Pinoy tops UAE 9-Ball Challenge

Philippine News Service – – NEGROS Billiards Stable bet Ricky “Bai” Zerna defeated Bugsy Promotion ace Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, 13-3, in an all-Filipino finals to rule the Knightshot Champions 9-Ball Challenge at the exclusive Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
Zerna, whose campaign here was supported by sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy, co­ founder of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) earlier beat stablemate Jarry “Putol” Pelayo, 12-10, in the semifinals while Al­cano subdued Middle East-based compatriot Allan “Surigao” Cuar­tero, 12-9.

“Malaking panalo po ito para sa akin. Mahirap talunin si kuya Ronnie (Alcano) lalu na sa finals kaya hindi ko makakalimutan itong panalong ito, (It’s a big win for me. It’s hard to beat Ronnie (Alcano) especially in the finals that’s why I will not forget this vic­tory.” said former Korean 9-ball open ruler Zerna, who pocketed the top prize of $10,000.

The Dumaguete-Bacolod City based Zerna, playing under the watchful eye of NBS head coach Christopher “Toper” Palses shocked Villar Cup ruler Gandy “Yang-Yang” Valle, 11-6, in the quarterfinals, Alcano downed lo­cal bet Rotchild, 11-3, Pelayo crushed Mustafa Hasaan, 11-5, and Cuartero nipped Mohammad Al Hosani, 11-6.