Marlon Manalo

Marlon Manalo – MANILA, Philippines – Lee Vann Corteza is setting his sights in competing abroad in January following his successful conquest of the recent 4th BSCP National Pool Championship. “I hope to do well in the Predator World Tour in Spain and 1st World Team Championships in Germany next month,” Corteza said during Wednesday’s Negros Billiard Stable Christmas party hosted by sportsman Jonathan Sy in Pasay City. The prize fighter of Negros Billiard Stable recently defeated reigning Predator 10-Ball champ Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo in the semis before bringing down “giant killer” Rodrigo “Edgie Marilao” Geronimo in the National finals. The Davao City native, known as “The Slayer” in pool arena, is currently on a roll since winning the Derby City Classic 10-Ball Challenge early this year. His other 2009 accomplishments include a runner-up finish in the World Ten Ball Championship and the Derby City Classic 9-Ball Challenge, a third-place finish in the World Mixed Doubles and a fourth-place finish in the US Open 9-Ball Championship. Joining Corteza in the World Team Championship are Orcollo, WPA 8-ball and 9-ball champion Ronato Alcano, Antonio Lining, Warren Kiamco and Marlon Manalo. “We have a good chance though with Corteza, Orcollo, Alcano, Lining, Kiamco and Manalo,” said BSCP chairman and Raya Sports chairman Yen Makabenta. Team members were selected based on recent and international tournaments performances according to BSCP. “Members will go into intensive training to select who will play what discipline,” added Makabenta. The pool Olympics will feature 8-ball, 9-ball and 10-ball with the champion getting the lion share of $100,000. — by Marlon Bernardino