FOUR players are still standing – two Europeans and two Filipinos. And one of them will be crowned this Monday, November 30, as the 2009 World Ten Ball Champion when the smoke of battle clears.
Mika Immonen of Finland, David Alcaide of Spain, and
Immonen defeated Ruslan Chinakhov of Russia, 9-6, in the quarterfinals to become the first semifinalist in the tournament.
“I think on paper, everybody knows that I’ve been dominating in the billiard circuit, which is the reason why I really like my chances of winning this year’s World Ten Ball Championship,” said Immonen. “I’ve started to get my rhythm now, both on the regular and TV tables. Now it’s down to the last four and the best man will win the championship.”
Alcaide took down defending champion Darren Appleton, 9-6, to book his place in the semifinals.
Never touted as a favorite to win the only world pool championship for men this year, the Spaniard has gotten the attention of pool experts and fans in a hurry as he has downed many big names in the tournament. These included two crack Filipino players – Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica and former world No.1 player Dennis Orcullo.
Corteza and Lining hurdled grueling tests before booking their places in the Final Four.
Several times, Corteza was pushed to the wall, but he survived each time. In his quarterfinal match with a tough Chinese rival in Li Hewen (conqueror of top seed Ralf Souquet), with the count at 7-all, he made a spectacular jump shot in sinking the No. 5 ball. From there, he ran out the match.
Minutes after Corteza’s win, Lining followed the suit with another cardiac encounter at the table. Down 6-8, the Filipino veteran campaigner took three straight racks against compatriot Warren Kiamco.
The two Europeans and two Filipinos will now square off in the semifinal round this Monday. Lining will meet Immonen in the first semifinal. Corteza will face Alcaide in the other semifinal.
