Jayson Shaw and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz gave Team Europe a crucial win to revive their campaign in the 2024 Reyes Cup.
Team Europe is back on track as Jayson Shaw and Franciso Sanchez Ruiz outlasted Johann Chua and Ko Pin-yi in the doubles match, 5-3, on Day 3 of the 2024 Reyes Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Shaw and Sanchez Ruiz got off to a fast start, taking control of the early racks to jump out to a 2-0 lead.
Their strategic shot-making and quick table work put the pressure on Ko and Chua, as the European pair capitalized on their opponents’ early errors.
However, Team Asia refused to go down easily as Ko and Chua found their rhythm in the third rack, clawing back with solid precision to draw level at 2-2.
The momentum seemed to shift as the crowd roared in support of the hometown favorite.
However, Shaw and Sanchez Ruiz quickly regained their footing.
Shaw’s steady hand and Sanchez Ruiz’s sharp shooting helped Europe retake the advantage at 3-2 despite the fierce resistance from the Asian duo.
The back-and-forth battle continued as Ko and Chua once again evened the score at 3-3, showcasing their resilience.
But in the seventh rack, Shaw's decisive play under pressure put Europe ahead 4-3, setting up a crucial final stretch.
With the match hanging in the balance, the European pair displayed their composure, with Sanchez Ruiz delivering a series of brilliant shots to seal the victory, 5-3.
The win brought Team Europe closer in the overall standings, keeping their hopes alive in the race to 11 points.
As it stands, Team Asia is still ahead 8-3 with another doubles match set between Carlo Biado and Aloysius Yapp against Shaw and Eklent Kaçi.
Day 3 Results:
- Team Asia 5-1 Team Europe (Team Match)
- Jayson Shaw and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz (Europe) 5-3 Johann Chua and Ko Pin-yi (Asia)