Filipino pockets NY 9-ball title

Lee Van Corteza

Lee Van Corteza subdued American Louie Ulrich, 13-7, in the finals to bag the IX Turning Stone 9-Ball Tournament at the Turning Stone and Casino in Verona, New York.

The 28-year-old Corteza, took home the top prize of $ 8,000.00.

The second place effort was worth $5,300 for Ulrich. Another Filipino, Dennis Orcollo, wound up third and got $3,800.

Earlier, Corteza trounced Redgie Cutler, 9-6, Holden Chin, 9-1, Mike Dechaine, 9-6, Tony Chohan, 9-3, and Tony Robles, 9-2, before losing to Orcollo, 9-6, in the sixth round of the winners' bracket.

Relegated to the losers' bracket, Corteza beat Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 9-3, Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-5, and got back at Orcollo, 9-2, to arrange a titular showdown with the then undefeated Ulrich from San Diego, California.

The 28-year-old Orcollo bowed to Ulrich, 9-6, in the hot seat matches.

Other Filipinos who competed were current double world champion Ronato Alcano, Jose "Amang" Parica, Al Lapena and Mhet Vergarra.

Corteza, who hails from Davao City, is fresh off a runner-up finish in the $50,000 winner-take all International Challenge of Champion in Uncasville, Connecticut, last Aug. 10-12.