Chang bags title in World 8-Ball C’ship

JUN LIN CHANG beat countryman Chei Wei Fu, 11-6, in an all-Taiwan final to rule the 2012 World 8-Ball Championship at the Fujairah Tennis and Country Club in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates late Friday.

Chang, who signed up with Manila-based Bugsy Promotions of Ceferino “Perry” Mariano last December, built an early lead of 7-4 and never looked back en route to the title.

Chang, who is ranked No. 7 by the World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA), was emotional after the game. This is because he chalked up a victory against the man who helped him get to the top.

“It’s like a dream,” Chang said through an interpreter.

“I didn’t feel any pressure playing him.  He taught me more than just how to play pool. He taught me how to be a man in real life, how to carry myself, how to behave and lead your life. He is not just a teacher but a big brother to me, and a good friend.”

For Fu, the result brought mixed emotions as his long-cherished bid for his first world title ended in a loss against his own pupil.

“I played bad in the final,” Fu said. “I felt like I ran out of energy. I’m very happy for  him. I’m proud. But I think I would have preferred to have played a player from another country.”

Chang went home with the top prize of US$ 20,000 while Fu settled for the runner-up prize worth US$ 15,000

On the road to the finals, Chang defeated Great Britain’s Mark Gray, 9-7, in the semifinal round while Fu brought downed China’s Liu Haitao, 9-3.  /Correspondent Marlon Bernardino