By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolodnon Johann “Badkoi” Chua proved once again why he is one of the most feared players in world billiards, storming past Fedor Gorst, 13-6, to capture the 2025 Knight Shot Open crown in Dubai.

The match began as a close duel, with Chua clinging to a 7-6 advantage before shifting into high gear.

The Filipino cue master closed out the contest with a stunning six-rack run, leaving Gorst, a former world champion, with no chance to recover.

Aside from the championship trophy, Chua pocketed a $15,000 top prize.

“Raising this trophy to the one up there, for my country, my family, friends, sponsors, supporters,” Chua posted on social media.

“Buhay na buhay ang bilyar! Nakaka-proud at nakakataba ng puso,” Chua said.

“Pinapangarap ko lang ito dati na marami sanang sumali na Pinoy sa mga tournament dahil naniniwala ako sa galing na meron tayo sa bilyar. Ngayon, eto na, kaliwa’t kanan ang mga panalo at naniniwala ako na marami pang susunod,” he added.

Chua’s title-winning performance followed his 11-7 semifinal triumph over Spain’s David “El Matador” Alcaide, cementing his dominant form throughout the tournament.

Gorst settled for a $7,000 runner-up purse, while fellow Filipino Jeffrey Prieto impressed with a quarterfinal finish worth $2,600.

The victory boosts Chua’s momentum heading into the World Pool Championship at the Green Halls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to contend for another major title./ASC, WDJ