Johann Chua remains laser-focused despite Team Asia’s 7-0 lead in the Reyes Cup, urging his squad to continue pushing to complete a dominant sweep against Team Rest of the World.
Team Asia’s commanding performance on Day 2 of the Reyes Cup 2025 has put them within striking distance of defending the championship.
However, veteran cue artist Johann Chua is preaching caution as they look to finish the job against Team Rest of the World.
Chua, one of the key figures behind Asia’s surge, said their strong 4-0 start ahead of Day 2 was a massive boost, especially after the heartbreak of last year’s opener.
“Oo naman kasi siyempre, masasakit talaga ‘yung nangyari last night. Na-switch sila ng 4-0. Kahit naman sa amin mangyari ‘yun, mag-struggle din kami ng Day 2 kahit kanino naman, so naunahan namin sila ‘yun,” Chua shared.
“’Yung goal talaga is unahan kasi parang sa mga matches naman, almost same-same lang. Bulagaan lang talaga. So, naunahan natin sila ng bulaga kaya medyo hilo pa sila ngayon,” he added.
Closing the tournament out
Team Asia went on to extend their advantage with a string of clutch wins, including Chua’s own heroics in the team event and a doubles victory with AJ Manas, bringing them to a commanding 7-0 lead.
But even with that cushion, “Bad Koi” reminded everyone that momentum can shift quickly in billiards and that overconfidence could be costly.
“Hindi pa rin naman tapos. Kahit anong mangyari hangga’t hindi tayo nananalo, hindi pa ‘yan tapos kasi alam naman natin na capable bumalik ‘yung kabila,” he said. “Kapag game time na, gano’n pa rin naman kami. Same pa rin na 0-0. Ang goal namin is to win the [Reyes] Cup.”
[ALSO READ: AJ Manas on stunning top-ranked Fedor Gorst in Reyes Cup duel: ‘Buenas na lang ako’]
Chua stressed that Team Asia must stay focused and aim for more than just a series win.
“Kung kaya natin na ma-sweep na all the way, sweep na natin,” he added. “Kasi [kapag] naka-puntos sila ng isa, puwedeng mag-momentum shift ‘yun.”
Team Asia will try to inch closer to the title on Day 3 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with Chua and company hoping to ride their wave of confidence to the finish line.
—
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.