Asian Pool Asserts Its Might

11th November 2006

Pool in Asia is not only on the rise, it has arrived, judging by the results last night of the Last 16 matches of the 2006 Philippines World Pool Championship. When the smoke of battle cleared at the Philippine International Convention Center, those who were still standing were seven Asians: three Taiwanese, two Filipinos, a Chinese and a Vietnamese. The lone odd man in the pack was a European, Ralf Souquet of Germany.

The Taiwanese quarterfinalists are defending world champion Wu Chia-ching, Liu Cheng-chuan, and Fu Che-wei.

Taking up the cudgels for the Philippines are Rodolfo Luat and Ronato Alcano, who is making a dramatic run for the title after barely squeezing into the Group of 64.

The loners are Li He-wen of China and Luong Chi Dung of Vietnam. Both fashioned impressive victories last night that belied their first-ever appearance in the WPC.

The quaterfinals which start at 12pm today promise yet more drama and surprises.

Li will try to extend his fantastic run in this tournament when he plays Dung, who hopes for the same thing.

Liu will meet Souquet in a match that will determine whether this WPC will be an all-Asian affair.

Alcano will battle Wu Chia-ching in a match-up that will likely determine the favorite to take the title.

Rodolfo Luat meets Fu Che-wei in the final quarter-finals that will renew an ongoing debate over pool supremacy between the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.

Winners of these matches will move into the semifinals which are scheduled to start at 4pm.

Another sellout crowd is expected today at the PICC as the 2006 WPC marks its penultimate day.

The complete schedule today and match times are as follows:

Quarter-finals (race to 11)
Table One
12pm
Liu Cheng-chuan  (TPE) v Ralf Souquet (GER)
Ronato Alcano (PHI) v Wu Chia-ching (TPE)

Table Two
12pm
Rodolfo Luat (PHI) v Fu Che-wei (TPE)
Li He-wen (CHN) v Luong Chi Dung (VIE)