Carlo Biado followed up his historic win in the US Open Pool Championship with another title romp as he ruled the Abu Dhabi Open 9-Ball Championship on Thursday, November 11 (Friday, November 12, Manila time) at the Power Break Billiard Hall.

Biado, who became the Philippines’ first US Open champion since Efren “Bata” Reyes won in 1994, toppled fellow Filipino Jordan Banares, 13-6, in the race-to-13 final to cap his unbeaten run.

The heavy favorite, Biado lived up to the billing as he thwarted compatriots Venancio Tanio (11-4) in the round of 16, Roland Garcia (11-5) in the quarterfinals, and Harry Vergara (11-8) in the semifinals.

He also trounced United Arab Emirates’ Mohamad Eiljeffrey and countryman Arnel Bautista in the earlier rounds on the way to raking in 20,000 UAE dirham (around P270,000).

“I’m very happy to win again, especially in an international tournament like the Abu Dhabi Open 9-Ball Championship,” Biado said.

“Christmas came early!”

Meanwhile, Banares pocketed 10,000 UAE dirhams (around P130,000) from the total prize pool of 46,000 UAE dirhams (around P620,000).

Banares got off to a wobbly start in the event after falling prey to compatriot Arman Cagol in the opening round but eventually gained his groove, beating Bautista in the semifinals to set up a finals date with Biado.

Other Filipinos who saw action in the 64-man tournament include Aivhan Maluto, Jayson Nuguid, Oliver Medenilla, Israel Rota, Jhun Banlasan, and Carlo Raymundo. – Rappler.com