Cebuano cue artist Anton Raga proved that he is ripe for the big time as he upset two-time world billiards champion Ronato “Volcao” Alcano, 11-10 last Friday in the Open Division final of the 1st Mayor Aljun Diamante Open billiards tournament at the CTU Tuburan campus quadrangle.
Raga, a consistent podium fixture in local tournaments, bucked the superior international experience of Alcano in eking out the pulse-stopping victory against the former world 9-ball and 8-ball champion.
The tournament was held as part of Tuburan’s fiesta celebration.
Another billiards legend, the hugely popular Efren “Bata” Reyes who flew in directly from Singapore where he competed in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games, also graced the event where “The
Magician” flashed his jaw-dropping skills in an exhibition match against Alcano.
Meanwhile, Rayner Espejo finished third in the premier division after outplaying Shan Mark Malayan, 9-4.
In the Class B All-Tuburan Adult Division, Eugene Mahusay emerged champion while Timoteo Estoria, Patrick Corro and Ronnel Carillo settled for the second, third and fourth place, respectively.
In the All-Tuburan 15-years Under class, Jancent Iligan bagged the title followed by Carl Russl Turculas at 2nd, Elton Rama at 3rd and Jorey Rama at 4th.
Meanwhile, Tuburan Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante, told reporters during the tournament that his support for sports is not only limited to billiards but also to other events.
Despite the lack of funds for the town’s sports program, Tuburan’s youth are still enjoying support through Diamante, who has spent his personal money to finisnce the town’s sports endeavors.