Johann Chua put on an awe-inspiring performance and routed Spanish Open titlist Dang Jing Hu of China, 11-3, to barge into the semifinals of the 2024 World Pool Championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 7 (early Saturday in Manila). The reigning World Cup of Pool champion banked on his powerful breaks that saw him win seven games in convincing fashion, leaving his Chinese foe downtrodden while his supporters – mostly OFWs in the oil-rich kingdom – erupted in joy each time he produced a brilliant shot. For reaching the semis, Chua is already assured of pocketing $50,000 (around P2.
9 million) in the $1 million event. But the way he’s performing – not to mention the support of OFWs – many expect Chua to win the ultimate prize – not to mention the fame he will earn. Moments after the game, Chua dedicated his smashing win to his son Justin, who was celebrating his first birthday.
“I was motivated to win. I was playing for my son’s first birthday,” said Chua during a post-game interview. “I think I did really well in this match.
I was breaking well and I hope I can continue this tomorrow,” he added as he remained the last Filipino standing in the glamorous event. Prior to ousting Dang, the Filipino cue artist outplayed last year’s runner-up Mohammad Soufi of Syria, 11-8. Up next for the multiple Southeast Asian Games medalist will be Eklent Kaci of Turkey, a 2017 semifinalist and last year’s UK 9-ball champion, who eliminated Filipino bet Jeffre.
