Next in Line

Corteza was ready for the big time when topped the 2007 Philippine National Championships.

Corteza quickly made good by winning the 2007 Philippine National Championship, outlasting a fantastic field of homegrown talent. Sy then laid out a program for Corteza so his new star could get battle-hardened against the best players in the world. Corteza started showing up wherever there were big tournaments - Manila, Taipei, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Derby City, Chesapeake.

The effort clearly paid off. Besides the Philippine national championship in ?07, Corteza won the Turning Stone Classic, was runner-up in the Guinness Tour Finale and finished seventh in the 2008 U.S. Open. But 2009 would be his breakout year. At the Derby City, he won the stacked 16-player 10-Ball Challenge and finished second in the main 9-ball division. Then came the performances at the U.S. Open (fourth) and World 10-Ball Championship (falling to the white-hot Mika Immonen in the final).

On top of his 2010 titles, Corteza has reached a status where he's a real threat to win each and every time out. Fans and players are beginning to see that this casual, boyish 31-year-old is, on the inside, ruthlessly serious about his game and has the unwavering confidence to walk the walk.

"Lee Vann is very intense and focused at the table," said Bill Stock, tournament director for the U.S. Open 10-Ball. "His appearance to most casual observers is that he is relaxed as he smiles a lot, but when he's over the cue ball preparing to shoot he's extremely focused. You can see it in his eyes."

Ralf Souquet, who knows a thing or two about confidence, says he sees it oozing out of Corteza. "He always looks like he can't miss and that's why he is very hard to beat," Souquet said. "His positive vibes at the table make it more difficult for opponents to play against him. He'll be even tougher to beat in the future if he keeps staying on this path."

Success has not come without its detractors, though. Despite his laid-back appearance, there have been whispers, in the Philippines mostly, that Corteza is cocky and arrogant and takes his gift for granted. Those who know Corteza, though, insist this negative portrayal couldn't be further from the truth.

"Some people say he's not disciplined, or he's got a big head, or he thinks he's so good," Sy said. "They don't know Lee Vann. He's extremely disciplined with his pool game. He practices everyday, but he just doesn't do it in public. He's a bit of a loner and he's a very quiet person. But he's straight up and very loyal."

"When Lee Vann goes to pool halls, he just wants to play," said Edgar Acaba, a veteran Filipino pro and good friend of Corteza's. "He doesn't like to hang out and talk. He just practices alone. Some players think he's boastful and arrogant. He's not; it's just that he always moves with confidence."

Corteza has heard the rumors, but chalks it up to an affliction experienced in Philippine society by those who find themselves climbing the ladder of success. "The problem is sometimes people get jealous if you are doing good," Corteza said. "In the Philippines, if you are on top, people try to pull you down. I don't know why."

His keys to handling the inevitable negatives - both on and off the table - are staying positive, staying focused and never forgetting his roots. "If I miss, I laugh it off," he said. "But deep in my heart, I want another chance to prove that I can make the shot. I think positive[ly]. I'm a very determined player."

With his game and life in the groove, this quiet star with the cool swagger rightfully expects more success in the coming months as he travels the globe. Ominously for others, he says he's never been in a slump and expects to keep adding trophies to his mantle.

"After winning the U.S. Open 10-Ball," Corteza said, "I realized I made it. But then I realized I haven't yet won the U.S. Open 9-Ball. "

"I'm still very hungry."

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