By Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Filipino Lee Vann Corteza subdued American Louie Ulrich, 13-7, in the finals to pocket the top prize of $8,000 (about P368,000) Monday in the IX Turning Stone 9-Ball Tournament at the Turning Stone and Casino in Verona, New York.

The 28-year-old Corteza, top gun of Negros Billiard Stable, cruised to a 12-2 lead, but a scratch on the break let Ulrich back.

Ulrich won five straight racks to narrow the gap at 12-7. Ulrich’s break came up dry, however, and Corteza ran the last rack for the title.

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. Marlon Bernardino, Contributor