Team Asia swept all three matches on Day 2 of the Reyes Cup 2025 to extend its lead over Team Rest of the World.
Team Asia tightened its grip on the 2025 Reyes Cup crown after a stellar performance on Day 2, winning all three matches to extend its lead over Team Rest of the World in front of an ecstatic home crowd at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Friday night, October 17.
Match 1: Team Battle
The day opened with an intense five-on-five team match that went the distance.
After falling behind 0-2 early, Team Asia found its rhythm with Johann Chua and Carlo Biado anchoring a furious comeback to take a 4-2 lead.
Jayson Shaw and Skylar Woodward staged a fightback for the visiting side to tie it at 4-4.
But rising star AJ Manas sealed the deal for Asia with a clutch final rack, clinching the 5-4 win and keeping the momentum on the home side.
Match 2: AJ Manas vs Feder Gorst
In one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, 19-year-old Filipino prodigy AJ Manas delivered the biggest statement of his young career by taking down world No. 1 Fedor Gorst in a nail-biting 5-4 singles victory.
Manas stayed composed through several lead changes, eventually capitalizing on a rare foul from Gorst, whose jersey grazed the 7-ball, to secure the decisive point.
The victory pushed Team Asia’s overall lead even further and electrified the Filipino crowd.
[ALSO READ: Pinoy prodigy AJ Manas shocks world No. 1 Fedor Gorst in dramatic Reyes Cup singles clash]
Match 3: AJ Manas & Johann Chua vs Feder Gorst & Jayson Shaw
Manas wasn’t done yet. Teaming up with Johann Chua, the Filipino duo showcased superb chemistry and tactical brilliance in the doubles match against Gorst and Shaw.
After trading racks early, the Team Asia tandem pulled away to score a convincing 5-2 victory, capping off a perfect Day 2 performance.
With their sweep of all three matches, Team Asia now holds a commanding advantage heading into the decisive stretch of the competition.
The Rest of the World will need a near-perfect run to mount a comeback
The competition will be back tomorrow, October 18, starting at 7:00 p.m. once more.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.