Negrense pool shark Jarry Pelayo, a firecracker victim from Bacolod City, banked on two consecutive golden breaks to pull off a 7-3 reversal over Fil-Japanese Mike Takayama Tuesday night in the 3rd Manny Pacquiao 10-ball Open Billiard Tournament in General Santos City.

The victory ensured that Pelayo, who lost two fingers because of a firecracker accident when he was 12 years old, stayed in contention for the P500,000 top prize at the Arthur's Billiard Hall.

"I just remained focus. Luck also played a part in this victory," the 31-year-old Pelayo, the top player of Negros Billiard Stable, said.

Known as "Putol" in the local pool circuit, Pelayo took an early 2-0 lead en route to the victory in the race-to-7 match that also adapted the winners break format. The tournament drew 96 players from all over the country.

Pelayo will face Roberto Gomez in the seventh round of the winner's bracket.

The 28-year-old Gomez who hails from Zamboanga City ended the surprising run of unheralded Arnel Suscano after posting a 7-5 win.

NBS players Reynaldo Grandea, a two-time Southeast Asian Games silver medalist, defeated Carlo Biado of Bugsy Promotions, 7-5. Talisay-born cue artist Romar Villones also scored a similar 7-5 win over Biado.

Suscano, the brightest local hope for a title, upset Johann Chua of Binondo, Manila, 7-5, late Tuesday.

Two Bugsy promotion players were already shown the door in this tournament considered as the richest-ever held in Mindanao.

Jharome "Pendong" Pena bowed to Dabuenos Budi Cubilan and Lauro Bungay in similar 7-4 scorelines.

In other marquee matches, Dondon Razalan beat Russian Petiza, 7-3; Yoyong Neri edged Danny Otacan, 7-6; Leonardo Didal defeated Ricky Zerna, 7-2, and Sonnty Aton, who won by default over Dodong Enguilo. Neri also beat tournament favorite Ramil Gallego, 7-4, the other day.

Pacquiao, who lost by default to Godofredo Ducanes Monday, was also booted in his tournament after suffering a 7-5 loss to Rady Ocampo, 7-5. Pacquiao, who also lost a P12,000 side bet, lost two consecutive games after tying the match at 5-all. *CPT

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