AT A GLANCE
Johann Chua and James Aranas endured some tense moments to deliver a performance to remember in Lugo, Spain, nipping the German duo of Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, 11-7, to crown themselves the kings of the 2023 World Cup of Pool 9-ball Championship early Monday morning, July 3.
Johann Chua and James Aranas endured some tense moments to deliver a performance to remember in Lugo, Spain, nipping the German duo of Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, 11-7, to crown themselves the kings of the 2023 World Cup of Pool 9-ball Championship early Monday morning, July 3.
Johann Chua (left) and James Aranas celebrate their World Cup win. (Photo from Matchroom Pool)
Unseeded in the tournament with a tough task on hand, the blazing duo completed the improbable run which could serve as a spark for the country's resurgence in the sport the Filipinos used to dominate in the past two decades.
Adding cherry on top, the pair's victory broke the tie in overall wins as the Philippines bagged its fourth title against China's three after the 2006 and 2009 triumph of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, and the 2013 conquest of Dennis Orcollo and Lee Van Corteza.