ABP Statement on the World 10-ball in Manila

Dear ABP Pro Player,

As the only unified body of professional players worldwide, we feel obligated to protect the interests of all professional pocket billiard players.
Thus we must inform you that we have investigated and researched info on this year's men's World 10-Ball in Manila Oct 8-14th which is sanctioned by the WPA, and they have informed us this year's event in October is NOT requiring the promoter Raya Sports to have the money in advance with the WPA. This info was not included in your info sheet for the event. We recommend you confirm this with your national federation.

Previously, the WPA did announce last year it would hold Raya Sports prize money in advance due to several incidents of lack of payments and extreme tardiness which affected many of you members.

Our local association partners in the Philippines has also notified us that there are no confirmed sponsors as of yet for the event, and they are withholding their players participation until money is secured. Also STAR Billiards, a partner of the event every year, announced last week it will not sponsor the event unless the full prize money is secured. Because most of you will be traveling very far and must secure hotel and flight in advance, it is important for us to make you fully aware of any pertinent news on this.

Please note that this email is not demanding you to not play, nor is it discouraging you to participate. This email is to simply share important info and to protect the interest of the professional players. Any of our players are free to play in the event, but we wish everyone to travel there to know , that as for now, there is no guarantee or protection of finances and prize money by the WPA nor any association for players traveling to the Philippines men's World 10-Ball .

If anything changes to our knowledge, we will inform you immediately. Please feel free to share with any players that you feel this info may concern.
Thank you and best wishes.

ABP
Association of Billiard Professionals

Reyes, Bustamante Reunite for World Cup of Pool. Orcollo teams up with Corteza

Team Philippines A: Dennis Orcollo/Lee Vann Corteza
Team Philippines B: Efren Reyes/Django Bustamante

Two-time World Cup of Pool Champions Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante will revive their celebrated partnership to launch yet another World Cup of Pool campaign. The pair won the first-ever staging of the even back n 2006 and again in 2009. The event takes place from Sept 4-9 at the Robinson's Place Manila.

Being fast friends off the table undoubtedly helps them maintain a partnership that is tough to defeat. In yesterday's press conference, Reyes points out that many young players nowadays are capable of beating them beacuse of their superior physical condition and accurate shot-making. However, the other teams recognize that a strong partnership and deep knowledge of each other's playing styles are big advantages that the older pair possess.

Efren Reyes is also a back-to-back World Mixed Doubles champion with Rubilen Amit. This just proves that the man is not only a great player but is also an ideal doubles partner. His understanding of the game and his ability to adjust and manipulate the game to suit his partner's strengths and weaknesses make his doubles game a notch above the rest.

Meanwhile, after several hits and misses over the years most notable of which is last year's semi-final, Dennis Orcollo has found a new partner in Lee Vann Corteza for this year's tournament. This is a well-anticipated pair-up and one which the local and foreign fans alike have high hopes for.

Doubles quickly negates individual talents since personalities and varying strategies can change the way the game is played. Orcollo pairs up with Corteza for the first time and surprises are expected from the dynamic pair. Both are known to be introverts in the tour but this might just work to their advantage. Dennis mentioned last year that it is easier to just let your partner do his thing and shoot what you are left with rather than fussing over each shot.

The other teams also fielded their best teams but most notable of which is the unknown pair fielded by Chinese Taipei. Despite the success and fanfare around the adorable Ko brothers last year, They are bringing in  Han En Hsu and Hsing Ting Chen. Who? I don't know them either but hey, If there is anything that I've learned in many years in this industry, The Taiwanese are always a threat. This new pair is definitely one to watch.

Defending champions Germany composed of Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann looked upbeat and ready for their title defense. Last year Souquet swept the back-to-back Matchroom events in the country and have gained legions of Filipino fans yet again. However, I can't promise that the fans won't be rabid once their team faces the local bets.  Ralf pointed out during the presscon that he's hoping for more sportsmanship from the fans this year. Haha. Sorry Ralf. not gonna happen but hey, It doesn't mean they don't love you too. In the end they will still be huge fans of yours and will support you. Bashing you while you play against the hme team is just part of the way they enjoy the game.

The event will be aired LIVE over Solar Sports from 12 noon until 9:00 pm daily. Find the latest news and match schedules on www.matchroompool.com.

This event is produced by Matchroom Sport in cooperation with Party Poker.com and their local media partner Solar Sports.

The official table for this event is Diamond.