Johann Chua caps off US Open Pool stint with a semifinal finish

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino cue artist Johann Chua concluded his US Open Pool Championship campaign with a semifinal qualification at the Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City.

After the five-day event, Chua was able to barge into the Final Four but lost against world No. 1 Fedor Gorst, 11-7, in the semis.

“Maraming salamat po sa aking mga kababayan at mga tagasuporta na napuyat kakaabang at panonood sa mga laro ko,” Chua said.

“Babawi po tayo sa susunod, pangako mas gagalingan ko pa. Walang sukuan. Laban lang nang laban!”

Despite being inches away from another grand final appearance, Chua was still able to represent the Philippines with grace and style, taking home prize money of $25,000 (PHP1.4 million).

Chua admitted his lapses against Gorst, stressing the immense pressure he felt during the first few racks that cost him several opportunities to score consecutive run-outs.

The former Hanoi Open champion had a chance for a 2-0 personal run midway through the match, but crucial misses off the left-rail bank shots rewarded Gorst with freebie points.

“I’m sorry I failed to get the trophy,” Chua wrote in his social media post.

“I managed to collect myself midway, but it was a bit too late. But overall, it’s a great experience for me.”

Before taking on Gorst, Chua displayed a flawless performance to crush Dutch player Niels Feijen during the quarterfinal round, 10-2.

In the Round of 64, Chua survived a thrilling showdown against Serbia’s Aleksa Pecelj, 10-7, in a battle of positional pool featuring a highly technical defensive display.

Aside from Chua, the all-Filipino cast of Michael Baoanan, Jefrey Roda, Carlo Biado, Bernie Regalario, and Marvin Asis also made it to the Round of 64 of the US Open Pool Championship.