FORMER world junior representative Jericho Banares ruled the 1st Project-EX 10-Ball Open on Sunday night at Project-EX Sports Bar & Resto in Iloilo City.
The Antipolo, Rizal native defeated Johann Chua in the gold medal round, 11-6. Banares bagged the top prize of P100,000 plus trophy, while Chua settled for P50,000 plus trophy.
On their way to the championship round of the five-day tournament, Banares defeated Roland Garcia, 11-9, while Chua outlasted Jeffrey Ignacio, 11-4, in the other final four matches.
Garcia, meanwhile, salvaged a third place finish and a cash prize of P25,000 after beating Ignacio in the battle for third game match, 5-2. The latter took home P10,000.
Taking home P5,000 each for reaching the quarterfinals round were Filipino billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, Jekjek Alongsagay, Harry Vergara, Marphy Baroa and Romar Villones./PN