Minse Grace Mercurio, the lone female entry of Negros Billiard Stable, upset veteran campaigner Ces Marquez, 9-7, yesterday to advance to the next round in the women's 2007 BSCP National Pool Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila

The game was tied at 7, before Mercurio clustered the next two racks to clinch the win over the Makati-based Marquez. "I got lucky," Mercurio, who was with the NBS contingent led by Bacolod businessman Jonathan Sy and coach Christopher Palses, said.

Another NBS bet, Jarry Pelayo was to play Doha Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica late yesterday.

Lee Van Corteza and Rodolfo Luat, who are both playing under the NBS stable, were playing Richard Pornelosa and Manalo Tanasas, respectively, as of press deadline.

The early winners in the men's division include Warren Kiamco, a three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medallist, who beat 17-year-old Renemar David, 9-5.

David cut the lead at 4-3 but surrendered five of the next seven racks, allowing the 10th seeded Kiamco to get his campaign off to a winning start in the tournament that stakes P500,000 to the champion.

Kiamco will face the winner of the Godofredo Ducanes-Troy Danao tussle in the next round of the tournament that adapts a double elimination format.

Jeffrey De Luna, a 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball silver medallist, had an easy time against Rodrigo Geronimo, winning, 9-2, while fellow Bugsy stablemate Elmer "Buddy" Kalaquian suffered a heart-breaking 9-8 loss to unheralded John Rebong.

Also making his presence felt was 19-year-old Jomar de Ocampo who upset last year's 5th placer Roland Garcia, 9-5.

In other marquee matches, Japan-based Antonio Lining blanked youngest qualifier 14-years-old Johann Chua, 9-0, while Edgard Acaba beat Jomel Sultan, 9-2, and Fidel Punzalan crushed Noel Caro, 9-5.

Defending women's champion Rubilen Amit also hurdle her first round assignment in the division that offers P200,000 for the champion.

Amit broke away from a 3-all tie to defeat Maria Mildred Almero, 9-5, in the race-to-9, alternate break format. *CPT

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