Filipino pool star Johann Chua is gearing up for a new challenge as he represents Team Asia in the inaugural Reyes Cup, fresh off his triumph at the Hanoi Open. The Filipino champion recently cemented his status as one of the top billiard players in the world by winning his first major world nine-ball title, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Ko Pin Yi 13-7 in the finals.
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— ℙ𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕡 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕟 𝕄𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕝 (@philipptionary) October 14, 2024
Johann Chua proud on winning the Hanoi Open, as well as expressing excitement for the Reyes Cup. | @RapplerSports pic.twitter.com/foQdal04g4
Chua’s performance in Vietnam not only highlighted his skills but also secured him a spot in Team Asia as the second overall pick for the prestigious Reyes Cup.
The Hanoi Open, held at the Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium on Sunday, October 13, saw Chua rise to the occasion in front of a global audience. The event was packed with tension, skill, and high-level performances, but it was Chua who outplayed his competition to clinch the title. For the 32-year-old pool star, this victory marked a significant milestone in his career, bringing home a major world title after years of honing his craft on the international circuit.
Beating Ko Pin Yi, a world-renowned player from Chinese Taipei, in a decisive 13-7 match not only showcased Chua’s abilities but also reinforced his reputation as a fierce competitor. Chua’s victory wasn’t just personal; it was a win for the Filipino pool community, which has a long and storied history in the sport.
Following his remarkable win in Hanoi, Chua’s next challenge will be representing Team Asia in the Reyes Cup. Named after the legendary Filipino pool player Efren “Bata” Reyes, the Reyes Cup will see Team Asia go head-to-head with a strong Team Europe lineup. The competition format, inspired by the renowned Mosconi Cup, will feature a battle between the best pool players from the two continents, aiming for supremacy in the sport.
Chua joins an impressive lineup in Team Asia, which includes his fellow Filipino and former World Champion Carlo Biado, Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, Ko Pin Yi from Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam’s Duong Quoc Hoang. Despite being considered underdogs, Team Asia has no shortage of talent and experience, and Chua is particularly excited to play in front of a home crowd after spending so much of his career abroad.
Speaking about his upcoming challenge in the Reyes Cup, Chua shared his excitement and determination to lead Team Asia to victory, despite the team’s lack of experience in this particular format. “Winning is a huge thing because that has been my goal and to be able to prove to myself that I can surpass my problems, that is one thing that I can bank on in my next games,” Chua said during a media interaction. “Hopefully, we will have a better time bonding and jiving together since chemistry is something that the Europeans have an advantage against our team.”
Chua was candid about the challenge ahead, acknowledging that the European team, comprised entirely of champions, would not be easy to beat. “The Europeans picked the best, and they are all champions, that’s why the United States had a hard time winning against them. We have experienced players like Johann, who has placed in his previous tournaments, which is why there is a huge chance. Ko, who is from Taiwan, is the best in our group, so Team Asia is very much capable,” Chua explained.
The Reyes Cup, co-organized by Matchroom of England and Puyat Sports of the Philippines, is set to make history as it brings together the best billiard talents from Europe and Asia. The tournament will be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium from October 15 to 18, and it is already generating buzz within the billiards community.
Modeled after the prestigious Mosconi Cup, which pits the top players from Europe and the USA against each other, the Reyes Cup offers a fresh twist by featuring Asia as a contender for the title.
For Filipino billiards fans, the Reyes Cup is particularly special. Efren “Bata” Reyes, the tournament’s namesake, is a national hero and an icon in the world of pool. Known as “The Magician,” Reyes is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and his legacy continues to inspire the new generation of players, including Johann Chua.
While Team Europe is undoubtedly a formidable opponent, Chua and his teammates are not daunted by the challenge. Chua emphasized that talent and perseverance would be key to their success. “They are used to this format, whereas this is our first time, but talent will prevail and whoever blinks first will lose,” Chua said confidently.
Chua’s teammates are equally strong contenders, with Carlo Biado having previously won the World Nine-Ball Championship, and Ko Pin Yi being regarded as one of the best players from Chinese Taipei. Aloysius Yapp and Duong Quoc Hoang are also well-respected players in the region. While chemistry may be a concern for Team Asia, their individual skills make them serious competitors.
Chua’s victory at the Hanoi Open and his upcoming participation in the Reyes Cup reflect the growing popularity of billiards in Asia. In recent years, more Asian players have gained international recognition, and tournaments like the Reyes Cup are helping to elevate the sport’s profile even further. With more fans tuning in to watch these high-stakes competitions, there’s no doubt that billiards is experiencing a resurgence in popularity across the continent.
For aspiring billiard players, Chua’s journey is a testament to the dedication and hard work required to succeed at the highest level. His success is also a reminder of the immense talent that exists in Asia, and how players from this region are capable of competing – and winning – on the world stage.
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