One Side
jay helfert said:
Got to work the best match of the night, Orcollo vs. Efren. Dennis got off to a slow start, scratching on the break and playing bad position a couple of times. That was all Effie needed. The crowd for this match was huge, overflowing the bleachers and the balcony. All of the Philipines stayed up late to watch it live on TV. The ratings were thru the roof here. Something like half the homes that have television were watching. This country is Pool crazy right now.
I walk out of the Convention Center and people say "Hello Mr. Announcer". Heck, that sounds better than Helfert. Maybe I'll change my name. Jay Announcer,,,,has a nice ring to it.
More to come
As you know the Americans stubbed their toes big time. They are not even a factor here. Earl is completely off the air, not even trying in his match with the Chinese guy. He just banged the balls around, and flew out of the arena. His days of free invites may be coming to an end. Looks to me as if his pool career is winding down. It was obvious he didn't want to be here.
The Americans are completely outclassed by the filipino and the Chinese players. Efren is looking good, but has Alcano today. And Marlon to follow. What a draw. The fans adore him and follow his every move. He remains gracious and humble, stopping to chat with all.
Made it to One Side last night. Alex and Alcano are playing on the first table, cheap $100 sets. Tyler Edey is taking on the "the Russian". This is not Stalev, but a young filipino who is half Russian. Rob the Russian. Bob Hunter is playing "Disoy", which means half breed. He is a mix of Spanish and filipino. Seems everyone likes these filipino women, not just me.
Alex and Ronnie give up the table for the big match of the night. Warren Kiamco will take on Kuo, the diminutive Chinaman, who plays lights out. This is a real game, for 50,000 pesos a man (that's $1,000). Warren takes the first set and I leave before set two gets underway. It's been a long day for me, and now nearly 3AM.
The filipinos only play Races. No Ahead sets or by the game. All matches are a Race To Nine or Eleven. I look around the room in One Side. More pool talent here than any poolroom in America. Edwin Montal and Bessio, the old timer, are forced to play on an outer table. The walls are lined with young (and not so young) filipino champions, just waiting to jump on someone. If I wasn't with Gene, they would be all over me.
Somehow I don't think my Bank Pool game would save me here. I have NO outs with this crowd. So I sit and watch and keep my hands in my pockets. Gene tells me that if Corey and Archer walked in here, they would be all over them too. I believe him. Tang comes in with Marcus. They survey the room, and I see "two finger" Jarry walk over and challenge Tang. He only smiles. Gene informs me this scrawny kid has beaten Tang twice already. UGH!
Alcano is inquiring of Marcus (Ronnie loves to stay in action). I only see the discussion. Nothing happens, and shortly after Tang and Marcus leave. No easy pickings here.
Heading for home.
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