Top billiards stars begin campaign in SBA First Season
THE much-anticipated Sharks Billiard Association’s (SBA) inaugural season will kick-off on September 18 in the state- of-the-art billiards hub at Sharks Arena and Sportsbar on 234 Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City.
The Philippines’ finest professional billiards players will dazzle audiences in their respective team’s quest for glory to reign supreme in the land of Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante. is sure to both at home and abroad
Week 1’s matchup will pit the QC Dragons’ fiery five of Jerico Banares, John Rebong, Deanmark Castronuevo, Alexis Ferrer and John Paul Ladao against the formidable Taguig Stallions of Rodrigo Geronimo, Demosthenes Pulpul, Bryant Saguiped, Mark Ejay Cunanan and Michael Quinay.
Week 2’s matchup, set to take place September 25-29, will see Oliver Villafuerte and his Negros Occidental Pillars square off against Baseth Mocaibat and his Manila MSW Mavericks.
In addition to Villafuerte, the Pillars also banner Albert Espinola, Jonald Galve, Jolo Aspuria and Ryan Mark Hidalgo while Mocaibat’s Mavericks team will be bolstered by Jonas Magpantay, John Albert Refulle, Drahcir Mauricio, and Tristan Deocareza.
While SB’ s first season will be nine ball, the league has implemented a few changes to add some extra dimensions to the game, namely:
Loser of the lag nominates a player first for the match. This allows the lag winner to strategize and pick which team member matches up best against his opponent, while also getting to break first.
Sharking, the act of deliberately trying to distract your opponent will be allowed.
This includes witty banter and of course, friendly trash talking.
However, once a player is in his shooting stance, sharking must stop. These rules also apply to player-audience interactions.
Lastly, jump cues and cue extensions will not be allowed. Meaning the fans will get to see more magical and artistic shots during game play; something Pinoys are known for throughout the sport.
So get ready for an exciting display of Filipino-style billiards as SBA aims to bring the glory days of billiards back to the Philippines. Who knows? The next Bata or Django could be developing right before our eyes, according to event organizers.
