The country’s campaign in the Guangzhou Asian Games suffered a major blow when billiards ace Antonio Gabica decided not to defend his 9-ball crown, his manager Perry Mariano disclosed Wednesday.

Mariano said Gabica, who won the gold in Doha four years ago, is passing up his stint in quadrennial meet since he is now based in Kuwait where he’s employed as an instructor.

Gabica, who is said to be getting a huge monthly pay check, did not attend the meeting called by the Billiards and Snooker Council of the Philippines last Wednesday.

Mariano said that lack of moneyed tournaments in the country has forced Gabica, also a silver medal winner in 8-ball singles in Doha, to look for greener pasture and he found it in Kuwait.

“He’s just one of the many other players who have moved out,” said Mariano, adding that his ace player, former double world champion Ronnie Alcano and other pool stars are also contemplating of working abroad.

Mariano said the governments of Qatar, Kuwait, Dubai and Iran have standing offers of $3,000 (roughly P134,000) monthly for Alcano and company to teach national players in these countries.