Gabica likewise nailed a quarterfinal berth with a 9–2 triumph over Toh Lian Han of Singapore. Gabica’s victory set up an all-Filipino meeting against Reyes. Interestingly, Gabica defeated Reyes in the P1-million Hope billiards championship, but he’s not about to let his guard down in the quest for the $10,000 leg winner’s prize.  ``I had beaten him in Manila, but it’s going to be an entirely different story here. I just hope to keep o­n winning,’’ said Gabica.

Two other Filipinos, Lee Van Corteza and Gandy Valle, carved out nail-biting come-from-behind victories, making it five for five for the Philippines. Corteza trailed 4–6 but showed tremendous toughness down the stretch as he edged Satoshi Kawabata of Japan 9–8.

Valle likewise managed an escape act as he prevailed over William Ang Boon Lay 9–8. Valle capitalized o­n the Korean’s critical miscue in the 17th rack to close out the match.

It was also a day of firsts as local bet Chan Keng Kwang became the first ever Singaporean to make it to the quarterfinals. Chan made history as he bounced Alok Kumar of India 9–2. He will next meet 16-year-old Wu Chia Ching. Ching upset fellow Taiwanese and 2000 World Pool champion Chao Fong Pang 9–8.

After Singapore, the next stops of the 9-ball tour will be Jakarta, Kaohsiung, and Manila. The top ten players o­n the Tour Order of Merit qualify into the World Professional Pool Championships.

Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news o­n the San Miguel 9-Ball Tour.