Down, 3-8, in the race-to-10 semifinals, Alcano strung up five straight racks to draw level and held his nerves at the finish to pull off the great escape.

Orcollo, ranked No. 1 in the world, was first to reach the hill, 9-8, but failed to stop Alcano’s stirring comeback.

"The break went against me in the early goings and I missed a number of shots, which Dennis took advantage of. Good thing I was able to regain my top form," said Alcano.

Souquet earned the other final berth after he outlasted Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 10-8, in the other semifinal.

Souquet is no stranger to Alcano. The two clashed during the World 9-Ball final two years ago in Manila which Alcano won.

"I hope it’s going to be déjà vu," said Alcano. "But that was 9-Ball and this is 8-Ball, and this is a different kind of game. Just pray that the result will be the same."

Since topping this event last year, Alcano has gone winless in major international competitions. He had a disappointing stint in the World 9-ball championship last year.

His only success came in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand where he captured the gold medal in 8-ball.

Alcano, however, had a good run of form this week. He thrashed Italian Bruno Muratore, 10-5, in the quarterfinals.

History is not on Alcano’s side. No player in the last 17 years has defended the World 8-Ball — and World 9-Ball for that matter.

Despite his lofty ranking, Orcollo has yet to win a world title.

He appeared invincible this week and had Alcano on the ropes, highlighting his solid play with some spectacular shots.

But the resilient Alcano plodded on and played better in the end.

But Orcollo, gracious in defeat, said he’s hoping that Alcano will get the way and get the job done for the country.

"It really doesn’t matter how you started the match but how you finished. I failed to sustain my good start and Ronnie got better in the end, so he really deserved to win," said Orcollo.