STARBOY MANAS STEALS THE SHOW AS TEAM ASIA EXTENDS PERFECT RUN | 2025 LIVESB.IO REYES CUP

Team Asia continued their reign of dominance, securing a second consecutive whitewash to take a commanding 7–0 lead over Team Rest of the World. At the heart of the action was 18-year-old AJ ‘Starboy’ Manas, who potted all three winning nine-balls to fire Asia closer to retaining their crown in Manila.

The 2025 LiveSB.io Reyes Cup is set to ignite the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila from October 16–19, as Team Asia defends their crown in an event staged in partnership with Puyat Sports and broadcast globally via Sky Sports, One Sport, and WNT TV.

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Result on Day Two
Team Asia 7 – 0 Team Rest of the World

After another standout day, AJ Manas reflected on his dream debut run:
“It feels unbelievable. Last year I was watching the Reyes Cup wishing I could be part of Team Asia — now I’m living that dream. To get a win over World Number One, someone I really look up to, is crazy. I’m proud, but I’m not done yet. I want to help Asia finish this the right way.”

Match Five
Team Asia 5–4 Team Rest of the World

Team Rest of the World started strong with a two-rack lead through Gorst and Shaw, but Duong and Manas hit back quickly to level. Chua’s experience over Neuhausen put Asia ahead, and Biado capitalised on a Gorst miscue to reach the hill. The ROW pair rallied to force hill-hill, but AJ “Starboy” Manas once again delivered under pressure, sinking the decisive nine-ball to clinch the opening point of the day.

Captain Francisco Bustamante said: “What can I say? Team Asia is just too strong. Every player is stepping up, and the chemistry is amazing. You could bring anyone — it won’t matter. Right now, nobody’s stopping Asia.”

Match Six
AJ Manas 5–4 Fedor Gorst

In a thrilling showdown, the World No.1 opened with a break and run, but Manas hit back immediately with a golden break. The Filipino teenager showed remarkable composure, taking advantage of key chances to reach the hill at 4–2. Gorst battled back to level 4–4, setting up a tense decider, but a costly foul from the American allowed Manas to sweep up and complete a sensational singles debut victory.

Match Seven
Johann Chua & AJ Manas 5–2 Jayson Shaw & Fedor Gorst

Shaw and Gorst struck first after a rare Chua miss, but their momentum quickly vanished. A miscue from Gorst opened the door, and Chua’s precision jump shots combined with Manas’ fearless shot-making carried Team Asia to another emphatic win — and another whitewash.

Chua reflected: “I’m so proud of Team Asia. We didn’t expect to be this dominant, but everyone’s playing with heart. AJ’s been unbelievable — youngest on the team but leading like a veteran. People said he wasn’t ready; well, he’s proving them wrong.”

With two flawless days in the books, Team Asia sits firmly in control, leaving Team Rest of the World with a mountain to climb heading into Day Three if they hope to keep the Reyes Cup alive.

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