Jefrey Roda celebrated a career-defining moment by capturing his first World Nineball Tour title at the 3rd Universal Chinese Taipei Open, stopping the hometown favourite Ko Pin Yi 13-11 in a dramatic final in Taipei City.
Roda’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of extraordinary. He asserted his dominance with a commanding 11-3 victory over Hanoi Open champion Johann Chua in the quarter-finals, followed by a resounding 11-2 win against former World Champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz in the semi-finals.
The final was a tale of redemption for Roda, who had previously lost a heart-stopping hill-hill decider to Ko Pin Yi at the Lushan Open earlier this year. Trailing 11-8, the Filipino capitalised on a crucial miss from Ko and surged forward with a remarkable run of racks. Reaching the hill, Roda sealed his victory in spectacular fashion with a golden break, not only defeating the Chinese Taipei star but also claiming his first World Nineball Tour (WNT) Ranking event title—a defining moment in his burgeoning career.
Reflecting on his triumph, Roda said: “For years, I have dreamed of becoming a champion, and through relentless effort, unwavering dedication, and countless sacrifices, that dream has finally come true. The journey was never easy – it was filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt – but I always believed with perseverance, faith, and hard work, this day would come.”
2024 has been a phenomenal year for Jefrey Roda. Alongside capturing his first WNT title this week, Roda reached the final of the Lushan Open, the semi-finals of the Hanoi Open, and the quarter-finals of the US Open. His triumph in Taipei City earned him a $20,000 top prize, propelling the young Filipino up the WNT rankings and strengthening his chances of securing a spot on Team Asia for the 2025 Reyes Cup.
As the 2024 season nears its conclusion, attention now shifts to the final ranking event of the year, the 2nd Zen & Yuan8 Open, set to take place from December 18–23 in Shanghai. There, defending champion Johann Chua will aim to secure a third WNT ranking title, competing against a stellar field that includes Reyes Cup MVP Aloysius Yapp, UK Open champion Robbie Capito, and former World Champions Ko Pin Yi and Carlo Biado.
The stage is set for a thrilling finale to an already unforgettable year in the world of pool.
