Bacoleño Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego zoomed to the top of the winners' bracket in the BSCP National Pool Championships yesterday, following a tight 9-7 win over Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Embattled Ronnie Alcano, the reigning 9-ball and 8-ball world champion, also stayed in contention with a 9-8 win over snooker specialist Benjie Guevarra Jr., 9-8.

Inspired by the a section of the gallery wearing shirts and holding a banner, saying "We Support Alcano", the 34-year-old cue artist from Laguna cleaned up the table after a miscue of Guevarra in the 5-9 combo in the 17th racks. "Of course, I get distracted with the case but the support of the crowd is a big factor," Alcano, who is facing rape charges filed by his 14-year-old daughter, said.

The victory was Gallego's third in three days, putting him in a strong position for a top 10 finish in the tournament.

Gallego, a 9-7 winner over Victor Arpellida Tuesday, will face the winner of the match between Negros Billiard Stable standout Lee Van Corteza and Carlo Biado that was set late yesterday.

Another Bacoleño, however, Jarry Pelayo was unable to keep his good run and was bundled out of the tournament that stakes P500,000 for the men's champion.

Pelayo, a firecracker victim, lost to Al Ortega, 5-9, in the losers' bracket, his second setback after a near-upset against Gabica, whom he surrendered an 8-9 decision Monday.

Also shown the door was 10th seed Warren Kiamco, who bowed to AJ Geronimo. Godofredo Ducanes of NBS had earlier beat Warren Kiamco, 9-6.

Double world pool champion Ronnie Alcano salvaged a 9-8 win over Benjie Guevarra to keep his flickering title hopes alive, after suffering a shocking loss Tuesday.

Escalante-born pool shark Rudy Morta, who is based in Japan, still remained in contention in the losers' bracket.

Another NBS player, Rodolfo Luat was to play against Jharome Peña late yesterday.

Guevarra made his second golden break in the 16th rack to level the game at 8 all. He produced his first golden break in the 10th rack to slice Alcano's lead, 6-4.

After Guevarra leveled the match at 8-all, Alcano used a soft break in the 17th rack and he connect successfully the blue No.2 and green No.6 ball.

After exchanging safety shots with Alcano, Guevarra gambled on a 5-9 combination in the last rack but missed, allowing the world champion to escape with the win. In the women's division, NBS lone bet, Mince Mercurio, was to play Michelle Flores late yesterday. Mercurio lost to top-ranked Rubylyn Amit Tuesday.*CPT

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