AJ Manas is officially on the rise, with the Filipino teen sensation taking MVP honors after Team Asia's sensational victory over Team Rest of the World in the 2025 Reyes Cup.
A new star is born.
AJ Manas emerged as the breakout star of the 2025 Reyes Cup, capturing tournament MVP honors after sparking Team Asia to a commanding 11–3 victory over Team Rest of the World on Sunday, October 19, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The 18-year-old Filipino sensation was pivotal in Team Asia’s title defense, highlighted by his Day 2 upset of world no. 1 Fedor Gorst, 5–4, that gave his team a 6–0 cushion in the standings.
Manas capped his impressive campaign by teaming up with reigning world 9-ball champion Carlo Biado to deliver the clinching win on Day 4, defeating Gorst and Moritz Neuhausen, 5–2.
Team Asia entered the final day with a 9–1 lead, and Aloysius Yapp’s victory over Jayson Shaw in the opener set up the championship finish.
Living legend Efren "Bata" Reyes hands the 2025 Reyes Cup MVP award to rising star AJ Manas. Photo: RM Chua
The win marked Team Asia’s second straight Reyes Cup crown, following last year’s 11–6 triumph in the inaugural edition.
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]