Dennis “The Robocop” Orcollo repulsed the spirited rally of compatriot Steve Villamil, 9-6, to jumpstart his title bid even as defending champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain waylaid his rival at the start of the second World Ten Ball Championship at the World Trade Center in Manila.

Though Orcollo took an early 7-4, he found Villamil a tough customer as the qualifier rallied to within 6-7 after pouncing on Orcollo’s scratch on the 12th rack.

Appleton stamped his class over Tey Choon Kiat of Singapore, 9-5.

However, it was Thomasz Kaplan of Poland who posted the biggest win by stunning world No. 1 Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-6.

Villamil tried to extend his streak but got stymied when he missed the No. 3 ball in the 14th, allowing Orcollo to clear the open layout for the win.

“It’s a good start,” Orcollo, who became the first Filipino to advance to the Round of 64, said in Filipino. “It’s partly sad for me because I beat a Filipino. But that’s part of the game,’ added Orcollo, the reigning Predator world champion.

Kaplan, on the other hand, battled back from a 2-6 deficit to frustrate Souquet and advance to the winner’s bracket.

“It could happen to anybody, especially in our group where anybody could beat anybody,” said Souquet, who dropped to the loser’s bracket but still remain in contention provided that he prevails in his next game. “He was composed in coming back. I knew he”s capable of winning because I’ve faced him in the European circuit.”

Not fortunate was Allan Cuartero, who bowed to Naoyuki Ooi of Japan, 5-9.

Six other Filipinos, including Emil Martinez, Jomar De Ocampo, Jeffrey De Luna, Demosthenes Pulpul, and Ronnie Alcano, were playing against foreign rivals at press time.