Yeah I know this post isn’t about volleyball. But hey, pool is my No.3 sport (Basketball is No.2). Nothing beats enjoying playing a relaxing game of pool with friends after playing volleyball. This year’s World Pool Championship is currently being staged in Manila, Philippines from November 3-11 at the Araneta Center.

Only in the Philippines

Remember how alive and emotional the Shakey’s V-League crowd has become whenever they cheer for their favorite players in the court, well the Filipino crowd at the World Pool Championship is as lively and energetic. In fact, both local and foreign referees find it hard to control the crowd at times. The more you Shhhh!! them, the louder they shout Booo!! Since I love playing 9-ball as much as playing volleyball, I’ve been watching the 2007 World Pool Championship on TV. Here’s what I observed:

• Only in the Philippines World Pool Championship, do you find very proud Filipinos cheering ecstatically for their local pool players such as Efren Reyes, Francisico Bustamante, and Ronnie Alcano to name a few. When you get support from Filipinos, you get it all the way. Win or lose.
• Only in the Philippines World Pool Championship, do you see wild Filipino fans cheering whenever a foreign player misses a shot. You can cheer all you want for your favorite player, but please show respect by not mocking players for making mistakes. It’s funny to think how we Filipinos react so violently on Teri Hatcher’s controversial lines in Desperate Housewives, when we ourselves laugh at other people’s mistakes. This is not something we can be proud of.
• Only in the Philippines World Pool Championship, do you see lady referee Mikaela Tabb say “Quiet down please!!” or ” Settle down people!!” countless times during a match especially if it’s between a local player against a foreigner. Mikaela Tabb is the famous British brunette who officiates in top 9-ball events all over the world.
• Only in the Philippines World Pool Championship, do you hear the Filipino crowd shout “Kiss!! Kiss!!” at the background while ESPN sports anchor Georgina Chang interviews Roberto Gomez after making it to the finals. And oh, it’s also only in the Philippines do you see world-class local pool players speak in English as confident as Manny Pacquiao.
• Only in the Philippines World Pool Championship, do you hear random people shouting, “Hindi ka na makakauwi nang buhay!” after head referee Nigel Rees made a controversial foul shot call when Bustamante attempted to win the match by executing a carom to the 3 and 9 balls. Slow motion replays on TV confirmed Rees made the right call. Daryl Peach capitalized on the error by Bustamante and eventually won the match.

Finals match: Daryl Peach vs. Roberto Gomez

Who is Daryl Peach? Not too many Filipinos know this guy or have even seen him play before. But in any case, he’s the No.2 player in the UK who have beaten and eliminated top Filipino players like 2006 World Pool champion Ronnie Alcano (10-6) and Francisco Bustamante (11-10). Roberto Gomez on the other hand, is also a rising star in the local pool arena.

The 2007 Philippines World Pool Championship Finals match between Daryl Peach and Roberto Gomez will take place tomorrow November 11. Race to 17, winner breaks. It will be aired over at ESPN starting 2:30pm.

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