By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Carlo Biado is on a roll.
Considered as the likely heir to the great Efren “Bata” Reyes, Biado added the Abu Dhabi Open 9-Ball crown to his growing list of titles Friday at the Power Break Billiard Hall in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The reigning US Open Pool Champion put on another clinic with a masterful 13-6 win over compatriot Jordan Bañares to cap his dominance in the 64-player tournament.
After a close 9-7 triumph over Arnel Bautista in the early round, Biado stamped his class throughout, blanking Mohamad Eiljeffrey of UAE, 9-0; Venancio Tanio in the Round of 16, 11-4; Roland Garcia in the quarterfinals, 11-5; and Harry Vergara in the semis, 11-8.
The former world champion pocketed the 20,000 UAE dirham top purse (roughly P270,000) while Bañares, who survived Bautista for a finals berth, 11-7, collected 10,000 UAE dirham (around P130,000).
“I’m very happy to win again, especially in an international tournament like this. Maagang Pasko ito,” said Biado.
