Duong Quoc Hoang’s Team Asia beat Team Europe, seal 2024 Reyes Cup

Entering the final day of the 2024 Reyes Cup, the Team Asia held a 9-3 lead over the Team Europe, and Duong Quoc Hoang and his teammates would gain just two more wins to become the first champions of this 9-ball tournament.

However, it was a challenge for duo Duong Quoc Hoang and Ko Pin Yi as they clashed with World Nineball Tour (WNT) champions Mickey Krause and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. Earlier, David Alcaide raised hope for the Team Europe by defeating Johann Chua, narrowing the score to 4-9.

In a fiercely contested game, the Vietnamese player delivered an impressive performance alongside Ko Pin Yi, turning the tide despite falling behind early on. As the game reached hill-hill, Yi executed a great break, sinking the 1 ball. The favourable layout allowed Hoang to confidently approach the table and systematically pocket the remaining target balls.

Ultimately, Hoang and Yi triumphed 5-3 over their rivals Krause and Ruiz, bringing the score to 10-4.

In the next two doubles matches, Jayson Shaw showcased his skill by defeating both Carlo Biado and Duong Quoc Hoang, keeping the Team Europe in the chase at 6-10.

The final responsibility fell on Singaporean player Aloysius Yapp in his singles match against Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. With his rising form, Aloysius quickly secured a dominant 5-1 victory over the Spanish opponent, thereby clinching the championship title for the Reyes Cup for the first time.

Yapp was named the tournament’s best player, having won all five of his singles and doubles matches. Hoang also performed well, securing victories in both doubles matches alongside Ko and Yapp, winning a singles match against Eklent Kaci, and suffering one loss to Shaw.

The Reyes Cup 2024 took place in the Philippines from October 15 to 18, featuring teams from Europe and Asia, with each comprising five players. Hoang competed in the tournament as the final wild card selection from Asia, chosen by the legendary Reyes.