Great pool and billiard players have one thing in common — they played the game at a very early age and grew up in billiard halls. Francisco Bustamante is no exception. He first picked up a cue when he was 12 years old and played every day in the billiard hall owned by his brother in Tarlac, Philippines. Soon, he was playing so well he sought tougher competition in neighboring towns, encountering Lori De Leon, one of the best pool players in Tarlac province at the time. In 1985, he went to Manila and played around the country, particularly at the Puyat-owned Coronado Lanes and Rustan’s in Cubao, Quezon City. There, he matched skills with Jose Parica, Efren Reyes, and other legends.
Bustamante stunned spectators with a strong showing and became recognized as a future heir to Parica and Reyes
In his first major international tournament in 1988 — the World 9-Ball Open — he stunned spectators with a strong showing and became recognized as a future heir to Parica and Reyes. Bustamante was born on December 29, 1963, in Tarlac. He was nicknamed “Django” after the fearless hero in a popular Western movie, a name fitting his fearless style on the pool table.
In 1990, a German visitor invited him to compete in Europe, where he honed his game and gained respect. By 1992, he started competing on the U.S. Pro-Billiard Tour, winning his first U.S. tournament in 1993 at the Bicycle Club Casino in Los Angeles, defeating the then-World #1 Earl Strickland. Bustamante became known for his graceful style and his signature “behind-the-back” shot. As a World Champion, his career has epitomized fearlessness and accomplishment.
Meanwhile, Ramon Mistica added another title to his achievements, winning the monthly 9-Ball Tournament at Breaktime Billiards in Modesto, CA. He defeated Mike Mitchelle in the finals with a score of 7-3.