Carlo Biado Shines on Opening Day at Las Vegas Open
Filipino billiards star Carlo Biado made a powerful start at the Las Vegas Open, securing back-to-back wins on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The BCA Hall of Famer edged closer to the knockout stage with impressive straight-set victories over American opponents Bei Madeja and Michael Yednak.
Biado's Commanding Performance
Biado, who was a finalist in the 2024 edition of this Pro Billiard Series event, displayed exceptional skill and focus. He defeated Bei Madeja with scores of 4-3 and 4-0, followed by a strong performance against Michael Yednak, winning 4-1 and 4-2. These wins position him favorably for his next match against USA's Chris Robinson-Reinhold, where a victory would grant him an automatic berth into the Last 32 of the tournament.
Filipino Contenders Show Strength
Biado is not alone in his quest for glory. Fellow Filipino players Lee Van Corteza, Jeffrey De Luna, Roland Garcia, and Joven Bustamante also recorded two consecutive wins each, bolstering their chances of advancing to the knockout round. However, not all Filipino campaigners had a successful start. Roberto Gomez, Mark Estiola, Miguel Salvilla, Jeff Roda, and Rodlin Bautista faced setbacks and dropped to the losers' bracket, requiring them to fight their way back into contention.
Premier League Pool: AJ Manas Faces Challenges in Miami
Meanwhile, at the 2026 Premier League Pool in Miami, young Filipino talent AJ Manas experienced a mixed day on the opening Thursday of the $100,000 World Nineball Tour tournament. Manas posted two wins and three losses, highlighting the intense competition in this elite event.
Manas's Rollercoaster Day
The Filipino teen pool star began with a promising 5-1 victory over Germany's Thorsten Hohmann. However, he then encountered tough opponents, suffering losses to American Justin Bergman (3-5), Hong Kong's Robbie Capito (3-5), and Albania's Eklent Kaci (4-5). Manas ended the day on a positive note with a narrow 5-4 win over Venezuelan Jesus Atencio, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Innovative Tournament Format
This Premier League Pool tournament features an innovative format that brings together 16 of the world's top World Nineball Tour players. Over five days of world-class action, each competitor will face every other player once in a fast-paced race-to-5 format. This structure tests not only skill but also strategy, stamina, and consistency, as players aim to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Throughout the week, participants will be eliminated in stages, with only the top four advancing to the climactic playoffs. There, they will battle for the prestigious 2026 Premier League Pool title, adding to the excitement and stakes of this high-profile event.
