Biado wins US Open 9-Ball C’ship
Ends Phl’s 27-year title drought, takes home P2.5 million
Filipino shotmaker Carlo Biado pulled off a stunning comeback to repulse Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, 13-8, in the race-to-13 finals and reign supreme in the 2021 US Open 9-Ball Championship on Saturday night (Sunday morning, Phl time) at the Diamond Arena of Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“I am very happy the upper hand, 5-3. because this event is one Yapp sustained his hot of my dreams. I dedicate charge to stretch his lead this to my family and to to 8-3 after winning his my baby. Thank you to seventh consecutive game all of you even during the but that proved to be the best pandemic you’re still here he could muster as the La watching around the world. Union-native Biado rallied Thank you to Matchroom, back with finesse, cleaning my sponsors, and all of the up five frames in a row to Filipinos who support me even the count at 8-8. always everywhere,” said That ultimately spelled an ecstatic Biado while disaster for Yapp as Biado trying to hold back tears never looked back from moments after his historic there. triumph. Capitalizing on his
Biado, who booted out momentum and Yapp’s Japan’s Naoyuki Oi in the crucial errors, the 37-yearold semifinals, 11-9, raced to a Biado swept another quick 2-0 start and was still five racks, his 10th overall ahead 3-1 when Yapp made since overhauling a fivea sizzling 4-0 rally to seize point deficit to complete his spectacular turnaround.
Aside from pocketing $50,000 (P2.5 million) in cold cash, Biado also ended the Philippines’ 27-year title drought in the annual US 9-Ball tournament.
Prior to Biado’s monumental feat, the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes enjoys the honor as the first and only Filipino to win the prestigious event in 1994.
Also, Biado exacted some sort of revenge on the 25-year-old Yapp, who ousted his countryman Dennis Orcollo, 11-6, to reach the finals. Orcollo did not go home empty-handed though as he ended up with $12,000 (P600,000).
“I am lost for words. I feel grateful to be in the final and all the fans have been awesome so thank you. I know I can do it; I am coming back stronger next year,” said Yap, who took home $25,000 (P1.25 million) with his first runner-up honors.