Corteza cops runner-up plum in World Pool

VETERAN international campaigner Lee Vann Corteza settled for the runner-up trophy in the 2017 World Pool Series - Simonis Challenge Championship held at the Steinway Billiards in Astoria Queens in New York City.

Corteza suffered a close 9-11 decision against former world champion Mika Immonen of Finland in the championship round of the tournament sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association.

It was actually a rematch of the World Pool Series - Kamui Chal- lenge Championship held at the same venue in April with Corteza winning the crown via a 5-4 score in shootout against Immonen.

The Filipino cue master made it a 9-2 score while Immonen ousted American Brandon Shuff in the

Corteza also defeated American Billy Thorpe in the first round (8-2), Denis Grabe of Estonia in the second round (9-3) and Alan Rolon of Puerto Rico in the quar-

Another Filipino bet Warren Kiamco secured an opening round bye but lost to Jimmy Rivera of Puerto Rico in the second round (7-9).

Corteza pocketed the $ 2,000 consolation prize while Immonen took home the $4,000 top purse. Kiamco earned $450 for reaching the second round.

The World Pool Series Grand Finale dubbed as the Predator World Series Championship will be held on September 27 to October 1 with side event HIghrock Challenge Championship to be held after the main event.

legs of the World Pool Series.

He has 111 points behind Darren Appleton of Great Britain (170), Klenti Kaci of Albania (160), Ruslan Chinakov of Russia (116) and Skylar Woodward of the United States (116).

Carlo Biado is seventh ( 100) while Johann Chua is 16th (75), Dennis Orcollo is 20th (65), Ramil Gallego is 28th (50) and Kiamco is 35th (45).