Biado wins all-Filipino final, rules Abu Dhabi Open

MANILA, Philippines — Fancied Carlo Biado lived up to his top billing by dominating play in the Abu Dhabi Open 9-Ball Championship Thursday at the Power Break Billiards Hall in the United Arab Emirates.

Biado, the reigning US Open pool kingpin, blitzed past Jordan Bañares in an all-Filipino finale, 13-6, to put the finishing touches on his spotless run in the 64-man competition.

The 38-year-old Biado roared to an early 5-1 lead against Bañares and cruised to the title conquest worth 20,000 UAE Dirham (around P272,000).

“I’m very happy to win again, especially in an international tournament like this Abu Dhabi Open,” said Biado, who led 12 Filipino cue masters in the Round of 16, seven in the quarterfinals and an all-Pinoy pairing in both the semis and finals.

“Maagang Pasko ito,” he added.

Biado was a cut above the rest in the four-day event, which featured Filipino and Middle Eastern cue masters.

He romped past his elimination round opponents, hometown bet Mohammad Eiljeffrey, 9-0, and countryman Arnel Bautista (9-7), to handily make the knockout stage.

The 2017 world champion then stamped his class on Vinancio Tanio in the Last-16, 11-4; Roland Garcia in the quarterfinals, 11-5; and Harry Vergara in the semifinals, 11-8, to take his expected seat in the championship match.

Bañares took the runner-up purse of 10,000 AED (around P136,000). He worked his way out of the losers’ bracket with a string of victories, including an 11-7 verdict over Last-4 opponent Bautista to get a crack at the crown against  “the Black Tiger.”