FILIPINO pool legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante and compatriot Mark Estiola bounced back from separate losses to stay in title contention in the 2025 Las Vegas 10-Ball Open at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino on Saturday (Philippine time), February 22.

Bustamante was relegated to the loser’s bracket after losing to Ralf Soquet, 2-4, 3-4, the other day. The 61-year-old cue artist got back on the winning track by defeating Canada’s Ericson Vargas, 4-0, 4-3.

With the win, Bustamante forged a crucial match against 2002 Asian Games champion Randal Bagot.

On the other hand, Estiola also stayed alive by scoring an easy 4-0, 4-1 win over American Shane Winters. He will next face another American in Tony Chohan.

Estiola was also relegated to the losers’ qualification of the 128-player field after bowing to Fil-Canadian Alex Pagulayan, 4-2, 4-2.

Other Filipinos who stayed in title contention in the tournament that dangles $125,000 cash purse were Roberto Gomez and Jeff De Luna.

Gomez survived Norway’s Emil Gangflot, 4-2, 3-4, 4-3, while De Luna drubbed Another American Tim Tonjum, 4-0, 4-2.

Polish opponents await Gomez and De Luna with the former facing Daniel Maciol and the latter battling Mateusz Sniegocki next.(CCM)

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• #Mark Estiola
• #2025 Las Vegas 10-Ball Open
• #Sports