MANILA, Philippines – Lee Vann Corteza, this year’s second placer in the World Ten-Ball Championships (WTBC), is now ranked No. 4 in the world, based on the rankings released by the World Pool-Billiard Association.

Corteza, the prize-fighter of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable, collected a total of 1,175 points, including 800 points from his runner-up finish in the 2009 WTBC.

He lost to eventual champion Mika Immonen of Finland in the finals of the tournament held at the World Trade Center in Manila.

Immonen took the No.1 spot with a total 2,117 points, including 1,000 points by winning the WTBC. Immonen also defended his US Open title last September in Chesapeake, Virginia.

The Finn surpassed erstwhile World No.1 Ralf Souquet of Germany who notched a total 1,209 points for No.2 spot.

Darren Appleton of Great Britain, last year’s World Ten Ball champion, was at No.3.

Another Filipino player – Marlon Manalo – is also included in the top 10.

The former Asian Snooker champion and reigning Philippine national champion is ranked 10th in the world.

Reigning Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica also improved to No.17.

Antonio Lining came out of nowhere and found himself at 21st spot.

Jeff de Luna, previously the highest-ranked Filipino player at No.7, dropped to 20th spot while former No.8 Demosthenes Pulpul went down to 40 in a tie with compatriots former World No.1 Dennis Orcullo and the up-and-coming Jomar de Ocampo.

Chinese player Wang Ming, Thomas Engert of Germany and Nick van den Berg of the Netherlands also occupy 40th place. -- by Marlon Bernardino