MORE popularly known by his nickname Dodong Diamond, James Aranas is one of the most feared cue artists in the local billiards circuit. He has won countless local tournaments and lost some, but not after “killing some giants” along the way.
But his recent World Cup victory in Spain has suddenly put him on the elite list of the new generation of billiards masters, like his World Cup partner and long-time friend Johann Chua and Carlo Biado.
His luck continued as he extended his win streak in a week’s span, winning the Bandung 10 Ball Open against some of Asia’s best, including Chua.
“If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up yet. I ended up winning this event. Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings I am receiving right now. I can get used to this and I will keep thanking you and all the people that helped me get where I am now and where I’m going,” said the 31-year-old Davaoeno.
But there’s one thing that remains a dream for Aranas.
“Ang pangarap ko po talaga is maging national athlete. Gusto kong dalhin ang bandera ng Pilipinas tuwing lalaban ako,” said Aranas in his talk with members of the Philippine Sportswriters Association.
Aranas said he is just waiting for the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines to hold a national tryout so that he could participate.
“Whatever it takes po, gagawin ko talagang makapasok sa national team,” he added.
Aranas has long been competing as a professional shortly after playing together with Chua in their elementary days in Baesa, Quezon City.
“Actually si James, ready hinog na hinog na ‘yan for national team. Sana magkaroon na ng qualifying para magkasama na din kami,” said Chua, a national team member for several years now.
The World Cup pair will compete again in the coming $100,000 Sharks International 9-Ball Open slated on July 24 to 29 at the Sharks Arena along Tomas Morato in Quezon City.