Bustamante beats Deuel to win IPT 8-Ball title

 

The Issue:

 Filipino cue master Francisco “Django” Bustamante defeated Corey “The Prince” Deuel, 15-8, in their winner-take-all title match on Thursday (Friday in the Philippines) to bag the International Pool Tour (IPT) 8-Ball challenge in Chicago, Illinois crown.

According to the IPT website, Bustamante not only won the $5,000 top prize but also provided the spectacular shots of the tournament that was streamed to the Internet.

This is Bustamante’s second victory in international scene, a fine follow-up to his success in the 2008 Derby City Classic held in Louisville, Kentucky, that earned for him $20,000.

Because of the Filipino ace’s win in the IPT 8-ball match, Bustamante maintained his top position in the order of merit for 2008. He has now total earnings worth $37,750.

Aside from winning the two international tournaments, Bustamante also finished seventh in the Derby City Classic Banks Division ($1,100), third in the Derby City Classic One Pocket Division ($2,850), and runner-up in the Derby City Classic 9-Ball division ($8,800).

American Johnny “The Scorpion” Archer failed to defend his title this year which he earned via a 15-12 triumph over compatriot Earl “The Pearl” Strickland. - GMANews.TV/01/25/2008 | 11:23 PM

 

 

The Opinion:

 

Bustamante became one of the world’s prime athletes. Having been tagged as a Filipino ace billiard player, he undoubtedly proved his conviction n dexterity on the sports since he already won and cupped almost thirty (30) titles from year 1990 to 2003. Some of these are the following:

 

2003 Joss NE 9-Ball Tour Stop #18
2003 Joss NE 9-Ball Tour Stop #17
2002 Gabriels Las Vegas Invitational
2002 Peninsula 9-Ball Open
2002 Sudden Death 7-Ball
2002 Japan Open Champion
2002 Motolite 9-Ball Challenge Champion
2002 IBC Tour Stop 2 Champion
2001 World Pool Masters Champion
2001 Turning Stone Casino Classic II Champion
2001 Joss Northeast Tour Stop 2
2000 1st Motolite International 9-Ball Championships
1999 Champion of the Champions
1999 Tulsa 9-Ball Championships  

 

Bustamante is a person with a mysterious persona. He’s a silent man that manifests wit through his own unique way of breaking the balls. His original break opened subdued sports critics. He has been playing with close friend Ace player Efren “Bata” Reyes for quite a long time now. And others would not dare him to be compared with other Filipino players since his talent describes earnestness and he holds the world’s record for having the most powerful break shot—43 miles per hour.