Go Filipinos -- Brightest Stars at the 2007 WPC

[JAM]

I am so impressed with this year's caliber of play by the Filipino players. There are a few young guns who have no fear and can perform like machines.

I am not a fan of this soft break, but in this format, whoever's got the break down, they must back it up with excellent shot-making skills, and from what I have seen so far, the Filipinos do shine the brightest. They look good on the table.

The reason why the audience stays engaged is because these Filipino players show the human side of the competition -- the thrill of the victory and the agony of defeat! They play their heart out, and do it with style!

What makes the Filipinos enjoyable to watch for me is their their sparkling tableside demeanor -- full of personality, flare, and a zest for the game. This is what pool is supposed to be all about.

With Corey Deuel out of the running, I can now pull for my favorite, and that is:
FRANCISCO BUSTAMANTE

Go, Bustie, go! You have comrades in the States pulling for you to make it to the winner's circle. Take no prisoners and show the rest of the world, the champion that you truly are! No one deserves it more than Bustie in my book. That's my story, and I'm sticking with it!

JAM

 

[MOJOE]

At this point, since CD and SVB are out. I am definitely pulling for BUSTA, all the way. He plays wayyyyyyy too strong to not have this title under his belt.

JBK

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

he will LOSE !!! CMON !!!

 

[JAM]

At this point, since CD and SVB are out. I am definitely pulling for BUSTA, all the way. He plays wayyyyyyy too strong to not have this title under his belt.

JBK

I agree. I hope to see a double Filipino finals!

Bustamante is 43 years old, and now is the time for him to shine. He's paid his dues, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving!

JAM

 

[PROG8R]

The whole this is quite disturbing to me. Aren't we out numbered percentage wise over there? We really only sent two strong players over.
Maybe I am way off, but the odds are against us in something like this. What has been the recent result in tourneys in the states when it is 90% US and 2% filipino 8% other?

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

The whole this is quite disturbing to me. Aren't we out numbered percentage wise over there? We really only sent two strong players over.
Maybe I am way off, but the odds are against us in something like this. What has been the recent result in tourneys in the states when it is 90% US and 2% filipino 8% other?

try to look the results of U.S. tour stops and DCC. it's 90% American, but some Filipinos were able to win some tourneys or finish strong in an event. a Filipino player always have a place in the top 4, regardless of their small number.

 

[JAM]

The whole this is quite disturbing to me. Aren't we out numbered percentage wise over there? We really only sent two strong players over.
Maybe I am way off, but the odds are against us in something like this. What has been the recent result in tourneys in the states when it is 90% US and 2% filipino 8% other?

Men's professional pool in the States needs a legitimate governing body which is not only transparent, but one which establishes a level playing field for all of its members. Of course, a tour consisting of events that don't piggy-back off of independent promoters would help, too. Then add in the final ingredient of the BCA's lack of regard to professional pool in general, and you can see the sad state of affairs for American male pros.

The American lady pros, on the other hand, have independently created a governing body of professional pool which works. The WPBA has a legitimate tour and utilizes a ranking system fairly across the board.

Shane Van Boening has ignited a spark in American pool, and so in recent times, things look brighter than before. If the UPA can get on its feet, much like the WPBA, maybe it would grow and attract new interest AND champion-caliber players with talent. To date, it seems to have one tire in the sand. I would like to see this change.

Until then, American pool is what it is. Only a few American players are sponsored by pool industry members, and the rest are left out there to fend for themselves. I would like to see the existing lot of professional male players in the States grow, but there's not too much incentive for young aspiring pool players to dedicate themselves to elevating their game. Most American male pros today are independently financed to pursue their "careers," and it's tough to make ends meet.

JAM

 

[Karate]

I'm going with Alex Pagulayan on this one.

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

I don't believe that the U.S. lineup was that weak. most of those players, if not all are accomplished players. Tony R, Putnam,Saez, SVB, Corey,Archer,Earl,Morris,JJ,Davis,CW,and Bryant(not Kobe). what can you ask for more with this kind of a lineup? who do you have in mind aside from these players? you think they would fair better than these guys?

 

[tpdtom]

What about Alex P. ? While not as highly favored as Busta, he's our favorite at Hall Of Fame Billiards in Warren, Mi. He hasn't been eliminated yet has he ? Go Alex ...Tom

 

[JAM]

What about Alex P. ? While not as highly favored as Busta, he's our favorite at Hall Of Fame Billiards in Warren, Mi. He hasn't been eliminated yet has he ? Go Alex ...Tom

Bustie defeated Alex this morning, 11 to 2.

