Quezon City---Jericho Banares, as expected, was drafted first in the inaugural Sharks Billiard Association (SBA) Player's Draft at the Quantum Skyview of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City in Cubao Quezon City on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Banares was picked first by the Quezon City Dragons.
"I felt very honored to be included in the team," said Banares, who settled for silver in the 2008 Reno, Nevada World Junior Pool Championship after bowing to defending champion Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei in the finals.
Rodrigo Geronimo was selected second by Taguig Stallions, Oliver Villafuerte was drafted third overall by Negros Pillar, while Baseth Mapandi is the fourth overall draft pick, joining the Manila MSW Mavericks in the 4-team field that will hold their first-ever conference set on September 12 at the famous Sharks Billiard Hall at Tomas Morato in Quezon City.
"It's mission is to give millions of Filipino billiard enthusiasts the opportunity to hone and showcase their skills, and promote the love of the game -- by ensuring integrity and fairness for professional billiards in the Philippines." said event organizer Founder/COO Hadley Mariano.
Other members of the Quezon City Dragons are Alexis Ferrer, Denmark Castronuevo, John Paul Ladao and John Rebong. Taguig Stallions will have a formidable line up that includes Demosthenes Pulpul, Bryant Saguiped, Marc Ejay Cunanan and Michael Quinay. Negros Pillar is spearheaded by Albert Espinola, Jonald Galve, Jolo Aspuria and Mark Ryan Hidalgo. And Manila MSW Mavericks will be composed of Jonas Magpantay, John Albert Refulle, Drahcir Mauricio and Tristan Deocareza.
Witnessing the historic event were Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera Jr., Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM) Chairman Aurelio "Reli" De Leon, GOAT Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, Antonio "Nikoy" Lining, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, Sportsman/Businessman Ceferino "Perry" Mariano and Mam Verna Mariano , among others.-Marlon Bernardino-
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