PHILIPPINE cue artists continued to demonstrate their formidable talent on the global stage as 12 Filipinos advanced to the Last 64 round of the 2025 World Pool Championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following impressive victories on Wednesday night, July 23, 2025.
Leading the charge were Filipino stars Johann Chua and Carlo Biado, according to the results published by 77.billiards on Facebook.
Chua displayed his prowess to overcome Oliver Szolnoki of Hungary with a commanding 9-3 win, while Biado secured a decisive 9-4 victory over fellow countryman Lee Vann Corteza in an
all-Filipino showdown.
AJ Manas added another win for the Philippines, defeating Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp 9-6 in a hard-fought match. Veteran Bernie Regalario advanced after a solid 9-6 win against Ko Pin Yi of Chinese Taipei.
Anton Raga of Cebu continued the Philippine winning streak, besting Syria’s Mohammad Soufi 9-5, while James Aranas showcased his skill by defeating Albin Ouschan of Austria 9-5.
Jeffrey Ignacio triumphed in a close contest against fellow countryman Michael Baoanan, securing a 9-8 victory. Jeffrey Roda also registered a win, defeating host country’s Mustafa Alnar 9-4.
Other Filipino players who contributed to the strong showing include Roland Garcia, who won 9-7 against Ameer Ali of Pakistan, and Marvin Asis, who secured a 9-3 victory over Greek opponent Dimitris Loukatos.
While Chua, Biado, Manas, Regalario, Raga, Aranas, Ignacio, Roda, Garcia, and Asis advanced directly with victories, Patric Gonzales and Michael Feliciano fought their way through the losers’ bracket to qualify.
Gonzales, who initially lost 5-9 to Ko Ping Chung of Chinese Taipei, successfully secured his spot in the Last 64 with a 9-1 victory over Ko Ping Han, the younger brother of his earlier tormentor.
Feliciano, meanwhile, defeated Germany’s Stefan Kasper 9-8 to advance following his initial 2-9 defeat to Sanjin Pehlivanovic of Bosnia
and Herzegovina.
The champion in this year’s World Pool Championship will receive $250,000, while the runner-up will bring home $100,000. / SUNSTAR CEBU SPORTS