Team Europe’s Jayson Shaw and Mickey Krause rallied from a 0-3 deficit to defeat hometown favorites Johann Chua and Carlo Biado in a doubles match during the 2024 Reyes Cup.
Team Europe’s Jayson Shaw and Mickey Krause overcame a 0-3 deficit to defeat hometown favorites Johann Chua and Carlo Biado in a gripping doubles match during the 2024 Reyes Cup at the Ninoy Aquino National Stadium in Manila on Wednesday, October 16.
The match showcased not only the high stakes of international competition but also the resilience of the European duo, ultimately tying the overall score at 2-2 in Day 1 of the tournament.
The match started on a high note for Team Asia as Chua and Biado quickly established dominance. The Filipino pair displayed exceptional synergy and tactical play, with Chua’s precise breaks and Biado’s impeccable shot selection putting immense pressure on Shaw and Krause.
Within just a few frames, the hometown favorites raced to a 3-0 lead, sending the enthusiastic crowd into a frenzy and seemingly putting Team Europe on the ropes.
Despite the shaky start, Shaw and Krause remained composed, focusing on their game and communicating effectively to regain their footing.
In the fourth rack, Shaw’s brilliant golden shot helped spark their comeback.
Krause, known for his quick thinking and precise execution, followed up with a crucial break-and-run in the fifth rack, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
With confidence building, Shaw and Krause began to find their rhythm, executing safety plays and aggressive shots that prevented Chua and Biado from bouncing back.
Shaw and Krause would continue their momentum to seal the seventh and eighth frames and, in turn, the victory.
With the win, the score stands tied at 2-2 in the 2024 Reyes Cup, setting the stage for an exciting final match on Day 1.
Closing the day out will be a singles match between Shaw and Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp.
Day 1 Results:
- Team Europe 5-4 Team Asia (Team Match)
- Aloysius Yapp and Ko Pin Yi (Asia) 5-2 David Alcaide and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz (Europe)
- Duong Quoc Hoang (Asia) 5-3 Eklent Kaçi (Europe)
- Jayson Shaw and Mickey Krause (Europe) 5-3 Johann Chua and Carlo Biado (Asia)