Ronato Alcano

Ronato Alcano

Ronato Alcano in the 2006 World Pool Championship at thePhilippine International Convention Center
Born	(1972-07-27)27 July 1972 Calamba,Laguna,Philippines
Sport country	Philippines
Nickname	"RonnieCalamba","the Volcano "
Poolgames	Eight-ball,nine-ball,ten-ball,rotation
Tournament wins
World Champion	Eight-ball(2007), Nine-ball(2006)
Medal record RepresentingPhilippines Men'sEight-Ball Southeast Asian Games 2007 Nakhon Ratchasima Singles 2009 Vientiane Singles Men'sRotation Southeast Asian Games 2005 Manila Singles 2005 Manila Doubles

Ronato (Ronnie) Alcano(pronounced al-kah-no) (born 27 July 1972 inCalamba,Laguna,Philippines), is aFilipinoprofessionalpoolplayer, nicknamed "RonnieCalamba"and" the Volcano ". He won both the2006 WPA World Nine-ball Championshipand the2007 WPA World Eight-ball Championship.

Career history

After graduating in elementary school, Alcano didn't proceed to high school due to financial problems. He then opted to play pool for a living.

Alcano's recognitions in the Philippines began with his performances at the 2000Rising Stars Tournament.By the final, he was highly favored to win the title, yet in the final match (araceto 13), Alcano lost toEdgar Acababy just a rack short, 13–12. Despite having a 12–7 advantage, Alcano missed while only three balls away. Acaba then returned to the table and won the needed 6 racks in a row to win the match and the title.

In 2002, Alcano began to make a name for himself, and began competing in major events in the US. He won five tournaments in theJoss Tourand was awarded Rookie of the Year for 2002 by azbilliards.com.

Alcano returned to the East, for the 2005WPA Asian Nine-ball Tour,winning theManilatournament (11-6 versusYang Ching-shun), and qualifying for the world championship.

Coming in as an underdog, Alcano upsetGermanRalf Souquetin the finals, 17 to 11 at the 2006WPA Men's World Nine-ball Championship.ESPNcommentatorGerry Forsythsaid, "the only way to stop Alcano is to put a rattlesnake in his pocket, then ask him for a match" about Alcano's performance. He thus became the third Filipino to become World Champion, afterEfren ReyesandAlex Pagulayan.In the November 2006 tournament, Alcano had been on the brink of elimination in group play before taking advantage of a soft break. He won just 1 of 3 group matches and scraped through as the 64th and final seed. Alcano then defeated local favorite Reyes and defending championWu Chia-chingin the knockout stages, proceeding to the final. For winning the tournament, Alcano wonUS$100,000 which is the largest first prize ever won in the world nine-ball championship.

In 2007, Alcano won theWPA World Eight-ball Championshipby defeating his compatriotDennis Orcolloin the final match 11–8.

On 16 September 2007, Alcano finished second toAntonio Gabicain thePhilippine Nine-ball Open.

In an attempt to defend his title at the 2007 World Nine-ball Championship, Alcano was bested in the last 64 byDaryl Peachof theUnited Kingdomwho ultimately won the title.

On 11 December 2007, Ronato Alcano won the Philippines' 31st gold medal in the 24thSoutheast Asian GamesMen's 8-Ball Pool Singles at the Sima Thani Hotel Grand Ballroom.

On 25 April 2008, Ronnie Alcano lost his title at the World 8-Ball Championships inFujairahCity,United Arab Emirates.Germany'sRalf Souquetwon the $60,000 championship prize, 13–9 final score.

On 26 October 2008, Alcano lost toMika Immonenin the $250,000 33rdUS Open Nine-ball Championship,where 237 billiards players competed inChesapeake, Virginia.Mika claimed the 13–7 victory against Alcano, who settled for $20,000.

Nicknames and monikers

During his early days of competing in the Philippines, Alcano was nicknamed "Calamba" which is a reference to his hometown in the country (see above). But when he started participating in US-based tournaments, some commentators mispronounced his last name as al-kay-no. Thus, the nickname "Volcano" was addressed.

Title and achievements

• 2012 Championship Cloth Pro Classic Nine-ball
• 2012 Chuck Markulis Memorial Nine-ball
• 2010 Star Billiards Ten-ball
• 2010PattayaNine-ball Invitational
• 2009 Galveston Classic Eight-ball
• 2009Southeast Asian Games Eight-ball Singles
• 2007Southeast Asian Games Eight-ball Singles
• 2007 San Miguel Beer Nine-ball Challenge
• 2007WPA World Eight-ball Championship
• 2006Philippine Sportsman of the Year
• 2006WPA World Nine-ball Championship
• 2005San Miguel Asian Nine-ball Tour(Manila leg)
• 2005Southeast Asian Games Rotation Doubles
• 2005Southeast Asian Games Rotation Singles

External links

• Article on his 2006 World Nine-ball Championship victory