Orcollo braces for 8-ball title defense in UAE
THE best pool players from all over the world have confirmed attendance in the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) 2012 World 8-Ball Championship to challenge defending champion Dennis Orcollo beginning on Monday in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
They are World 9-ball champion and world No. 2 Yukio Akagariyama of Japan, reigning back-to-back US Open Champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain, World 10-Ball Champion Huidji See of the Netherlands, back-to-back World 8-Ball runner up Neils Feijen also of the Netherlands, Chinese Taipei’s Chang Jung Lin, China Open winner Chris Melling of Great Britain, German greats Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann, and former world champion Mika Immonen of Finland.
But Orcollo is unfazed.
“With the presence of these good players, I think I’ll be having a hard time defending my title but I’m not afraid. I’ll just play my game and enjoy every single day. One game at a time,” said Orcollo, a recipient of the prestigious Philippine Sportswriters Association Athlete of the Year award along with boxer Nonito Donaire Jr.
Joining Orcollo in the six-day event are Lee Van Corteza, Antonio Lining, Carlo Biado and Allan Cuartero.
A whopping $156,800 is up for grabs with the champion getting $20,000 while the runner-up taking $15,000.
All 96 artists will play in Stage 1 that will employ a double-elimination, race-to-7 format.
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sports/top-sports-news/16722-orcollo-braces-for-8-ball-title-defense-in-uae
