source: Marlon Bernardino | abs-cbnnews.com
Legendary cue master Francisco "Django" Bustamante will defend his crown in the 2011 World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World 9-Ball Championship starting on Saturday at the Al Sadd Sports in Doha, Qatar.
The Tarlac native is set to face his challengers who include World 8-Ball champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and World 10-Ball king Huidji See.
"I'm hoping to defend my title… I need to play hard. Every player has a chance to be a champion," said the power-breaking Bustamante, who was recently elected to the Billiards Hall of Fame after winning the 9-Ball title last year.
Some 128 players are expected to participate in the USD$250,000-event. The tournament offers a $36,000 prize to the top placer.
Other players vying for the title are former world champions Efren "Bata" Reyes and Ronato "Volcano" Alcano of the Philippines, Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet and Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany, Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland and Darren "Dynamite" Appleton of Great Britain.
Other tournament contenders include Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining of the Philippines and Chris Milling of Great Britain. – By Marlon Bernardino
