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| Ronnie Alcano |
Filipino bet Ronnie Alcano’s resilient course toward a third world crown ran into a brick wall.
Alcano, who boasts a double world title under his belt, yielded to Japan’s Yukio Akagariyama, 11-13, in the finals of the 2011 WPA World 9-Ball Championship Saturday at the Al Sadd Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.
The 38-year-old Alcano had two cracks to regain the upper hand, but faltered on both occasions.
Alcano botched a long shot on the eight-ball in the 19th rack before missing on another attempt in the 23rd frame on the blue two that eventually laid out the easy table for Akagariyama.
Akagariyama, battling not only Alcano but also a predominantly rabid Filipino crowd, handily dealt a nearly conjoined two and three for a break and run out in the clincher.
The Japanese, who escaped UK’s Mark Gray in the semifinals (11-10), failed to sink the six-ball in the 18th rack that allowed Alcano to knot the game at 9-9 after trailing, 6-9.
But the long-limbed Alcano just couldn’t gather enough momentum to push past Akagariyama, whose break along with his shot-making was in fine form.
The towering Alcano, who bested compatriot and number one ranked Dennis Orcollo in the semis (11-9), could have been the first Filipino cue artist to have three world titles across his name.
Alcano actually held a 3-1 advantage before Akagariyama took four of the next five racks to take the lead for good.
Akagariyama, who also bagged $36,000 for topping the tourney, would have easily taken a 5-8 spread if not for a scratch after pocketing the nine-ball.
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