Reyes.
GENERAL SANTOS CITY–Efren “Bata” Reyes and Mika Immonen blasted separate rivals to lead the way of the favorites in the opening round of the Philippine Open 10-Ball Championship at the SM City Mall here.
Reyes, at 60, and the living legend of Philippine billiards, showed his vast experience by defeating Jerome Adolfo, 9-2, even as Immonen made short work of John Salazar, 9-2, in this rich $150,000 tournament sponsored by Cong. Manny Pacquiao.
Brunei’s Ahmad Taufiq blasted John Bautista, 9-2, to share the limelight even as top seed Shane Van Boening was still playing as of press time. Other winners included locals Leo Bayet, Godofredo Ducanes, Archie Padal, Benjie Guevarra, John Rebong, Johann Chua and Christian Gariando, among others.
Canada’s John Morra also had little trouble in disposing of Mohammad al-Shamari, 9-4.
Van Boening was playing Archie Ygloria while Rodney Morris was battling Raymond Faraon as the heavy cast of favorites were still battling other dark horses as of press time.
John Plunkett, an obscure interstate truck from the United States, defeated Pacquiao in a riveting hill-hill battle, 9-8, to spoil the eight-time boxing champion’s bid to march outright into the second round in this double-knockout tournament.
Pacquiao went ahead and was about to wrap up his match, 8-7, until several miscues gave Plunkett the chance to equalize and win the match.
“This single victory feels like a million,” said Plunkett after the match.
