Johann Chua
FILIPINO cue artist Johann Chua emerged champion in the 50th All Japan 10-Ball Championship Thursday night, November 23, 2017 at the Archaic Hall in Amagasaki, Japan.
Chua defeated countryman Jundel Mazon, 11-2, in the men's division finals to pocket the top prize of $15,000. Mazon, on the other hand went home runner-up purse of $8,000.
Chua race a 4-0 to 9-1 commanding lead and never looked back in the race to 11, winner's break format.
Chua outclassed Liu Hai Tao of China, 11-2, in the semi-finals while Mazon subdued Chang Yu-Long of Taiwan, 11-8, in other final four matches.
In earlier matches, Chua subdued Asano Masato of Japan in the Round-of-16 (11-4) and compatriot Jeffrey Ignacio in the quarterfinals (11-10) while Mazon edged Ko Ping-Chung of Chinese-Taipei, 11-6, and Cheng Yu-Hsuan of Taiwan,11-10.
"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone. Thank you for all the support. Thank you for those who believed that I can make it once again, especially to my loved ones who were there through thick and thin. You guys have no idea how your support makes me more confident in every shot that I make." said Chua, who open his own pool hall (Cue Spot Billiard Lounge) in Asturias street corner Laong Laan
Manila.
"Words are not enough to describe how grateful I am today and for the never ending blessings God has given me. Winning 2017 All Japan Championship and Opening my very own pool hall is such a great honor to prove that billiard in the Philippines is still not dead." he added.
In the women's division, Taiwanese Chen Siming won the title.
