Roberto “Superman” Gomez will have another shot at becoming a world champion as he bested a huge field of aspirants to rule the first qualifying tournament for the 2008 World 8-Ball Championship Saturday at the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates.

After luckily drawing a bye in the opening round, Gomez, who narrowly missed the World 9-Ball title last year, blazed his way up the ladder to barge into the 64-man main draw of this annual event slated from April 18 to 25.

“I’m very happy that I made it on my first try,” said the 28-year-old stalwart of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions of businessman Perry Mariano and a member of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

ROBERTO GOMEZ gets another shot at a world title.

“Now that I have another chance to become a world champion, I will give my best to finally achieve that dream. I think I’m a lot better now, especially on the psychological aspect, and with the experience I have, I’m confident on my chances,” added the former newsman from Zamboanga.

By winning this first of eight qualifying tournaments, Gomez became the fifth Filipino to enter the tournament proper. He joined seeded compatriots and fellow Bugsy Boys Ronnie Alcano, the defending champion, and current world No.1 Dennis Orcollo, as well as Antonio Gabica and Elvis Calasang, who were given wildcard slots by the event’s organizers.

The Philippines is hoping to add more bets through the qualifiers like last year’s semifinalist Joven Bustamante, former world champion Alex Pagulayan, former Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle, reigning national champion Lee Van Corteza and veteran internationalists Warren Kiamco and Ramil Gallego.

Besides Alcano and Orcollo, the other world-renowned players seeded in the main draw are reigning world 10-Ball titlist Shane Van Boening of the United States, and former World Pool champions Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann of Germany.

The field will also have a lone female entry in Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, and a touch of royalty with the participation of Brunei’s Crown Prince Muhtadee Billah.

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THE score may look close, but the world-class Uzbekistan emphatically proved the better team against the Philippines in Group I.

Denis Istomin capped his unbeaten campaign in the tie by sweeping Cecil Mamiit, 6-3, 6-0, 6-4, Sunday under hot conditions at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) indoor shell clay courts.

ADAMSON University scored a revenge of sorts against Far Eastern University (FEU), annexing a 25-17, 25-11, 25-22 victory Sunday to complete its sweep of the first-round action in the Shakey’s V-League Season 5 at The Arena in San Juan.

Roberto “Superman” Gomez will have another shot at becoming a world champion as he bested a huge field of aspirants to rule the first qualifying tournament for the 2008 World 8-Ball Championship Saturday at the Amir Billiards Club in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates.

DAD, is the Dalai Lama an animal?”

Thus asked my son over a late breakfast the other day that gave me pause from alternating reading the newspaper and watching the US NCAA Championship game.