Biado Settles for 2nd place in US Open 8-Ball Championship

by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado yielded to eventual champion American Shane Van Boening, 13-11, in the finals of this year’s US Open 8-Ball Championship held at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday.

The Bugsy International Promotions ace Biado, who was also the winner in the Hard Times 10-Ball open last week at the Crooks and Castle in Bellflower, Los Angeles, California, received the second place prize of $8,500 for his effort. Van Boening, meanwhile, took the crown and the $15,000 top prize after trouncing Biado in the tough tournament.

Biado needed to beat Sean Cheng of Taiwan, 7-5, in the one-loss side to arranged a titular showdown with undefeated Van Boening. He earlier beat compatriots Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 8-7, and Warren "Warrior"Kiamco, 8-6.

It what an intense finals between Van Boening and Biado saw the two players trade break and runs an incredible 14 times in a row until the score lay at 10-10. 

According to AZbilliards.com report, Biado was on a roll when he drew the cue ball into the side pocket in 21st racks. However,the scratch left Van Boening with an out and he cashed it. This left Van Boening only needing a break and run to earn his first major 8-Ball title. After making a ball on the break, Van Boening shocked the crowd by missing his first shot of the run and Biado ran out to tie things again at 11-11.

Rack 23 saw the pressure get to Biado again, as he ran to a tough shot in the side pocket, which he missed. Van Boening quickly ran out to take a 12-11 lead.

Rack 24 would be the final rack, as Van Boening crushed the rack and every ball had a pocket. He gave the crown one last bit of excitement when he overran shape on the 8-ball and was left with a shot similar to the one that Biado had missed a rack earlier. After sizing up the shot, Van Boening drained in like a hanger and Van Boening dropped to his knees with relief.

The Filipinos’ campaign in the US pool circuit is supported by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines, Bugsy International Promotions, Puyat Sports, Boss Tapa, Hermes Sports Bar, King of Sports Resto Bar and Malungai Life Oil.