MANILA – After getting a taste of his first international tournament at home, 16-year-old Filipino cue artist Jaybee Sucal is looking forward to competing overseas.
Sucal started off strong in the inaugural Philippines Open on Tuesday, edging Paul John Ortega, 10-9, in his first official tournament match at Gateway 2 Mall, Cubao, Quezon City.
The crowd favorite put up a valiant stand against World No. 13 David Alcaide on Thursday, rallying back to force a hill-hill battle.
Sucal conceded after a crucial miss on the eight ball, with Alcaide taking the 10-9 win.
The young Filipino player interacted with his supporters during the match, even hugging Alcaide after he fumbled in the final rack.
"Siyempre masaya ako. Nandito rin kasi lahat ng mga sumuporta sa akin, sobrang saya para sa akin. Kaya nagpapasalamat [ako sa kanila]," Sucal told reporters after the match.
(Of course I’m happy. All the people who support me are here, so I’m very happy. I’m very thankful [for them].)
"Wala naman sa isip ko na mananalo ako. Siyempre, ipaglaban natin yung Pilipinas. Saka ano lang, disgrasya lang yung pagkatalo. Nasa akin na yung panalo nabitawan ko lang. Nadisgrasya lang talaga," he said.
(I wasn’t thinking that I was going to win. Of course, I was here to fight for the Philippines. Also I just made a crucial error so I lost. I already had the win, but I let it slip away. It was a huge error.)
Despite the tough loss, the 16-year-old was happy to compete in his first international tournament.
"Hindi ako mahilig ma-pressure pressure. Wala akong pressure. Sanay na kasi. Saka first time ko nakasali ng international. Kaya salamat sa nag-support sa akin," Sucal said.
(I don’t get easily pressured. I don’t feel any pressure. I’m used to it. And it’s my first time to join an international tournament. So I’m thankful to all those who supported me.)
He is looking forward to play for the flag overseas, once he gets his passport.
"Dito lang sa Manila [ako] makasali. Wala [akong] passport. Paano [ako] makasali? Yes magtutuloy tuloy. Pag magka-passport na ako, lagi na akong sasali sa ibang bansa," Sucal explained.
(I can only join [tournaments] here in Manila because I don’t have a passport. So how I can join [overseas]? Yes hopefully this will continue. When I have a passport, I will always join competitions abroad.)
"Kung may tutulong sana sa sakin magawa na yung passport ko. Maraming salamat yun sa kanila para makasali ako siya naman sa kanila para makasali na ako sa ibang bansa. Gustong gusto ko na rin sumali talaga lagi," he added.
(If someone will help me with my passport, I would be very grateful to them. It would help me join other international tournaments abroad. I really want to keep competing.)
The veteran Spanish pool player said he was not surprised when Sucal mounted a comeback to force the decider.
"I saw him in some social media when he plays money game. He's a really good player. Also when he was under a big pressure, he plays much better. I tried to stay focused. He [Sucal] has bad decisions when he go to the six," Alcaide said.
The World No. 13 player said the future looks bright for the young Filipino.
"I think this kid, when [he] grows up and old he will be so much better. For sure AJ Manas and him are the future in Philippine pool," Alcaide said.
"It’s not a matter about which number I am in the ranking or he is in the ranking. You look at him in the table it's like [he's] a superstar. Now billiards, everybody come to beat everybody... You need to have luck in every match and play well," he shared.
Up next for Alcaide is Filipino pool player Michael Baoanan in the Last 16 on Friday in the same venue.