ADD Carlo Biado to the elite list of Filipino cue artists who have won the prestigious US Open Pool Championship.
This, after the 37-year-old pool player mounted a spectacular comeback to win the 2021 US Open Pool Championship, beating Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, 13-8, in the Final on Sunday (PH Time) at the Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City in New Jersey, USA.
Biado, who pocketed $50,000 (around P2.5 million) for his feat, turned emotional during the awarding ceremony.
“I’m very happy, you know, because (to win) this event is one of my dreams,” Biado said before pausing for a moment to wipe his tears.
“I dedicate this to my family, also to my baby. And thanks to all of you, even in this time of pandemic you are still here watching around the world. To all the Filipinos who are supporting me always, thank you,” he said.
Biado broke the 27-year title drought of the Philippines and joined Efren “Bata” Reyes in the list of US Open champions who represented the Philippines. Reyes won the event in 1994.
Filipino-Canadian Alex Pagulayan won it in 2004, but he had suited up for Canada.
Biado faced a 3-8 deficit over Yapp before he managed to gather himself and score 10 consecutive racks en route to a 13-8 championship victory.
“This is the best time of my life,” Biado said before he was given the traditional green jacket and the championship trophy.
The La Union native fought back from losers’ bracket to reach the quarterfinals of the 256-man tournament.
He beat compatriot Johann Gonzales Chua, 11-10, in the last eight and outlasted Jaoyuki Oi of Japan, 11-9, in the semis to earn a Finals seat.
Biado then beat Yapp to avenge the loss of fellow Filipino Dennis Orcollo in the semis.
Runner-up Yapp bagged $25,000 (around P1.2 million), Orcollo got $12,500 (around P625,000), while Filipinos Chua and Rodrigo Geronimo who made it all the way to the quarters won $6,750 (around P330,000). (RSC)