It was a tournament to remember — a breakout performance from MVP AJ Manas, who lit up the 2025 Reyes Cup and powered Team Asia to back-to-back championships.
It was a tournament to remember for AJ Manas — one that announced his arrival on the big stage of world billiards.
Not only did the 18-year-old dazzle under the lights and lead Team Asia to back-to-back Reyes Cup titles at the expense of Team Rest of the World, he also walked away with MVP honors after a four-day showcase of skill and poise at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
[ALSO READ: AJ Manas caps breakout run with 2025 Reyes Cup MVP award for Team Asia]
“Very special for me kasi hindi ako makapaniwala na ako ‘yung MVP. Buenas tayo na maganda ‘yung nilaro natin and sa tingin ko deserve ko naman,” Manas said.
There’s no doubt he earned it.
Manas teamed up with reigning world nine-ball champion Carlo Biado to seal the tournament for Team Asia, pocketing a 5-2 win over world No. 1 Fedor Gorst of the United States and Moritz Neuhausen of Germany in the decisive doubles match.
[ALSO READ: Biado-Manas tandem close out Team Asia's dominant showing to win 2025 Reyes Cup title]
Earlier, the youngest competitor in the field stunned the crowd with a gritty 5-4 singles victory over Gorst — perhaps the biggest upset of the competition.
“This is my biggest achievement so far since hindi naman ako nakakalaro ng mga ganitong [klase] ng mga events. First time ko maglaro [sa Reyes Cup] and nakuha natin ‘yung MVP. Hindi [talaga] ako makapaniwala,” he shared.
Manas was quick to credit Team Asia captain Francisco “Django” Bustamante for the trust and opportunity to represent the region amid harsh online criticism of his inclusion in the lineup.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya na sa tiwalang binigay niya sakin. ‘Yung pressure nasa’kin and kailangan ko na lang pag-igihan. Sabi niya [is] mag-relax lang ako and laruin ko lang daw ‘yung laro ko," he bared.
Now, the teenager’s confidence is at an all-time high as he heads into the inaugural Philippines Open Pool Championship, set for Oct. 21–25 at Gateway Mall in Cubao.
[ALSO READ: Who is AJ Manas? Meet the 18-year-old cue artist seen as the future of Philippine billiards]
(With reports from Maureen Muarip)
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.