Francisco "Django" Bustamante is out for what could be his toughest mission.

The reigning world 9-ball champion plans to lead a group of world-class players in a campaign to include billiards in the Olympics.

"I think it's time," Bustamante, 46, said during an interview in his house in Parañaque City. "The Filipinos are the best in the sport and we have to grab that opportunity."

For the past five decades, billiards officials have tried but failed to gain recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The latest word from the IOC is that billiards won't be part of the 2012 London and the 2016 Games, according to Ian Anderson, president of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).

But this does not deter Bustamante who believes billiards will be included in 2012 or 2016 if given enough push by the sport’s top stars and organizers.

Bustamante said he will do his share by encouraging players and officials to revive the lobbying again when he accepts his induction to the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame on October 21 in Chesapeake, Virginia.

"I really don't know where to start. The only thing I know is we should be united in our stand," said Bustamante, who will join hands with his best friend Efren "Bata" Reyes to defend their World Cup crown starting on Tuesday at the Robinson's Place in Manila.

"Imagine me and Efren and other young Filipinos playing for the country in the Olympics. We could have won many (gold) medals right now."

Yen Makabenta, president of Raya Sports, said in his coulmn in AZ Billards. com that the lobby for billiards’ inclusion in the Olympics dates as far back as 1950s.

But the early effort was put to naught because the sport had a hard time complying with the definition of the sport under the Olympic Charter. It had also had no unified organization.