Carlo Biado, the newly crowned 2021 US Open Pool Championship titlist, vowed to train hard for the 2022 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games, where he expects his Singaporean rival Aloysius Yapp to get back at him.
The 37-year-old Filipino cue artist came from behind to beat Yapp, 13-8, in the finals of the US Open in Atlantic City on Saturday (Philippine time) to claim his second major title in four years.
“Paghahandaan nating mabuti and SEA Games, hindi tayo pahuhuli,” said Biado after his title conquest. “Si Aloysius Yapp, isa sa pinakamagaling sa Singapore ‘yan, no. 1 siya ngayon doon.”
Biado’s win affirmed his status as one of the world’s best cue artists as he ended a 27-year drought for the country in the US Open, where the Philippines last won in 1994 courtesy of Efren “Bata” Reyes.
“I’m very happy because this event is one of my dreams. I dedicate this to my family, also to my baby. Thanks to all of you. Even in the time of pandemic, you’re still here watching around the world,” said Biado, who finally ended a string of runner-up finishes numbering 11 overall by the Philippines in the prestigious tournament since Reyes’ US Open title conquest 27 years ago.
Reyes, for one, made it to the finals for three straight years after his title conquest in 1994, but lost them all.
After Reyes, next came Jose “Amang” Parica’s failed bid in 2003 and 2005, with Rodolfo Luat following his runner-up path in 2006.
Then, there was Ronnie Alcano in 2007 and 2008, before it was Dennis Orcollo’s turn to be heartbroken in 2012 and 2014. Lee Van Corteza was runner-up in 2013.
Biado actually put up an early 3-1 lead, but Yapp stomped ahead by seizing seven racks and taking a commanding five-rack lead.
With Yap in front, 8-3, things turned in Biado’s favor when the Singaporean missed his shot on the 9 ball.
From there, Biado gained an opportunity for a big rally.
Biado then swept the last 10 racks to claim the top prize of $50,000.
“Ito ang pinakamabigat na laban ko, hindi lang ‘yung world games, ito ang pinaka-nakakapressure. World 9 Ball, hindi ganoon ka-crowded,” said Biado.
It was a heartbreaking setback for the 25-year-old Yapp, who averted an all-Filipino final by easing out Orcollo in the semifinals, with a 32-29 win.
Biado reached the finals after charging past Japan’s Naoyuki Oi, 11-9, in the other semifinal.
Earlier, Biado squeezed past Filipino bet Johan Gonzales, 11-10, in a race-to-11 quarterfinal encounter.
Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines president Robert Mananquil congratulated Biado in a message sent to Facebook Messenger.
“Great and sweet victory for Carlo Biado and the Philippines despite the pandemic. Hardly had Biado the time to practice during the lockdown. In 2020 because of global lockdown, he practiced by himself in his pool table at home. His triumph, after Efren in 1994, would encourage Filipinos to bring out their cue sticks again. and it’s a boost to billiard sports in the country,” said Mananquil in a statement.