Singapore's Aloysius Yapp and Philippines' Carlo Biado join other billiard professionals from Europe and Asia as they play against each other during the Reyes Cup, a tournament named in honor of billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes happening in Manila on October 16, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Familiarity has been key to success for Carlo Biado and Aloysius Yapp whenever they team up in the Reyes Cup.
The Asian duo were also a tandem in last year's edition of the Reyes Cup, putting aside their rivalries as members of Team Asia.
It was a masterclass from Biado and Yapp against European foes Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Moritz Neuhausen in their 5-0 whitewash on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The Singaporean pool player underscored how Biado and him complement each other on the pool table.
"Carlo played amazing. I left him some tough shots and he recovered it so well. We know each other's game well because we practice a lot together. He's Carlo that's why," Yapp told reporters on Saturday.
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Biado likewise said he feels at ease having Yapp by his side, adding they easily connect given their familiarity with each other.
"Kaya hindi kami worried sa isa't-isa dahil alam namin kung paano kami maglaro dahil last year kami rin nag-tandem so alam na namin," he said.
(We don't worry about how each other will play because we already played together last year, so we know our play styles)
With all the experience under their belts, Yapp said Team Asia will continue to bring their A Game on the final day to prevent a comeback by Team Rest of the World.
"I think we're all really overjoyed. But we all now it's not over yet and we have to stay focused. It's a new day tomorrow," Yap said.
"I hope not. But you know like I said it's a short race, anything can happen. But we will make sure to do our best and make sure it doesn't happen. Although we have a big lead, we want to finish it on a high note," he added.
Team Asia is two wins away from securing back-to-back Reyes Cup titles, leading Team Rest of the world 9-1 in the Race to 11.
Billiards: Team Asia on cusp of Reyes Cup title repeat
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