MANILA – Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino praised Carlo Biado as “a gem in world pool” for winning the 2025 World Pool 9-Ball Championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“This is another great reason to rejoice and celebrate—Carlo Biado winning in Jeddah and becoming the only player in the world to emerge as a 9-ball champion twice. Long live Biado and Philippine billiards,” Tolentino said in a statement.

Biado dethroned Russian-American Fedor Gorst, 15-13, in the final of the event—the crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour—held at the iconic Green Halls.

“I’m over the moon—I still can’t believe I’m a two-time World Champion. It means everything to me. I’m so proud to bring this trophy home to the Philippines,” Biado said.

“This final is something I’ll remember forever. Fedor is one of the best in the world—when I was leading 9-2, I still couldn’t relax because he’s a monster on the table. But today, I stayed focused, stayed calm, and maybe had a little luck on my side too,” added Biado, who made history as the first Filipino to win the title twice.

Biado also won in 2017 in Doha, achieving the feat first accomplished by Efren “Bata” Reyes in 1999 in Cardiff, Ronnie Alcano in 2006, and Francisco “Django” Bustamante in 2010, also in Doha.

The POC has been tasked with overseeing the obligations and responsibilities of the national sports association for billiards and snooker, the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines (BSCP), since its suspension by the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) last March.

“We will continue to work, guide, and help our national billiard athletes in their training and competitions abroad, including in the Thailand SEA Games this December,” Tolentino said.

Biado won gold medals at the Wroclaw World Games (2017) and the SEA Games in Singapore (2015), Kuala Lumpur (2017), and Vietnam (2021).

World Pool Championship

The **World Pool Championship** is a prestigious international tournament in professional pool (pocket billiards), organized by Matchroom Sport. First held in 1990, it features top players competing in disciplines like 9-ball and 10-ball, with champions such as Efren Reyes and Shane Van Boening earning global recognition. The event has grown into one of the sport’s most televised and high-profile competitions, promoting pool worldwide.

Jeddah

Jeddah is a major port city on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, known for its historic role as a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. The city’s historic district, Al-Balad, features centuries-old coral houses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its rich mercantile and cultural history. Today, Jeddah blends tradition with modernity, serving as a key commercial hub and a vibrant cultural center.

Green Halls

“Green Halls” is a historic and cultural site, often associated with academic or communal buildings, though its exact location and significance may vary. In some contexts, it refers to university halls or heritage buildings known for their distinctive green architecture or lush surroundings. For example, at Princeton University, Green Hall is part of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, reflecting a blend of modern education and tradition. If referring to a different “Green Halls,” additional context would clarify its unique history and purpose.

Doha

Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is a vibrant metropolis known for its modern skyline, rich cultural heritage, and rapid development. Historically a small fishing and pearl-diving village, Doha transformed into a global hub after Qatar’s independence in 1971 and the discovery of oil and natural gas. Today, it blends tradition with modernity, featuring landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and the futuristic Pearl-Qatar.

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales, with a history dating back to Roman times when a fort was established there. It grew significantly during the Industrial Revolution due to its coal-exporting port, becoming a major hub in the 19th century. Today, Cardiff is a vibrant cultural and political center, home to landmarks like Cardiff Castle, the Millennium Stadium, and the Welsh Parliament.

Wroclaw World Games

The Wrocław World Games were held in Wroclaw, Poland, in 2017, marking the 10th edition of this international multi-sport event for non-Olympic disciplines. Organized by the International World Games Association (IWGA), the Games featured over 3,600 athletes competing in 27 sports, including parkour, dance sport, and korfball. Wroclaw, a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, showcased its modern infrastructure and vibrant atmosphere while hosting this prestigious event.

SEA Games

The SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) is a biennial multi-sport event involving athletes from 11 countries in Southeast Asia. Established in 1959 as the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games, it promotes regional unity and sports development. The event features a variety of traditional and modern sports, with host countries rotating and often incorporating local culture into the competitions.

Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines

The Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines (BSCP) is the national governing body for billiards and pool sports in the Philippines, established to promote and regulate the sport. Founded in the 20th century, it has played a key role in developing Filipino talents, including world champions like Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco Bustamante. The BSCP organizes tournaments, upholds international standards, and supports the Philippines’ reputation as a powerhouse in billiards.