Orcollo grabs first semis seat in World Pool Masters

FILIPINO Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo became the first semifinalist after downing Chinese Chang Jung-lin, 8-1, in the quarterfinal round of the 19th Party Poker.net World Pool Masters yesterday at the Block Atrium of SM North Edsa Mall.

The former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur actually allowed Chang to take the first rack but managed tor recover by winning eight straight to advance to the next round.

“I’ve played well against Tony Drago, Chang Jung-lin so I definitely have a chance to win the tournament again,” said Orcollo, currently world no.1 in the latest World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) ranking list.

Orcollo is seeking back-to-back titles in this Matchroom Sports-organized event that offers a $20,000 top purse.

“I’m focused and feeling pretty confident. I’m just trying to do what I can and I feel really confident at the moment.”

Orcollo reached the quarterfinals by beating Tony “Tornado” Drago of Malta, 8-2, in the round-of-16 last Saturday.

Earlier, crowd-favorite and hall-of-famer Efren “Bata” Reyes of the Philippines lost to Darren Appleton of England, 4-8, to join countryman Francisco “Django” Bustamante in the exit door.

Bustamante, a two-time World Pool Masters ruler, bowed to unheralded Jason Klatt of Canada, 3-8, late Saturday.

In other round-of-16 results, Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza of the Philippines edged reigning World Ten Ball champion Huidji See of the Netherlands, 8-7; Fu Jianbo of China beat Chris Melling of England, 8-4, and Raj Hundal of India crushed Yukio Akagariyama of Japan, 8-3.  /correspondent MARLON BERNARDINO