THE Philippines’ Carlo Biado ruled the World Pool-Billiard Association Ho Chi Minh 9-Ball Open in Vietnam, defeating Australia’s Mario He,13-8, in the final showdown over the weekend.
The win earned the former world champion a prize of $40,000 (approximately P2.2 million pesos).
“I feel exhausted, but happy I won the final. Thanks to Mario for the good battle. He’s one of the best players in the world. Now, I need some rest,” Biado said after the match.
Before reaching the final, Biado had a dramatic 11-10 semifinal win against Bosnia’s Sanjin Pehlivanovic.
In a tense moment, Pehlivanovic missed a crucial eight-ball shot that could have sealed Biado’s elimination. Biado, who had already resigned to his fate, seized the unexpected opportunity.
“I thought it wasn’t my day, but I was surprised when he missed the 8-ball. I just got lucky in the semifinals,” Biado admitted.
Prior to the semifinals, Biado ousted fellow Filipinos Anton Raga (11-4) in the quarterfinals and Val Pajuay (11-3) in the Round of 16.
Biado’s next competitions include the Peri and Hanoi Opens, followed by the inaugural Reyes Cup, scheduled for October 15 to 18 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
