Cue masters Alan Cuartero and Jonas Magpantay won separate slots in the upcoming Philippine Open after emerging triumphant in the tournament qualifier at the Star Billiards Center.

A report by AZBilliards.com said that Kuwait-based Cuartero breezed through the double-elimination tournament by winning five straight matches, including a 13-7 victory over 15-year-old Magpantay.

Mindoro native Magpantay, meanwhile, took the second spot by beating Archie Padal of Davao 13-10 in the final match of the losers’ bracket.

The two will join seven other Filipino players in the main tournament of the Philippine Open.

One group consists of top players in the Billiards Snooker Congress of the Philippines rankings that include Jericho Banares, Jeffrey De Luna, Leonardo Didal, Mario Tolentino, and Demosthenes Pulpul.

Three other players – Ronnie Alcano, Warren Kiamco and Dennis Orcullo – will receive slots by virtue of their places in the world rankings of the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA).

They will see action against a formidable line-up of foreigners from Europe, America, and Asia that includes world champions Ralf Souquet of Germany, Darren Appleton of Great Britain, and Ko Pin Yi of Chinese Taipei.

The Philippine Open will kick off on May 26 at the SM Megamall, Megatrade Hall 2, and will conclude on May 31.