Billiards Digest - Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More

Predator 10-Ball Championship in Round 2
May 14, 2008, 6:13 PM

Van Boening will begin his first match this afternoon.

On the second day of play, the field at the Predator International 10-Ball Championship is beginning to narrow.

On the left side of the star-studded 96-player bracket, the first elimination matches are underway. On the right side, players are in the second round.

Held at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the Predator 10-Ball Championship features players from 23 countries. The United States boasts a contingent of 33 players, headlined by reigning champion Shane Van Boening.

Last year's event — held in St. Petersburg, Fla. — was a coming out party for Van Boening. Weeks after finishing second at the EnjoyPool.com 9-Ball Open, the young South Dakotan snapped off his first major title. This time around, Van Boening is set to face Deo Alpajora after receiving a bye in the first round.

A strong presence from Asia is headlined by seven Filipinos, including Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, who both have yet to begin play.

Interesting third-round matchups, that will get underway tomorrow, include Gabe Owen facing Ralf Souquet and a showdown of Scandinavians between Sweden's Marcus Chamat and Finn Mika Immonen.

Live scoring is available at www.predator10ball.com. Registration is required but is free of charge.