FILIPINO cue artist Johann Chua on Friday night clinched the championship at the Pattaya Open in Thailand.
Chua defeated fellow Filipino James Aranas, 15-5, in what was described as a one-sided affair.
Both finalists also faced Filipino opponents in their semifinal matches, with Aranas defeating Alexis Ferrer in a close match, 13-12, as well as Chua, who defeated Dennis Orcollo, 13-11.
Chua also prevailed over another Filipino in his quarterfinal match, defeating Michael Baoanan, 11-2.
In a Facebook post late on Friday, Badkoi Billiards, which was named after Chua’s nickname, congratulated the finalists for their runs.
“Your hard work, focus, and dedication have paid off in the best way possible. Watching you rise to the top and claim the title makes the entire billiards community proud. Well deserved, champion!” the club said on Chua.
Aranas said his runner-up finish was already a victory in itself.
“Runner-up, not champion, but still a victory for me. I may not have given you the best fight in the finals, but I’m still truly thankful and grateful. This is not the end. I will never stop pushing myself until I reach the level I aspire to achieve,” Aranas said in his Facebook post early Saturday.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. Your belief in me has been a light, guiding me through challenges. I truly couldn’t have done this without all of you,” he added.
Aranas went on to congratulate Chua, who he calls his best friend.
“And to my best friend, Johann Chua, congrats, brad! Ang galing mo, hindi ka na tao. Solid!” (You’re so good, you’re not human.) he said.
Because of his victory, Chua received a cash prize of $12,000, while Aranas received $7,000 for his runner-up finish.