By TJ MANOTOC
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Two major billiards tournaments kicked off yesterday at opposite ends of the metropolis, and the geography coincidentally symbolized the controversy hounding the sport.

The Manny Villar Cup is up and going at the Starmall in Alabang where it enjoys the support of the newly formed BMPAP or Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Mandaluyong Mayors Cup also got off the ground yesterday in the other side of town, and that tournament is part of the Philippine Pool Tour, a banner project of the BSCP or Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines.

It will be recalled that early this year the BMPAP led by big-time managers Perry Mariano of Bugsy Promotions, Putch Puyat of Puyat Sports, and Jonathon Sy of Negros Billiards Stable, together with their current crop of players, demanded reforms in the leadership of the BSCP. In particular, they called for the resignation of BSCP head Yen Makabenta.

They allege that Makabenta uses a double standard as he also runs Raya Sports which stages Pro Tournaments. Raya came to prominence when they brought in the World Pool Championships in 2006. They claim people would get confused when they would deal with Makabenta, because it wasn’t clear which group he was representing: BSCP or Raya.

Another complaint was that Makabenta was not letting BSCP focus on the development of the amateur game which is the mandate of their National Sports Association. The NSA is supposed to develop new blood among the amateurs.

Makabenta has consistently denied these allegations and said he has done good for the sport and has the interest of the players at heart.

Torn fans

Amid the pacifying of the Games and Amusement Board led by chairman Eric Buhain, the invisible line that divides the billiard players is more visible than ever. The Villar Cup and the Manadaluyong Cup are the first events of the feuding groups that have gone head to head.

Pinoy billiard fans are torn between two big tournaments that run simultaneously at opposite poles of the Metro. One can argue that, easily, the Villar Cup has the edge in star power.

The Mandalyong Cup boasts of the same top prize, $10,000. But the Villar Cup, on its own, shows it is a two-in-one tournament, with the talent divided for the "Top Gun" and the "Sipag at Tiyaga" divisions for the young upcoming turks.

An ABS-CBN source says Johnny Archer, who is in town on the invitation of the BSCP, was surprised at the line up of players he was up against in the Mandaluyong Tournament. He expressed disappointment to a well known insider of the sport.

Many see this row as a step in the wrong direction for a country blessed with its second wind of international stars with Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcullo, and Roberto Gomez paving the way.