Filipino billiards champion Ben Lavapie takes on the field at the Eight-Ball Open championship in Sydney on October 29-30.
Strathfield-based Lavapie, who won the Lucky Australia NSW Eight-Ball championship in 2010, is a member of the Filipino Cue Artists of Sydney based in the western suburbs.
Group captain Raffy Sibug, of Dundas, said membership has grown slowly since formation last year.
“There are 14 regular Filipino cue artists in our group today, with more joining as we become better known,” Sibug said. “We are a loose group with no set structure of officers and such.
“Members meet and compete every Sunday afternoon at different venue, mainly members’ homes, for some prizemoney. Some of us go compete in mainstream tournaments around Sydney.”
Members playing an early round at Plumpton last Sunday were Adrian de la Cruz, of Dundas; Arnold Manalac, Edwin Manalac, and Deng Magsakay,of Mount Druitt; Manny Hipolito, of Plumpton; Gio Cruz, of Campbtlltown; and Paul Ramos, of Padstow.
Others were expected to join the group later in the afternoon.
“We are aware that Filipinos like the game of billiards for leisure and competition, and it’s the reason why we decided to form a group that would meet and play regularly,” Sibug said.
People who wish to join the group may email cuefilipino@yahoo.com.au or ring Raffy Sibug on 9638 0651 or 0416 498 201.
