Duong Quoc Hoang suffered a heartbreaking hill-hill defeat on the opening day, while World No.1 FedorGorst launched his campaign in dominant fashion in Manila.
In partnership with Puyat Sports, the newest Matchroom Major on the World Nineball Tour – the 2025 LiveSB.io Philippines Open Pool Championship takes place at Gateway Mall, Quezon City, from 21–25 October, broadcast live on One Sport in the Philippines and WNT TV globally.
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It was a dramatic opening day as the crowd witnessed a major upset, with Duong Quoc Hoang — fresh off his Reyes Cup triumph — falling to local challenger Eric Navarrete in a thrilling hill-hill showdown. Trailing 8–3, Duong fought back to level, only to miss a decisive 9-ball in the final rack that allowed Navarrete to close out the victory.
Duong reflected: “Losing hill-hill always hurts, but that’s pool — anything can happen. I gave it everything but it just wasn’t meant to be today. The crowd was amazing though — the support and the atmosphere here in Manila are unbelievable. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Also exiting early were Filipino greats Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcollo, and American Billy Thorpe, as the brutal single-elimination format delivered its first shocks.
Meanwhile, Fedor Gorst wasted no time stamping his authority on the event, cruising past Billy Jay Garcia with a commanding display to reach the Last 64 — potentially setting up a blockbuster clash with Francisco “Django” Bustamante, depending on results tomorrow.
Gorst said: “It’s my first time playing in a mall setting like this — the atmosphere is unreal. The fans pack every level, cheering nonstop, and you can feel how much the Philippines loves pool. Hopefully, Django wins tomorrow — I’d love a Reyes Cup rematch with him here in Manila.”
Fellow Team Rest of the World teammate Francisco Sánchez Ruiz impressed with a dominant 10–0 whitewash over Edmar Cristobal Balboa, bouncing back strongly after a tough Reyes Cup week.
Ruiz commented: “I’m proud of today’s performance. After last week, I wanted to start this tournament with focus and confidence, and that’s what I did. It’s great to get a solid win under my belt.”
Elsewhere, Moritz Neuhausen survived a tense finish after nearly letting an 8–0 lead slip against John Albert Refulle, eventually closing it out 10–7 to secure his spot in the Last 64.
Neuhausen said: “The pressure in single elimination is intense — one mistake and you’re out. The crowd energy made it feel like a final. I’m relieved to be through, but I know every match from here will be tougher.”
Day two of the 2025 LiveSB.io Philippines Open Pool Championship promises even more action, as Reyes Cup MVP AJ Manas, Team Asia Captain Francisco Bustamante, and the legendary Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes join the table inside Gateway Mall.
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