A year ago many people in the industry would have asked who?, when faced with the name Marlon Manalo. The Filipino based former snooker player realised he couldn't earn a living in Asia from snooker so turned his hand to 9-ball. What a decision that turned out to be.

He was disappointed with the APBU about not being given a spot in the 2004 WPC by right, he then proceeded to prove his point by making a run to the last 16. That run confirmed his place for this years World Pool Championships.

In the last week he has won two big tournaments in the USA, The Reno Open ($12000) and then the 9-ball event at the Hard Times Jamboree. What better preparation could he have gained for this years WPC which starts on the 2nd July in the Taiwan city of Khaoisung.

He has shown a great amount of promise in the last year and had some excellent results on the San Miguel Asian Tour. Marlon Manalo is just another in a long line of Filipino cue sport geniuses. Can he follow in the footsteps of Bustamante and Reyes?

Obviously only time will tell but with his current form he would be a good bet going into this years WPC. So keep your eyes open.