AJ Manas admits luck played a part in stunning world No. 1 Fedor Gorst in a dramatic hill-hill finish, capping a breakout performance for the 19-year-old Filipino cue star at the Reyes Cup 2025.
Pinoy pool sensation AJ Manas continues to be the talk of the billiards world after delivering one of the biggest upsets of the Reyes Cup 2025.
Manas delivered back-to-back victories that pushed Team Asia to a commanding 7-0 lead against Team Rest of the World on Friday night, October 17, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
“Sobrang komportable ko ngayong araw kasi ‘yun na nga, nakakauna kami ng 4-0 noong unang araw, tsaka nanalo rin ‘yung unang team match, so naging mas komportable ako noong single match and double match namin,” Manas said after Day 2.
Defeating the world No. 1
The 19-year-old showed remarkable poise beyond his years, staying composed in a nail-biting hill-hill finish against world No. 1 Fedor Gorst.
After both players traded racks to tie the match at 4-all, a crucial foul from Gorst, whose jersey grazed the 7-ball, gave Manas a free shot and the opening he needed to clinch the victory.
AJ Manas celebrates after scoring a huge upset against world No. 1 Feder Gorst in the Reyes Cup 2025. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
[ALSO READ: Pinoy prodigy AJ Manas shocks world No. 1 Fedor Gorst in dramatic Reyes Cup singles clash]
“Syempre, nakaka-boost ng confidence, lalo na ‘yung kalaban mo, world number one. At the same time, natalo ko rin siya, so mas naging komportable lalo ako nung nanalo ako nung match,” he said.
Luck? Skill? Maybe both
Despite the confidence boost, the humble teen was quick to admit that a stroke of luck played a key role in his breakthrough moment.
“Tingin ko, buenas na lang ako kasi na-foul siya noong last hill-hill match namin,” Manas shared with a laugh. “’Yung time na hill-to-hill match na kami, tingin ko wala na akong kapanapanalo sa pwesto ng bola kasi napakadali na nun. Tingin ko, ‘yung nangyari, himala na lang.”
With Team Asia now holding a 6-0 lead, Manas and company are in a prime position to defend the Reyes Cup crown.
(With reports from Xander Cipriano/One Sports)
—
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.