By MARK REY MONTEJO
The rebirth of Philippine billiards is upon us.
This as the newly-formed Sharks Billiard Association (SBA) – the first-ever professional league in the country, and perhaps in the world – launched its ambitious project that will benefit not only the top guns but the rising stars as well.
Sharks founder Hadley Mariano said it’s high time to have this kind of tournament in the country to gain the popularity of the sport back after it hit almost rock bottom due to lack of big time events or none of it.
During the prime of Efren “Bata” Reyes, Django Bustamante, Dennis Orcullo and several other top cue artists, the Philippines was hailed as “The Mecca of Pool” or billiards capital of the world.
In 2007, the country has become a veritable playground as top stars from the Unites States and Europe arrived with too much enthusiasm to compete in the WPA World 9-Ball at the Araneta Coliseum.
The event was won by British Daryl Peach who defeated Filipino Roberto Gomez, 17-15, in a match so exhilarating what with their brilliant shotmaking.
Two more events took place four years later, and as expected, global stars vied in the Philippine Open Pool Championships and the WPA World Ten Ball Championship.
No more big events happened after that, and that was the reason why the country is losing its status as the epicenter of billiards.
With the help of sports personality Chino Trinidad, Mariano is hoping restore the country’s image in the international scene starting with their tournament next month.
For starter, they will have four teams of five players each, and the members of will be known via drafting. All members of the team will have a monthly salary, thus guaranteeing an income no matter the results of their matches.
Of course, there will be bonuses from team owners, but that depends on how generous their bosses.
Trinidad, who was named commissioner – a job that fits like glove being a former amateur basketball – said he accepted the challenge for he wants to erase the stigma attached to the sport and also to some players.
“Dito sigurado may income sila, may ipapakain sila sa pamilya nila anuman mangyayari sa laro nila. Kasi ang iba, kapag matalo na sila sa abroad, napipilitan silang magsugal para may maiuwi. If they are lucky, okey, pero ang mga iba umuuwi ng luhaan,” said Trinidad.
The event, according to Mariano and Trinidad, will serve as the ticket for local players to getting invite to play abroad that offers fame and fortune.
“For the first season we’re starting with local players, finofocus muna namin ‘yong mga players na hindi makalabas ng bansa, ‘yong mga hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataon na makacompete sa mga international tournaments,” Mariano continued.
“‘Yon nga lang sa inaugural nito, it’ll be available for only 20 players who will make it to the cut, imagine mo from 100 plus players i-titrim mo sa 20,” Trinidad stated.
National team members are eligible if they opted to participate in the event.
To jazz up the event, they are planning to have imports in the next conference.
