Pool icon Parica in town

Jose “Amang” Parica, who opened the doors of the international pool circuit to Filipinos, is in town trying to put up a lucrative billiards tournament bearing his name.

Now based in Los Angeles where runs his own home care, the 77-year-old Filipino legend has penciled the inaugural Amang Parica Cup in February in Manila.

Parica, winner of a hundred titles since he turned pro in 1974, said he has been in touch with three private individuals who will help him put up the tournament, including the prize money.

“They’re fighting over it,” said Parica during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room.

“We are looking at P1 million for first prize. Open to everyone,” said Parica, who has the great distinction of winning a race-to-11 contest from the opening break — without missing a single shot.

Parica scored the unmatched feat in the 1997 Legends of 9-Ball tournament backed by the Pro Billiards Tour, where he met Efren “Bata” Reyes in the finals, and defeated the Filipino star.

“Efren is a good friend,” said Parica, a household name in the 1980s. He competed in the 1987 Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta and won the silver. The following year, he was crowned world 9-ball champion.

“I think I beat Efren four times before,” added Parica, who was joined by his son Ramon in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

Parica said the format for his tournament will depend on the number of entries. He’s looking at 256 players kicking off with a nationwide qualifying tournament, with the top 128 seeing action in Manila for the main draw.