Sean Mark Malayan of the Philippines and South Korean sensation Seo Seoa were crowned champions at the Indonesian International Open, as part of the Predator Pro Billiard Series.
Staged in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, the tournament was overshadowed by the sudden passing of Taiwanese great Chang Jung-Lin, who died after a heart attack between matches, with his fellow players paying their respects before the following day’s play.
Malayan emerged as a somewhat surprise champion in the men’s tournament, securing the biggest accolade of his career and pocketing the $25,000 top prize with a straight sets 4-2, 4-2 victory over Taiwan’s Wu Kun-Lin.
Leyte-based Malayan had come through a gripping semi-final against compatriot Kyle Amoroto during a campaign that also included wins over Jeffrey de Luna and Indonesian talent Yoni Rahmanto.
Meanwhile, WPA number one Alex Kazakis endured a straight sets exit in the last 16 at the hands of an Indonesian prodigy in Derin Asaku Sitorus, who was the world U17 champion two years ago.
Carlo Biado was beaten in a three-set quarter-final against Alexis Ferrer, while WPA number two Denis Grabe suffered a disappointing last 64 loss at the hands of unheralded Filipino Bryant Saguiped.
In the women’s division, world number nine Seoa secured her second Pro Billiard Series crown, two years after winning the Las Vegas Open, sealing a straight sets victory over China’s Zhang Muyan.
Seoa had beaten Chezka Centeno 4-0, 1-4, 4-1 in the semi-finals, while her route to the $18,000 top prize also involved wins over Filipino teenager Rhaki Constantino in the quarter-finals and Chen Chia-Hua.
Kelly Fisher was beaten by Pia Filler in the quarter-finals, while former women’s number one Chou Chieh-Yu and Wei Tzu-Chien endured last 16 losses to Venus Lim and Rhaki Constantino respectively.
The Predator Pro Billiard Series will return to Indonesia from October 7-13 for the Women’s World 10-Ball Championship, the Men’s World 8-Ball Championship and the inaugural Men’s World 10-Ball Doubles Championship.
