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Filipino pool star Johann Chua seeks to rule the inaugural Reyes Cup with Team Asia after conquering the Hanoi Open in Vietnam
MANILA, Philippines – Fresh from conquering the Hanoi Open in Vietnam, Filipino pool star Johann Chua is ready to represent Asia in the inaugural Reyes Cup set from Tuesday, October 15, to Friday, October 18, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Winning is a huge thing because that has been my goal and to be able to prove to myself that I can surpass my problems, that is one thing that I can bank on in my next games,” Chua told reporters in Filipino on Monday, October 14.
Handpicked by the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes, the namesake of the intercontinental showdown, Chua will be joined by compatriot Carlo Biado, Chinese Taipei’s Ko Pin Yi, Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, and Vietnam’s Duong Quoc Hoang.
Chua defeated Ko, 13-7, to rule the Hanoi Open and pocket the top prize of $30,000 as he finally broke through after a semifinal exit in the World Pool Championship and a runner-up finish in the European Open this year.
Also a World Cup of Pool champion alongside James Aranas, Chua said he looks forward to competing in front of his family and friends as he spends most of his career in the international circuit.
“Those are the things I’m excited for and I cannot wait to perform,” said Chua.
WATCH:
Johann Chua proud on winning the Hanoi Open, as well as expressing excitement for the Reyes Cup. | @RapplerSports pic.twitter.com/foQdal04g4
— ℙ????? ?????? ????? (@philipptionary) October 14, 2024
Going up against Team Asia is a formidable Team Europe side captained by Karl Boyes and composed of Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and David Alcaide (Spain), Jayson Shaw (England), Eklent Kaci (Albania), and Mickey Krause (Denmark).
“Hopefully, we’ll have a better time bonding and jiving together since [chemistry] is something that the Europeans have an advantage against our team,” explained Chua.
“They are used to this format, whereas this is our first time, but talent will prevail and whoever blinks first will lose.”
Reyes, who will not play in the eponymous competition, remains confident that Asia will be the first to win 11 games.
“The Europeans picked the best, and they’re all champions, that’s why the United States had a hard time winning against them,” said the legendary pool artist.
“We have experienced players like Johann, who has placed in his previous tournaments, which is why there is a huge chance,” Reyes added. “Ko, who’s from Taiwan, is the best in our group, so (Team Asia) is very much capable.”
The Reyes Cup is the first edition of the event co-organized by Matchroom of England and Puyat Sports of the Philippines.
Its format is similar to the Mosconi Cup, where the best of the United States and Europe go head-to-head for pool supremacy. – Rappler.com
