FILIPINO pool star Johann “Bad Koi” Chua delivered a timely and resounding triumph after outclassing American legend Shane Van Boening, 13-8, to win the 3rd Annual Battle of the Bull in Roanoke, Virginia, on Sunday night. (Manila time).
Chua, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, showcased brilliance throughout the championship match, dazzling the crowd with flawless executions, including spectacular jump shots and kick shots.
The victory netted him the $20,000 top prize and, more importantly, a major confidence boost as he gears up for the prestigious 2025 U.S. Open Pool Championship in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this week.
“It’s a win that came at the perfect time,” Chua said after his unbeaten run through the 128-man field.
The 31-year-old Filipino ace was in peak form, posting notable victories over several top-caliber opponents. He dominated Vietnam’s Duoc Quong Hoang, 11-5, in the semifinals and ousted Poland’s Wiktor Zielinski, 9-6, in the quarterfinals. Earlier, he dispatched Austria’s Max Lechner, 9-5, in the Round of 16, and Sweden’s Walter Laikre, 9-5, in the Round of 32.
Chua’s journey began with impressive wins in the preliminary rounds, defeating Payne McBride of the USA (9-7), Finland’s Jani Siekkinen (9-3), and Vietnam’s Trung Le Quang (9-7) to secure his place in the knockout stage.
The triumph also helped Chua bounce back from a disappointing finish at the World Pool Championship, proving he remains one of the sport’s most dangerous competitors.
