It’s RP vs Korea in Mixed doubles finals

MANILA — Efren “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen Amit proved to be the perfect foil against today’s most dominant continent in the pool scene.

Reyes and Amit showed off the playing form that made them toasts of Philippine pool by vanquishing Team Europe’s Mika Immonen and Borana Andoni, 7-1, in the 2009 World Mixed Doubles Classic Wednesday at the Nuvo City Lifestyle Center in Libis, Quezon City.

Thus, they advanced to the finals against Team Korea. The title match is set on Thursday.

“We know the caliber of the European players. They are tough to beat,” said Reyes, the 1999 World Pool Champion and four-time world 8-ball winner. “I think we just caught them on an off day.”

Immonen was inconsistent throughout the match.

“I played a horrible game,” admitted Immonen, who retained his US Open title and won the World Ten Ball Championship this year.

Team Europe still has a shot for third place in the $12,000 tournament supported by Puyat Sports, ABS-CBN Sports, ESPN-Star Sports and the Philippine Star.

Team Korea secured the first seat in the finals of the event presented by Nuvo Land Philippines, Inc. and Dragon Promotions by beating Team Philippines B, 7-3. The pair of Charlie Williams and Eun Ji Park topped Group B with a 2-0 mark.

Team Philippines B, composed of 2009 World Ten Ball Championship finalist Lee Van Corteza and Fil-Am Shanelle Loraine, will face Team USA’s Shane Van Boening and Amy Chen in the evening session for the right to play in the battle for third.

The loser would meet the winless Team Japan.