By MARK REY MONTEJO
Unheralded Filipino bet Anthony Raga continued to impress but the more popular Johann Chua bowed out of contention of the European Open Pool Championships at Hotel Esperanto in Fulda, Germany on Friday, Aug. 11.
Eager to show his worth in a bigger stage, Raga claimed the biggest fish of a flourishing career with a stunning 10-0 win over former Masters champion Ko Pin Yi of Taiwan.
Known as the “The Dragon,” Raga regaled the crowd with some incredible shots and powerful breaks that left the Taiwanese star bewildered.
Chua fell to a familiar foe in Singaporean Aloysius Yapp, 10-2, thus joining World Cup of Pool partner James Aranas on the sidelines.
Ko tried to stage a fightback, but luck was definitely on Raga’s side.
Up next for Raga is Canadian John Morra with the winner of their match advancing to the quarters.
Raga, 25, made his way to the knockout stage via the losers’ bracket that saw him beat Brazil’s Ivan Coelho (9-7), Albanian Behar Spahiu (8-4) in the relegation, and Mateusz Sniegocki (10-8) in the round of 64.
Poland’s Daniel Maciol also made ripples with a 10-5 win over last year’s champion Albin Ouschan of Austria.
