Best friends James Aranas and Johann Chua gave the Philippines its historic fourth title by beating Germany in the World Cup of Pool 9-ball doubles finals early Monday, Manila time.
Despite coming into the tournament unseeded, Aranas and Chua plowed through Spain, Chinese Taipei, and Austria before beating German partners Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, 11-7, to clinch the title at the Pazo de Feiras e Congresos de Lugo, Spain.
“I feel great. It feels amazing to win a world title. It’s such an honor to win with James. We’ve known each other since we were 13 years old. We went to school together. To win with him is amazing. This has always been our dream,” said a delighted Chua after their win.
“It’s a special achievement to win the World Cup of Pool. I am aggressive at the table. I cannot sleep if I do not approach it like that. It’s my first achievement at this sort of prestigious event. It’s my first world title.”
Aside from taking home the $60,000 top purse, they also joined the company of billiards legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante.
Reyes and Bustamante won the inaugural staging of the Cup in Wales in 2006 and followed it up with another title win two years later.
In 2013, Dennis Orcollo and Lee Van Corteza won a third title for the Philippines in the London edition of the tournament.
Aranas, whose golden break against Spain catapulted them to the quarterfinal round, relished playing with his friend throughout the week.
“I started the week with no cues having been lost in transit but felt it was a sign of better things to come. For me, I have so many memories, it’s so exciting,” he said.
“This week is unforgettable, spending this moment with Johann too.”
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