Filipino pool player wins US 9-Ball Open Championship for the first time in 27 years

Biado is only the second Filipino to win the event after Efren “Bata” Reyes.

Filipino pool player wins US 9-Ball Open Championship for the first time in 27 years
(Image: Match Room Pool)

La Union native Carlo Biado cements himself in history books after mounting a stunning comeback to win the 2021 US 9-Ball Open Championship held last Sunday at the Harrah’s Resort in New Jersey.

Biado was behind his opponent, Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp when he pulled off a valiant upset and snared ten straight racks on his way to a 13-8 victory. 

“I’m very happy because this event is one of my dreams,” said an emotional Biado in front of the cheering fans in Atlantic City. “This is the best time of my life.”

37-year-old Biado is only one of two Filipinos who ruled the 9-ball tournament, with the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes being the first one to do so back in 1994. 

Filipino-Canadian Alex Pagulayan also swept the 2005 edition of the prestigious event, but he joined the fray as a Canadian contender. 

In his victory post on Instagram, a still-speechless Biado thanked his family, sponsors, and all the Filipinos who supported him en route to his triumphant win. He also expressed his kudos to Yapp for an outstanding duel and swears that the Singaporean is also set to be a champion in his own time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CT-9dJXlhKu/

Aside from the traditional green jacket and the golden US Open trophy, Biado also brought home the grand prize of $50,000 (about P2.5 million), while Yapp bagged the runner-up pot of $25,000 (about P1.2 million). 

Other Filipino bets who managed to reach the quarterfinals also received monetary rewards. Dennis Orcollo, whom Yapp toppled on his way to the final match, got $12,500 (about P625,000) while Johann Gonzales Chua and Rodrigo Geronimo each banked $6,750 (about P330,000).

There have been numerous Filipinos who have made it to the championship clash. Orcollo fought twice for the title back in 2012 and 2014, same with Ronnie Alcano who also fell short of gold twice back in 2007 and 2008, and Jose Parica in 2003 and 2005. Lee Vann Corteza and Rodolfo Luat both finished second as well in 2013 and 2006, respectively.

Efren Reyes himself was a runner-up in the competition in the three years following his 1994 success. Needless to say, there has been no shortage of Filipino greatness on the green table!

Art Daniella Sison

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