By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Billiards star Johann Chua conveyed his appreciation to the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) for honoring him during the annual awarding ceremony at a hotel in Manila on Monday night, January 27.

According to the Bacolod City native Chua, this is his first time to receive an individual citation from the sports scribes’ group after being part of the team event during 2022 and 2023.

“Masaya. Kasi nung 2022 and 2023, sa team event ‘yung na-receive namin,” Chua said.

“This time, [ito ‘yung award] ko sa sarili ko,” he added.

Chua added that he did not expect to be recognized after struggling in the early part of 2024 before bouncing back with a gold medal finish in the Hanoi Open 9-Ball Championship, and helping Team Asia in beating Team Europe for the inaugural Reyes Cup.

“Syempre, sobrang thankful ako na ma-acknowledge ng PSA para sa mga nagawa naming mga athletes sa international. Sobrang hindi ko in-expect ‘yun,” Chua said.

“Ibinigay ko lang ‘yung faith ko kay God na kung saan man ako abutin, i-enjoy ko lang. Trina-try ko lang na maging pro. Sobrang blessed ako na makapag-progress ako nang mabilis,” he added.

Chua hopes to bring the momentum of his strong finish in 2024 to this year.

“Madami kaming world championships na sasalihan this year — may mga individual events. Hindi pa din kasi sila naglalabas ng full schedule. Sobrang dami,” Chua said./ASC, WDJ