MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Dennis Orcollo stamped his class on unheralded Nasser Al Mujaibel of Kuwait, 7-4, in the opening day of the 2012 World 8-Ball Championship in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

According to World Pool-Billiard Association Press Officer Ted Lerner, Orcollo had a few shaky moments in his match versus Mujaibel.

The game was actually tied at 4-all in the 8th rack before Orcollo clustered 3 straight racks for a 7-4 win and a spot in the Final 64 of the $156,000-tournament.

“I missed some easy shots,” said Orcollo, top player of Bugsy Promotions. “The pockets are very tight and the table is new so I had to make some adjustments. I’m still focused and I’m confident I can win this thing again.”

The tournament offers $20,000 to the top winner.

Corteza, Alba enter Last 64
Orcollo’s fellow Filipinos Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and Joven "Snooker Specialist" Alba also made it to the Last 64.

Corteza, playing under the banner of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable (NBS), edged Dominic Jentsch of Germany (7-6), while Alba defeated countryman Elvis Calasang (7-2). – By Marlon Bernardino