Hometown hero Johann Chua suffered a shock early exit on Day Two, while Reyes Cup MVP AJ Manas continued his rise with another commanding performance in front of a packed Manila crowd.
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 heartbreak for the local favourite Johann Chua, who fell 10–8 to compatriot Yves Cabrito in a tense all-Filipino clash. Despite a late fightback, Chua couldn’t overturn an early deficit as Cabrito held his nerve to secure a memorable win.
Chua reflected: “I’m gutted with the loss, especially here at home. That’s the game — sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t. The fans were amazing though; their support means everything. I’ll be back stronger and ready to make up for it next time.”
Meanwhile, AJ Manas picked up right where he left off after his MVP-winning Reyes Cup performance, defeating Dennis M. Po 10–4 to cruise into the Last 64.
Manas said: “I feel so comfortable playing here — the energy from the crowd gives me confidence. I think I play my best when the arena is full and loud. Winning the Reyes Cup gave me a taste of what it feels like to succeed on the big stage, and now I want to prove I can win a Matchroom Major.”
Team Asia Captain Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante rolled back the years with a vintage display, sweeping past Costa Rica’s Esteban Robles 10–1 to set up a blockbuster Last 64 meeting with World No.1 Fedor Gorst — a highly anticipated Reyes Cup rematch.
Bustamante commented: “My opponent missed a few shots early and I took advantage. It feels special to play in this event — it’s my first time in a World Nineball Tour Major here at home. I know Gorst will be tough tomorrow, but I’ll just do my best and enjoy the match.”
Elsewhere, Jayson Shaw looked sharp as he dispatched Ronel Nalaunan 10–3 to secure his place in the Last 32, while Moritz Neuhausen and Thorsten Hohmann both crashed out, adding to a day of surprises in Quezon City.
Shaw said: “I feel good. My game’s sharper than it was at the Reyes Cup last week. The crowd here at Gateway is brilliant — loud, energetic, and it keeps me pumped up. I always play my best when the fans are buzzing like this.”
Day Three promises even more fireworks as the Last 16 lineup is set to be confirmed by the end of the day. With Fedor Gorst set to face Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante, fans can expect high drama as the hunt for the inaugural Philippines Open title intensifies.
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For the full draw and live scoring, visit www.wntlivescores.com.
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