Cue masters wreak havoc in Jeddah

Twelve Filipinos spearheaded by former champion Carlo Biado, last year's semifinalist Johann Chua and teen sensation AJ Manas toppled their rivals to advance to the 64-player knockout stage of the 2025 World Pool Championship at the Green Halls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, July 23.

- By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

The 41-year-old Biado, who seeks to duplicate his 2017 title, flashed his vintage form and defeated fellow Filipino Lee Vann Corteza, 9-4, while Chua had an easier time in routing Hungary's Oliver Szolnoki, 9-3.

Eighteen-year-old Manas, for his part, made heads turn by stunning reigning UK Open champion Aloysius Yapp of Singapore, 9-5, to join Biado and Chua in this 128-player tournament that offers a US$1 million (around P56.9 million).