Team Asia is closing in on the Reyes Cup trophy after Duong Quoc Hoang and Ko Pin-yi's triumph over Team Europe's Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Mickey Krause.
Team Asia is now just a win away from bagging the inaugural Reyes Cup title.
Duong Quoc Hoang and Ko Pin-yi secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over Team Europe’s Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Mickey Krause after an intense doubles match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Friday, Oct. 18.
Sanchez Ruiz and Krause came out strong, quickly taking the first rack to seize a 1-0 lead. The Europeans' sharp shot-making and early chemistry put the Asian duo on the back foot.
But Duong and Ko did not take long to answer, leveling the match at 1-1 with a combination of precise potting and defensive play.
The back-and-forth battle continued as Team Europe went up again at 2-1, with Krause delivering a series of clutch shots. However, Duong and Ko showed resilience for a 2-2 standoff as the crowd’s energy in support of Team Asia began to grow.
With the score tied, Duong and Ko gained momentum, snatching the advantage for the first time at 3-2. But Sanchez Ruiz and Krause refused to back down, knotting the score at 3-3 in a match filled with tension and high-level play.
Ko delivered a masterclass of composure in the crucial seventh rack, giving Team Asia a 4-3 edge. With victory in sight, Duong and Ko sealed the deal in the final rack for a 5-3 win.
Leading 10-4, Team Asia will look to secure the title in the next match, which will feature hometown bet Carlo Biado facing Jayson Shaw.
Day 4 Results:
- David Alcaide (Europe) 5-4 Johann Chua (Asia)
- Duong Quoc Hoang and Ko Pin-yi (Asia) 5-3 Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Mickey Krause (Europe)