FILIPINO world No. 8 Johann Chua showcased his skill and tenacity on the pool table by routing fellow Pinoy cue artist Raymund Faraon 9-2 in the second round of the CPBA 99 Tournament at the prestigious 99 Billiards Club in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
Chua was not the only Filipino who advanced to the next round as a slew of other world-ranked cue masters also hurdled their Round 2 assignments.
World No. 32 Jerico Bañares overwhelmed 66th-ranked Michael Feliciano 9-3, while No. 40 James Aranas won 9-4 against Dinh Khanh of Vietnam.
Albert James Manas, ranked 45th globally, also made quick work of compatriot Ryan John P. Badal 9-3, even as No. 46 Jeffrey Ignacio triumphed 9-7 over Vietnam’s Van Huynh.
Jeffrey Javier Prieto and Jundel Mazon fashioned out upset victories over their world-rated Filipino opponents.
Prieto pulled off a stunning 9-6 upset over world No. 19 Jeffrey Roda, while Mazon bested Baseth Mocaibat (34) 9-5.
Other second-round winners from the Philippines include Marvin Asis, Michael Baonan, Bryant Saguiped, John Albert Refulle, and Ryan Mark Hidalgo.
Asis defeated Ke Chun I of Taiwan 9-2, Baonan outplayed Taiwan’s Ko Pin Han 9-8, Saguiped overcame Luong Van Tuan of Vietnam 9-5, Refulle blasted Vietnam’s The Hien 9-4, and Hidalgo beat Doung Quoc Hoang (Vietnam) 9-4.
Unfortunately, a few Filipino players were not as fortunate, with Harry Vergara failing 7-9 against Liu Ri Teng of Taiwan, Jesson Pada Marabi losing 5-9 to Taiwan’s Ko Ping Chung, and Jesson Cumayas absorbing a 5-9 defeat to Hoang PT of Vietnam.
World No. 50 Bernie Regalario also bowed out after a narrow 8-9 loss to Vietnam’s Thanh Chung.
The tournament boasts a total prize fund of $28,000, with $8,000 for the champion and $4,000 for the runner-up, ensuring an exciting and competitive start to the 2025 billiards season. / LBG