artists started on the right foot, winning the first three racks before the Spaniards made the spectators excited when they took the fourth frame.
But the PH team refused to be intimidated, taking the 5th and 6th racks before Spain scored its second and last point as Canada-based Aranas completed a golden break to the wild applause of their supporters.
Aranas and Bacolod pride Chua are set to face either Netherlands or Chinese Taipei in a race-to-9 quarters clash.
Their win was a fitting sequel to their massive 7-5 upset win over of defending champion and world no. 1 Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and David Alcaide of Spain A.
The event, which drew a total of 32 teams, offers $60,000 (P3.3 million) prize to the champion.
The last time Philippines won the World Cup of Pool was a decade ago courtesy of
Dennis Orcollo and Lee Van Corteza.
The legendary pair of Efren “Bata” Reyes and Djanggo Bustamante won the famed event twice – in 2006 and 2009.
