WORLD champion Carlo Biado and world No. 1 Fedor Gorst have been officially chosen to spearhead rival squads in the second edition of the Reyes Cup, set for October 16 to 19 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The two cue masters, who lit up the World Pool Championship final earlier this year with a thrilling duel, will once again battle from opposite ends—Biado leading Team Asia’s title defense and Gorst anchoring Team Rest of the World in the prestigious event.
Biado, now ranked world No. 3 following his championship triumph in Jeddah, relishes the responsibility of guiding Asia on home soil.
“I’m so proud to be back for the Reyes Cup, this time as a top-ranked qualifier. Winning the World Championship gave me so much confidence, and to now represent Team Asia again, in front of our home fans in Manila, is very special. Facing Fedor again will be exciting – I’m ready for another big battle,” Biado said.
For Gorst, the reigning world No. 1 and back-to-back finalist in the World Pool Championship and US Open, the Reyes Cup presents both a debut and a mission: to lead Team Rest of the World to its first-ever victory in Manila.
“It feels incredible to qualify as World Number One and to make my Reyes Cup debut. This is such a huge event for our sport, and I can’t wait to lead Team Rest of the World into battle. We know Team Asia will be strong, but I believe we have what it takes to make history in Manila,” Gorst declared.
The full rosters for both teams will be finalized after the Hanoi Open (October 7–12), with two additional qualifiers and two wildcard picks completing each side.
