Bugsy's Taiwanese bet wins World 8-Ball
MANILA, Philippines – Bugsy Promotions’ bet Chang Jun Lin defeated fellow Taiwanese Fu Chei Wei in the finals, 11-6, to claim the 2012 World 8-Ball title in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates late Friday.
Chang, who hooked up with Ceferino Mariano’s Manila-based outfit last December, pocketed the $20,000 cash prize that goes with the title.
Chang, ranked No. 7 in the world, was understandably emotional not just about his accomplishment, but about the man he just beat to get there.
“It’s like a dream,” Chang said through an interpreter. “To be a world champion. It’s something I dreamed about for a long time.”
He said it was Fu who taught him to play pool.
“He taught me more than just how to play pool. He taught me how to be a man in real life, how to carry myself, how to behave and lead your life, don’t criticize and get down on yourself too much. Lead with your actions not your words. He is not just a teacher but a big brother to me, and a good friend,” he said of Fu.
Mariano himself is overjoyed by Chang’s feat.
"Thank God, Jun Lin Chang at last has plugged the missing link in his career," he said.
For Fu, the result brought mixed emotions as his long cherished journey to his first world title ended in a losing battle with his very own pupil.
“I played bad in the final,” Fu said, still able to laugh and joke. “I felt like I ran out of energy. I’m very happy for him. I’m proud. But I think I would have preferred to have played a player from another country."
Fu settled for a runner-up prize of $15,000.
On the roads to the finals, Chang defeated Great Britain's Mark Gray, 9-7, in the semifinal round to arrange a titular showdown with Fu who brought down China’s Liu Haitao, 9-3. – By Marlon Bernardino
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/02/18/12/bugsys-taiwanese-bet-wins-world-8-ball
