American billiards icon Earl Strickland has always been known for his composure and grace under pressure, despite his notorious fiery demeanor.
The steady concentration of the 64-year-old former world champion was the big difference when he outplayed fellow legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante in a convincing 11-6 win in the final to rule the WNT Legends 9-ball tournament Friday at the Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City.
Strickland, known as “The Pearl” back in the day, exploited the uncharacteristic misses by Bustamante to emerge on top of the three-day tournament, which also featured cue greats Ralf Souquet of Germany and the ageless Efren “Bata” Reyes.
The three-time World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World 9-Ball championship winner broke a 5-5 tie in the race-to-11 showdown by taking the next two racks.
Bustamante, who trailed after the first four racks following a series of sorry misses, stole the 13th rack before Strickland took the next four to seal the victory.
“I didn’t break well at all, but I played well, and that’s always been my asset. What I always have that is great is that I can shoot. But I still don’t know how to kick,” the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Famer quipped.
“I stayed steady. My game was strong. I was parking the ball well. I was getting on most of the time and that was the key to my win.”
Strickland always knew Bustamante was one hard nut to crack. In fact, the Filipino cueist beat the visiting legend, 11-9, in the opener last Wednesday.
“I was thinking how many times I’ve beaten him. I think it’s maybe five or six. He’s beaten me like 30 times,” Strickland said.
However, Strickland was steadier this time compared to his 62-year-old rival.
Bustamante had a chance to clear the 17th rack, but his corner pocket shot on the 8-ball rattled out as Strickland got back to the table to claim the win.
“It seemed like when he’s getting a little bit long on the table, he’s in trouble with his shots. He missed a couple of shots that I think he shouldn’t miss but it’s the nerves. Nerves play a role,” Strickland said.
Bustamante, the 2010 World 9-Ball champion, couldn’t agree more.
“It’s a great experience meeting and playing them (billiards legends) once again. But my shots weren’t as great in the finals. It’s just bad. I think it really feels different as you age,” he said.
“But it can’t be helped. It’s not like the old times. Anyway, at least I got second place. I’m just grateful to all the fans who came here and watched us play.”
Meanwhile, Souquet defeated Reyes in a tight 11-9 win in the battle for third place.
The 57-year-old Souquet got back at Reyes in the 19th rack after the 71-year-old great tied the game at 9-9 with a 1-9 combination in the 18th rack.
He finished off Bata in the 20th rack to take third place for a sweet revenge from an 8-11 loss in Day 1 of this three-day spectacle that saw the world’s most iconic cue artists competing for pride and glory.