By Mark Angelo Mañez

PHOTO: Flipboard

Manila - Carlo Biado exuded resilience as he came back from five racks down to topple Singaporean pool star Aloysius Yapp, 13-8, subsequently securing the country's second US Open 9-ball title at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey Saturday evening (Sunday morning PH).

He has now followed the legendary Efren "Bata" Reyes when the latter won the prestigious 256-player tournament since 1994.

“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 (₱2.5 million) 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.

The 37-year-old former world champion started taking over the match as Yapp botched a potential nine-ball that would have made it a 9-3 score line. From there, it was Biado who came up with impressive pool mastery as he strung 10 consecutive racks en route to the title.

His best shot came at the fifteenth rack as he struck a powerful six-seven ball carom, further cutting Yapp's lead to just a solitary rack (8-7).

Biado foiled Naoyuki Oi of Japan prior to the final showdown, 11-9, while Yapp spoiled an all-Filipino final as he snapped Dennis Orcollo's flawless run with an 11-6 decision.

Other Filipinos who barged into the tournament's last eight are Johann Chua and unseeded Rodrigo Geronimo.