Born: December 29, 1963, Tarlac, Philippines
Cue: Bear
Sponsors: Dynamic Billard, Germany
Nickname: Django


Francisco Bustamante started playing pool when he was just 10 years old. His sister had a small restaurant in which, not far from it, was a billiard cafe where he would always go and play pool. He would go crazy when somebody beat him because he didn't want to lose. He looked like Franco Nero who played Django in the old wild west films. That's where his nickname came from.

In his professional career, he won The Munich Masters, the German 9-ball Championship, and the Japan 9-ball Champion which made him one of billiards greatest international stars. In 1998, Django won the Camel Riviera 8-ball Open, the Camel Tulsa 9-ball Open and the Camel Columbus 10-ball, which was the first ever Camel trifecta. He also won the Sands Regency Open that year.

 

His signature shot is the behind-the-back shot, and he has a graceful style at the table. Django also holds the record for the most powerful break in billiards at 43 mph.

His most recent performance at the 2007 World Pool Championship was a heartbreaker. He was ahead one point and on the hill when his shot was ruled a foul, which cost him the tournament. It was a controversial decision by the referee, which didn't sit well with Django.

When Efren Reyes and Jose Parica retire their cues, many believe Django will continue the Filipino onslaught in the world pool scene. With a lot of young Filipino players, that is yet to be seen.

 

2007 Winnings: $54,344.00

2007 Tournament Results:

$2,000.00 3rd Derby City Classic Master of the Table Bonus
$3,600.00 3rd Derby City Classic One Pocket Event
$4,400.00 3rd Derby City Classic 9-Ball Event
$10,000.00 1st place UPA US Pro Tour Championship
$2,500.00 7th place enjoypool.com 9-Ball Championship Mens Division
$2,500.00 5th place Predator World 10-Ball Championship
$3,400.00 3rd place World Summit of Pool
$3,500.00 1st place Hard Times Summer Jamboree 9-Ball Division
$3,000.00 1st place Hard Times Summer Jamboree One Pocket Division
$2,194.00 3rd place San Miguel Beer Philippine 9-Ball Open
$5,000.00 5th place 2007 World Cup of Pool
$1,000.00 2nd place Q-Masters US Open Warm Up One Pocket Event
$1,250.00 25th US Open 9-Ball Championship
$10,000.00 5th place 2007 World Pool Championship

2006 Winnings: $108,495.00
2005 Winnings: $140,272.00
2004 Winnings: $48,200.00
2003 Winnings: $118,975.00
2002 Winnings: $122,800.00
2001 Winnings: $41,030.00
2000 Winnings: $61,830.00


References:
http://azbilliards.com/thepros/2000showplayer2007.cfm?playernum=223
http://www.azbilliards.com/interviews/francisco1.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Bustamante