FILE–Filipino cue artist Carlo Biado. MATCHROOM POOL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Reigning US Open Pool champion Carlo Biado continued his winning ways after a dominant start in the Abu Dhabi Open 9-Ball Championship.
Biado blanked hometown bet Mohamad Eiljeffrey, 9-0, to kick off his campaign on Tuesday at Power Break Billiards Hall.
The 38-year-old Biado is riding the momentum of his win in the US Open last September where he became the first Filipino to win the prestigious event since the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes in 1994.
Several other Filipinos emerged victorious in the first round.
Roland Garcia beat Hussain Ali of United Arab Emirates, 9-4, Dubai-based Arman Cagol topped compatriot Jordan Banares, 9-5, while Jayson Nuguid, who is based in Abu Dhabi, clipped fellow Filipino Carlo Raymundo, 9-7.
Arnel Bautista, Oliver Medenilla, Aivhan Maluto and Israel Rota also had triumphant tournament debuts.
Bautista turned back another Filipino in Jhun Banlasan, 9-4, Medenilla repulsed Iran’s Mohamad Fharaj, 9-5, Maluto defeated Abdulla AlNuami of UAE, 9-5, and Rota topped Mohamad Ali of UAE, 9-5.
The winner of the tournament pockets 20,000 UAE dirham or around P270,000 in cash prize.
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