Django staying alive in Las Vegas

Filipino Billiards legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante takes another step closer to the Las Vegas Open title after beating Ericson Vargas of Canada, 2-0, in the second round of the loser’s bracket on Saturday at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The One Pocket Hall of Famer is gunning for his third straight title this month after winning the 2025 Bayou State Classic One-Ball One Pocket in Iberia, Louisiana and the 29th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial in Las Vegas.

Bustamante started his campaign in this 10-ball tournament by sweeping past home bet Bobby Garza, 2-0, in the first round before getting swept by Ralf Soquet of Germany, 0-2, in the first round of the winner’s bracket.

At press time, the 61-year-old Filipino billiards icon is facing Canadian cue artist Randal Bagot in the second round of the loser’s bracket.

Other Filipinos competing are Mark Estiola, Jeffrey de Luna and Roberto Gomez.

De Luna is facing Mateusz Sniegocki of Poland in the winner’s qualification while Gomez plays against Polish foe Daniel Maciol in the same phase.

Estiola joins Bustamante in the loser’s bracket as he squares off against American billiards player Tony Chohan.

The champion of this tournament will take home a cash prize of $37,500 or roughly P2.2 million.