Carlo Biado Clinches Historic Second World Pool Championship Title for the Philippines

In a thrilling finale early Sunday morning (Manila time), Filipino cueist Carlo Biado won his second World Pool Championship title, defeating reigning champion Fedor Gorst 15-13. Biado's victory marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Filipino to claim the prestigious 9-ball championship twice, having previously won in 2017.

The match began with Gorst taking an early lead, winning the first two racks. However, Biado, known as "The Black Tiger," staged an impressive comeback by securing nine consecutive racks to lead 9-2. Gorst fought back fiercely, leveling the score at 9-all, but Biado regained control, pushing ahead to 13-9.

Gorst responded once more, tying the match at 13-all. The decisive 27th rack saw a critical error from Gorst—a costly scratch—that gave Biado a 14-13 advantage. Maintaining composure under pressure, Biado pocketed the final 9-ball in the 28th rack, sealing his victory amid jubilant celebrations.

Expressing his elation after the win, Biado stated, "I'm over the moon — I still can't believe I'm a two-time World Champion. It means everything to me. I'm so proud to bring this trophy home to the Philippines." He also acknowledged the challenge posed by Gorst: "This final is something I'll remember forever. Fedor is one of the best in the world — when I was leading 9-2, I still couldn't relax because he's a monster on the table. But today, I stayed focused, stayed calm, and maybe had a little luck on my side too."

Biado joins an elite group of Filipino champions including Efren "Bata" Reyes, Ronnie Alcano, and Django Bustamante, who have all previously won the World Pool Championship. His victory not only highlights his skill and determination but also solidifies the Philippines' enduring legacy in the sport.