Photo from Matchroom Pool
MANILA, Philippines—Carlo Biado mounted a big rally to beat Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, 13-8, and win the US Open Pool Championship Sunday (Manila time) at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City in New Jersey.
Down, 3-8, Biado won 10 straight racks to claim the prestigious title.
“I am lost for words. I feel grateful to be in the final and all the fans have been awesome so thank you. I know I can do it; I am coming back stronger next year,” said Biado, who pocketed $50,000 in prize money.
“I am very happy because this event is one of my dreams. I dedicate this to my family and to my baby. Thank you to all of you even during the pandemic you’re still here watching around the world,” he added.
Hall of Fame status: 𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟
Carlo Biado joins the great Efren Bata Reyes as a Filipino representing US Open Champion#USOpenPool 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZGo2NbCcPE
— Matchroom Pool (@MatchroomPool) September 18, 2021
Emotional Speech ✅
Green Jacket ✅
New Trophy ✅
Carlo Biado is your 2021 US Open Pool Champion 🇺🇸#USOpenPool 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jJy7lDcKjA
— Matchroom Pool (@MatchroomPool) September 18, 2021
The 37-year-old Biado became the first Filipino to win the tournament since Efren “Bata” Reyes in 1994.
Yapp botched a golden opportunity to go up 9-3 after missing a shot on the nine, paving the way for Biado’s comeback bid.
Biado, a former world champion, made the final after overcoming Japan’s Naoyuki Oi, 11-9.
His compatriot Dennis Orcollo bowed out in the semifinals after losing to Yapp, 11-6.