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Source: abs-cbnnews.com

-- Former World No. 1 Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo defeated compatriot Steve Villamil, 9-6, in Group A during Day 1 of the 2009 World Ten-Ball Championship (WTBC) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Wednesday.

“Malaking factor yung pag mintis niya sa No. 3 ball at hindi ko na siya binigyan pa ng pagkakataon na makahabol,” Orcollo said referring the miscue of Villamil in the 14th rack.

Actually, Villamil was closing the gap at 7-6 count after Orcollo suffered a scratch in the 12th rack.

“Sayang, naka dikit na tayo kaso minalas sa No.3 ball,” said Villamil, who would have to fight it out at the loser’s bracket.

Thomasz Kaplan of Poland, however, pulled the biggest upset in Day 1 when he brought down reigning World No.1 Ralf Souquet of Germany.

Kaplan rallied from a 2-6 deficit to beat Souquet, 9-6, and advance to the winner’s bracket.

“It could happen to anybody, especially in our group where anybody could beat anybody,” said Souquet. “He was composed in coming back. I knew he’s capable of winning because I’ve faced him in the European circuit.”

Also victor in his opening match in the event sponsored by Star Billiards, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, PetNet, Department of Tourism and Smart Sports is defending champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain.

Appleton whipped Tey Choon Kiat of Singapore, 9-5.

“I feel good. I hope I feel better in tomorrow’s game,” said Appleton, who ruled last year’s event at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Niels Feijen and Nick van den Berg, the Netherlands’ top-rated players, made short work of their respective rivals.

Feijen, ranked No. 3 in the world, scuttled Scott Higgins of Great Britain, 9-1. He is now just a win away from securing a berth in the last 64 stage of this tournament sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association and organized by Raya Sports.

Van den Berg posted a similar win over rival Kim Wong Dae of Korea, 9-1, to join his compatriot in the winner’s bracket.

Chinese-Taipei’s Kuo Po Cheng outplayed Matjaz Erculz of Slovenia, 9-4.