Local billiards ace Jericho Banares bowed out of competition after losing to Toh Lian Han of Singapore in the Philippine Open Pool Championship at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

It was the second straight loss for Banares, reigning national junior champ, who absorbed a 7-9 beating from the Singaporean. He earlier lost to Scot Jonni Fulcher in the first round.

According to RayaSports.com, Banares was eliminated a day after Mario Tolentino pulled off a stunning upset against the world’s No.1 player, Ralf Souquet of Germany.

Former Asian snooker king Marlon Manalo also received a 7-9 beating from Indonesian Rudi Susanto in the second round Thursday, relegating the Filipino to the losers’ bracket.

Other Filipinos who got booted out were Jonas Magpantay, Luis Saberdo, Edgar Acaba, Elvis Calasang, Arnel Bautista, Marvin Tapia and Elmer Kalaquian.

Meanwhile, Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica vanquished Bin Amir Ibrahim, 9-2, even as Jeffrey de Luna ripped fellow Filipino Jestoni Magadia, 9-2.

The two Filipinos joined Tolentino and Demosthenes “Plong-Plong” Pulpul as the only undefeated Filipinos in the tournament. With a report from Marlon Bernardino