MANILA, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Wednesday wished good luck and congratulated the members of the Philippine billiards team for the World Pool Championship later this month in Chinese Taipei.

    "Our world champions, congratulations and good luck," Arroyo said when the five seeded Filipinos made their courtesy call on her at the presidential palace.

    Efren "Bata" Reyes, 1999 world champion, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, currently world number one, Warren Kiamco, Lee Van Corteza and Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego were seeded direct into the championship.

    Arroyo said she hopes to see the Filipino champions again in the palace when they "bring home the bacon."

    Arroyo said it is just appropriate to highlight the sports of billiards "as we have world class champions" and the game being a "natural sport" for Filipinos. Her father President Diosdado Macapagal played it as a relaxation, Arroyo said.

    "I hope our young Filipinos can reach your height," she said.

    At least five other Filipinos who have qualified for the world championship slated for July 10-21 in Taipei.

    The Philippines team would leave Thursday for Taipei, accordingto team manager Rolando Vicente. Enditem