The Philippines finally won its first gold medal in the 15th Asian Games
when Antonio Gabica and Jeffrey de Luna arranged an all-Filipino final in the
9-ball pool event in billiards, local media reported today.
Thus, after 11 frustrating days in various fronts, the Filipinos finally
found one in the sport that has become the benchmark of Filipino sporting
excellence in the year, said a report by The Philippine Star daily.
Gabica, seeking redemption after letting the 8-ball title slip Saturday,
destroyed South Korean Jeoung Young Hwa, 11-5, while De Luna dealt Chinese
Taipei's Yang Ching Shun an 11-7 drubbing on Monday.
Both Gabica and De Luna came off difficult quarterfinal victories earlier.
The 32-year-old Gabica outsteadied Chinese Xu Meng, 11-8, whileDe Luna drew
every ounce from his reserves to edge Japanese Yukio Akagariyama, 11-10.
The gold medal showdown further underscored the domination by the Filipinos
in the sport after the triumphs of Efren Reyes and Django Bustamante in the
inaugural World Cup, the win by Reyes in the IPT World 8-ball Open, and Ronnie
Alcano's recent win in the World 9-Ball Championship, said the report.
It could also fuel the Philippine bets' gold medal rush at the finish of the
quadrennial meet, the report said.
