Sharks Billiards Association First Conference unfolds Sept. 12

MANILA – The Quezon City Dragons chose Jericho Bañares in the inaugural Sharks Billiard Association (SBA) players' draft at the Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall 2, Quezon City on Sunday night.

Joining him are John Rebong, Denmark Castronuevo, John Paul Ladao and Alexis Ferrer.

"I felt very honored to be included in the team," said Bañares, who was runner-up to Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei in the 2008 World Junior Pool Championshup in Reno, Nevada.

Also selected in the first round were Rodrigo Geronimo (Taguig Stallions), Oliver Villafuerte (Negros Pillar), and Baseth Mocaibat (Manila MSW Mavericks).

The SBA First Conference is set for Sept. 12 at the Sharks Billiard Hall along Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

"The SBA aims to give millions of Filipino billiard 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," SBA chief executive officer and founder Hadley Mariano said.

Other members of the teams are Demosthenes Pulpul, Bryant Saguiped, Marc Ejay Cunanan and Michael Quinay (Taguig Stallions); Albert Espinola, Jonald Galve, Jolo Aspuria and Ryan Mark Hidalgo (Negros Pillars); and Jonas Magpantay, John Albert Refulle, John Drahcir Mauricio and Tristan Deocareza (Manila MSW Mavericks).

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 Games and Amusement Board chairperson Francisco Rivera Jr., Philippine Racing Commission chairman Aurelio de Leon, and sportsman Ceferino Mariano. (PNA)