Sharks billiards tournament kicks off September 12

The much-awaited Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) Championships finally come off the wraps on Sept. 12 at the state-of-the-art Sharks Billiards and Pool Arena in Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City.

SBA Chief Executive Officer and founder Hadley Mariano said the First Conference of the newly-formed professional billiards league is expected to attract a lot of attention not only in the country, but all over the billiards world.

“The SBA aims to give millions of Filipino billiards enthusiasts the opportunity to hone and showcase their skills and promote the love of the game by ensuring integrity and fairness for professional billiards in the Philippines,” said Mariano during the first-ever SBA draft held at the Quantum Skyview of Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City last Sunday.

Four local teams picked their respective players for the inaugural SBA tournament with Jericho Bañares making history by becoming the No. 1 pick overall by the Quezon City Dragons.

“I felt very honored to be included in the team,” said Bañares, who is best remembered for finishing runner-up to Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei in the 2008 World Junior Pool Championship in Reno, Nevada.
Also selected in the first round were No. 2 Rodrigo Geronimo (Taguig Stallions), No. 3 Oliver Villafuerte (Negros Pillar), and No. 4 Baseth Mocaibat (Manila MSW Mavericks).

The Quezon City Dragons also picked John Rebong, Denmark Castronuevo, Alexis Ferrer and John Paul Ladao in the draft.

Taguig also selected Demosthenes Pulpul, Bryant Saguiped, Marc Ejay Cunanan and Michael Quinay.
Negros also chose Albert Espinola, Jonald Galve, Jolo Aspuria and Mark Ryan Hidalgo.

Manila also drafted Jonas Magpantay, John Albert Refulle, Drahcir Mauricio and Tristan Deocareza.
Billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, widely regarded as the greatest pool player of all time, attended the event along with prominent players Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo, Jeffrey “The Bull” De Luna, Antonio “Nikoy” Lining and Warren “Warrior” Kiamco.

Also present were Billiards godfather Perry Mariano, Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Francisco Rivera Jr. and Professional Sports and Games Division chief Jesucito Garcia.