CARLO BIADO flashed the form that won him the US Open last September to top the Abu Dhabi Open 9-Ball Championship on Friday at the expense of compatriot Jordan Banares at the Power Break Billiard Hall in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Biado, the first US Open champion after Efren “Bata” Reyes in 1994, outlasted Banares, 13-6, in the final to take home the 20,000 dirhams (P271,000) cash prize.
The 38-year-old from Muntinlupa City shut out local bet Mohamad Eiljeffrey (9-0) and Barobo (Surigao del Sur) pride Arnel Bautista (9-7) in the preliminaries. He beat fellow Filipinos Venancio Tanio (11-4) in the round of 16, Roland Garcia (11-5) in quarterfinals and Harry Vergara (11-8) in the semifinals.
“I got it again! Champion,” Biado posted on his official Instagram site a few minutes after his win. “To all the Filipino fans who support me here in Abu Dhabi, thank you so much.”
Banares banked 10,000 dirhams (P136,000) for finishing second.