By Jonas Terrado
Johann Chua and Jeffrey Ignacio made up for Carlo Biado’s stunning loss as they earned spots in the knockout stage of the World 9-Ball Championship in Doha, Qatar.
Philippines’ Johann Chua (Czar Dancel)
Chua defeated Taiwan’s Liu Ri Teng 9-3 and Ignacio downed Greece’s Giallourakis Damianos 9-7 to secure berths in the round-of-64 of the annual competition.
Biado, 2017 winner and last year’s runner-up, was relegated to the loser’s bracket after a shock 9-3 setback to Chile’s Enrique Rojas.
The 36-year-old must beat Jordan’s Hassan Shahada to join Chua and Ignacio in the next phase.
Also in danger of elimination is Jerico Bonus, who lost Canadian John Morra 9-7.
Bonus must beat Qatar’s Bashar Abdulmajeed to make his way to the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Alex Pagulayan, who represents Canada, qualified to the round-of-64 following a 9-3 triumph over American Max Eberle.
Pagulayan is eyeing his first World 9-Ball crown since 2004.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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