MANILA — Teen billiards sensation Bernie “Li’l Prince” Regalario, fresh off a commendable runner-up performance at the Chinese Taipei 9-Ball Open, is set to make his mark at the inaugural Indonesia International Open, taking place at Park Hyatt Jakarta from January 16 to 25.
The Indonesia Open promises substantial cash prizes, with USD25,000 awarded to the champion, USD12,000 to the runner-up, and USD6,000 each for the third and fourth placers. The tournament features a 10-ball event for the adult category and a 9-ball competition for boys aged 17 and under.
Regalario, along with his skilled Marboys Billiards Club teammates – Johann Chua, James Aranas, Anton Raga, Jeffrey Ignacio, Kyle Amoroto, Marvin Asis, and Jeffrey Roda – is geared up for the challenging 10-ball event.
Having faced a defeat at the hands of veteran Carlo Biado in the finals of the Chinese Taipei Open, Regalario is determined to bounce back and showcase his prowess on the international stage.
During a press conference held in Jakarta last December, Hary Tanoesoedibjo, the general chairperson of the Indonesian Billiards Sports Association, expressed the association’s commitment to the sport’s development. Inspired by the victory of their 14-year-old prodigy, Derin Asaku Sitorus, in the WPA World Junior 10-Ball Championships in Klagenfurt, Austria, in October 2023, they aim to capitalize on the momentum and elevate the stature of billiards in the country.
(el Amigo/MNM)