The defending champions, Team Asia, continued their commanding performance in the Reyes Cup 2025, building a 7–0 overall lead against Team Rest of the World at the end of Day 2 on October 17, 2025, in Manila. The team swept all matches over the first two days, showing remarkable consistency and teamwork as they moved closer to another championship title.
AJ Manas on Fire
Rising Filipino billiards prodigy AJ Manas was the standout performer of the day, winning all three of his matches. In the singles event, Manas delivered an impressive upset victory over two-time world nine-ball champion Fedor Gorst, 5–4. A crucial foul by Gorst in the final rack opened the door for Manas, who seized the opportunity to close out the match in front of an energetic hometown crowd.
Manas later paired with Johann Chua for the doubles round, defeating Gorst and Jayson Shaw with a decisive 5–2 win. To cap off an already stellar day, Team Asia also emerged victorious in the five-on-five team match, narrowly edging out Team Rest of the World with a 5–4 scoreline.
Building Momentum Toward the Finals
With a perfect sweep so far, Team Asia has strengthened its chances of retaining the Reyes Cup crown. The competition, named after Filipino billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, continues to showcase elite talent and sportsmanship from both regional and global cue masters.
As the tournament progresses, Team Asia’s discipline, precision, and teamwork remain their strongest assets. With just a few matches left, the question now is whether they can complete an unprecedented clean sweep and secure back-to-back Reyes Cup victories.
