Filipino pool professional Johann Chua has officially claimed the title at the inaugural Johann Chua Pattaya Open 9-ball tournament. The event concluded on Friday night at the S1 Pool Hall & Sport Bar in Pattaya, Thailand, where Chua secured a definitive victory over compatriot James Aranas.
A Dominant Final Performance
In an all-Filipino final, Chua demonstrated consistent form throughout the match, defeating Aranas with a final score of 15-5. The one-sided affair highlighted Chua’s sharp execution from the break to the final pocket, leaving little room for a comeback from his opponent in this major 9-Ball championship.
The Road to the Finals
Prior to the championship match, both players faced challenging semifinal rounds against fellow Philippine billiards standouts. Chua narrowly defeated veteran Dennis Orcollo with a 13-11 victory. Meanwhile, Aranas secured his spot in the finals by edging out Alexis Ferrer in a tight 13-12 match.
Following his tournament win, Chua, known in the billiards community by his moniker “Bad Koi,” shared his thoughts on the victory:
“I dedicate this victory to all those who get up every day to fight against the hardships of Life, to be better than the day before… to my family, my team, my fans and my country. Glory to God.”
Tournament Results and Prize Money
The inaugural event featured a substantial prize pool for the top finishers. While the exact payout structure for the entire bracket was not fully detailed, below is the summary of the final placements and earnings for the top competitors based on available data.
| Player | Placement | Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Johann Chua | Champion | $12,000 |
| James Aranas | Runner-Up | $7,000 |
| Dennis Orcollo | Semifinalist | $4,000 |
| Alexis Ferrer | Semifinalist | $4,000 |
What You Need to Know
- Johann Chua won the inaugural Pattaya Open 9-Ball Championship.
- The final match concluded with a 15-5 victory over James Aranas.
- The tournament was held at the S1 Pool Hall & Sport Bar in Pattaya, Thailand.
- Chua earned the $12,000 top prize, while Aranas took home $7,000.
- Semifinalists included renowned Filipino players Dennis Orcollo and Alexis Ferrer.