Filipino cue artists proved that they are the best in the world as they dominated Great Britain, 3-0, to rule the 2022 Predator World Teams 10-Ball Championship in Klagenfurt, Austria Sunday.
The trio of Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Carlo Biado, Rubilen Amit and Johann Chua was simply impressive as it made quick work of Jayson Shaw, Kelly Fisher and Darren Appleton to bag the title and the cash prize of P2.3 million.
The 40-year-old Amit, a two-time WPA Women’s World 10-Ball champion, kicked off the domination as she pulled off a 4-3 win over Fisher in the women’s singles set before Biado followed suit with a 4-3 conquest of Shaw in the men’s singles set.
Then, Chua and Amit put on the finishing touches when they routed the duo of Fisher and Appleton, 4-1 in the mixed doubles to seal the victory.
With that, the Philippines cornered its first world team 10-ball crown after runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2014, which is the last time the event was staged before it was revived this year.
“Thank you, Lord,” said Amit, who bounced back after losing her title following a 7-5 loss to Ina Kaplan of Germany in the World Women’s 10-Ball Championship last week.
“From playing the way I did a couple of days ago to winning a world championship title. How can I ever doubt you?”
She added that they will savor their victory while enjoying what Austria has to offer.
“We’re very happy and relieved,” Amit said.
“Finally, no more matches, no more shootouts. We can finally rest and enjoy Austria.”
But Biado had to flirt with disaster before escaping with the victory in this 24-team field.
Shaw, actually, gained the chance to grab the equalizer with only the nine and 10 balls left on the table. With no clear shot at No. 9, he tried to play it safe by hiding behind the 10 ball while placing the cue ball on the other side.
Biado, also a world champion, refused to get rattled and knocked down the nine ball on the lower right pocket with a sensational bank shot before sinking the 10 ball to give the Philippines a 2-0 advantage entering the mixed doubles set.
“Before I came here, my job was to win in this event. We all played well,” Biado said.
Chua, for his part, thanks his seasoned teammates for helping him win his first world title.
“I would like to thank Carlo and Rubilen for picking me in this event,” said Chua, who ruled the men’s singles event of the 31st SEA Games last year.
“This is my first medal from the world championship. I’m so thankful and happy that I made it with them.”
