Bata, Django eye tough battle in Int’l 10-Ball

Filipino pool masters Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante are expected to face rough sailing in the upcoming International 10-Ball Cup dubbed as ‘Mayor Antonio Calixto 10-Ball Cup’ from April 26-29 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

This is so because of the strong lineup of entries both local and international.

“It will be a very tough match against the top Asian players especially those from Chinese-Taipei, China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Not to mention the players from Europe and America,” said the 57-year-old Angeles City pride Reyes, the first Asian to be inducted to the Billiards Hall of Fame.

Fellow Puyat Sports stablemate Bustamante agreed with his long-time buddy.

“We are expecting tough matches but we will try our best for flag and country,” said the 48-year-old Tarlac City ace Bustamante.

According to tournament organizer Edgar “Malabon” Acaba, the event bankrolled by Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto offers a prize fund of $60,000 where the champion will receive $30,000. Cash prizes will also be given up to the 24th placer.

“Prizes will be given right after the finals,” Acaba added.

Other Filipinos joining the cash-rich competition are Alex Pagulayan, Dennis Orcollo, Ronato Alcano, Lee Vann Corteza, Carlo Biado, Roberto Gomez, Jeffrey de Luna, Marlon Manalo, Ramil Gallego, Antonio Lining, Rodolfo Luat, Warren Kiamco, Allan Cuartero, Jundel Mazon, Arman Cagol, Ramon Mistica, Renemar David, Jonas Magpantay and Rodrigo Geronimo.

For inquiries, interested parties may contact tournament organizer Edgar Acaba at mobile nos. +63922-851-9981, +63927-858-2469, tel. no. (02) 404-7073 or Joel Calazado at +63933-507-7259 for details.

Other notable cue masters who signified their intention to play are Darren Appleton of Great Britain, Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, Shane Van Boening of the United States and John Mora of Canada.