By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Anthony Raga emerged as champion in the 3rd Mayor Albee Benitez MassKara 10-ball Open Billiard Tournament held recently at a mall in Bacolod City.

The Cebuano billiard star ruled the five-day competition after defeating Miguel Salvilla of Davao City in the championship round.

“The struggle and waiting during the tournament were worth it. I am blessed to have this opportunity,” Raga wrote on his Facebook post.

“All the players who joined were all good and dedicated. Thankfully, I was able to conquer them all,” he added.

Finishing in third place is Capiznon Elijah Alvarez, followed by Janse Amisola, Bonnie Penticase, Ramil Gallego, Raymund Faraon, Edmar Balboa, Horis Aynaga Angor, and Boots Augusto.

Rounding up the Top 16 are Jun Ogang, Roland Garcia, Ricky Vonn Apuhin, AJ Malonzo, Resty Teng Labastida, and Jonas Magpantay.

Billiard legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante also participated in the tournament, but they failed to progress to the round-of-16.

The 3rd Mayor Albee Benitez 10-ball Open Billiard Tournament was one of the several sporting events that the city hosted in line with the 45th MassKara Festival celebration./ASC, WDJ