JAM

 

[JAM]

I don't believe that the U.S. lineup was that weak. most of those players, if not all are accomplished players. Tony R, Putnam,Saez, SVB, Corey,Archer,Earl,Morris,JJ,Davis,CW,and Bryant(not Kobe). what can you ask for more with this kind of a lineup? who do you have in mind aside from these players? you think they would fair better than these guys?

While I will not comment negatively on the selection of American players at the WPC this year, as they are all great players, I will say that I can think of several American players who should be on that list and were not, i.e., Larry Nevel, Dennis Hatch, Stevie Moore, Louis Ulrich, just to name a few.

JAM

 

[yobagua]

You are so right JAM. Put aside the mans nationality. Besides being a great extraordinary cueist, he is the warmest of human being. His kindness and fair play has been a bright example of what a good sportsman should be like. I am rooting for him.

 

[f210]

The whole this is quite disturbing to me. Aren't we out numbered percentage wise over there? We really only sent two strong players over.
Maybe I am way off, but the odds are against us in something like this. What has been the recent result in tourneys in the states when it is 90% US and 2% filipino 8% other?

Come on. There were 11 Americans and 15 Filipinos. Not that big of a difference. That is surely not 90% for the Filipinos, right? Let us give credit where credit is due. Rodney Morris, SVB, Corey Deuel, Mike Davis are much bigger names than Joven Bustamante and Roberto Gomez and yet where are they now? Just admit that the Filipinos played better in this event, period.

 

[PROG8R]

I don't believe that the U.S. lineup was that weak. most of those players, if not all are accomplished players. Tony R, Putnam,Saez, SVB, Corey,Archer,Earl,Morris,JJ,Davis,CW,and Bryant(not Kobe). what can you ask for more with this kind of a lineup? who do you have in mind aside from these players? you think they would fair better than these guys?

Those are all great name, with the exception of CD and SVB, it is kind of like living in the past.
To use an anology of sorts it is like "betting on the Dolphins to take it all and not realizing that it isn't 1972 anynmore".

 

[JAM]

You are so right JAM. Put aside the mans nationality. Besides being a great extraordinary cueist, he is the warmest of human being. His kindness and fair play has been a bright example of what a good sportsman should be like. I am rooting for him.

Bustie is ripe for this win. He looks better than ever on the table.

If Francisco Bustamante wins this year, I will be so happy. I saw his wife in the audience, and I know she is proud. This would sure be a happy ending to this year's WPC!

Go, Bustie, and bring home that championship title. This is your time!

JAM

 

[PROG8R]

Come on. There were 11 Americans and 15 Filipinos. Not that big of a difference. That is surely not 90% for the Filipinos, right? Let us give credit where credit is due. Rodney Morris, SVB, Corey Deuel, Mike Davis are much bigger names than Joven Bustamante and Roberto Gomez and yet where are they now? Just admit that the Filipinos played better in this event, period.

They beat them, that is for sure. Not taking that away from them, you cant. I wish I had a break down of how many from what nationality were there and where they placed. To get an idea of the strengths.

 

[f210]

What about Alex P. ? While not as highly favored as Busta, he's our favorite at Hall Of Fame Billiards in Warren, Mi. He hasn't been eliminated yet has he ? Go Alex ...Tom

Alex Pagulayan has just been eliminated by Francisco Bustamante 11 to 2. In a post game interview, Busta said that he is happy because who he considers his toughest opponent is gone. I would not be too sure of that after I have seen superman Gomez torture Neils Feijen 11 to 0. If ever these 2 meet in the finals, Busta should not be over confident because Gomez can play. And that is an understatement.

Superman has nothing to lose and everything to gain. IMHO, Francisco feels more of the pressure than him. He will be very dangerous IF and when he reaches the finals. That is still a big IF though because there are still a lot of good players left.

 

[JAM]

Alex Pagulayan has just been eliminated by Francisco Bustamante 11 to 2. In a post game interview, Busta said that he is happy because who he considers his toughest opponent is gone. I would not be too sure of that after I have seen superman Gomez torture Neils Feijen 11 to 0. If ever these 2 meet in the finals, Busta should not be over confident because Gomez can play. And that is an understatement.

My Bustie will kick Gomez's hind parts!

JAM

 

[ginsu]

I'm going with Alex Pagulayan on this one.

Busta knocked him out last night.