SEA Games: Johann Chua tops Carlo Biado for 9-ball gold in all-Filipino final

Johann Chua playing in the men’s 9 ball event during the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. SEA GAMES POOL

MANILA, Philippines—Johann Chua toppled Carlo Biado, 9-6, to win the gold in men’s 9-ball singles in the 31st Southeast Asian Games Wednesday at Ha Dong Gymnasium in Vietnam.

Chua pounced on a costly mistake by Biado, the reigning US Open champion, in the 15th rack to claim his first-ever gold medal in the SEA Games.

Down 8-6, Biado squandered a golden opportunity to extend the all-Filipino final after missing on a beeline shot on the 8-ball that left Chua with an easy table.

Chua and Biado won the bronze medal in the 2019 Games in Manila as partners in the 9-ball doubles event.

This is Philippine billiards’ second gold in the SEA Games so far after Rubilen Amit ruled the women’s 9-ball on Tuesday.