Filipino cue artist Carlo Biado is a champion—again.
The bemedaled pool star from La Union added another accolade to his list of achievements on Saturday evening after winning an all-Pinoy final at the 2026 Predator PBC Indonesia International Open. Biado, nicknamed Black Tiger, claimed the title after surviving a nail-biting championship match against Paolo Gallito, 10-9, to pocket the $25,000 top prize.
Biado looked headed for defeat after Gallito took a 9-8 lead in their nip-and-tuck battle. However, Gallito scratched on the 8-ball in what could’ve been his winning rack, leaving the door open for Biado. The two-time world nine-ball king took full advantage, tying things up at 9 before completing the comeback in the decider.
A Special Championship Clincher for Carlo Biado
While the comeback victory was sweet, it carried even greater meaning for the Black Tiger, who shared his golden conquest with his wife and daughter—both of whom flew to Indonesia to surprise him.
“A very special thank you to my wife and our daughter for surprising me by coming all the way to Indonesia,” Carlo Biado wrote on social media. “Having you both by my side gave me the extra inspiration and strength to keep fighting until the very end.”
He also congratulated Gallito for “an amazing tournament” and for “making every Filipino proud”—before encouraging him to keep working.
“To my opponent, Paolo Gallito, congratulations on an amazing tournament. Thank you for making every Filipino proud,” Biado said. “Your time will come—keep believing and keep working. Makukuha mo rin ’yan.”
Filipino Dominance in Indonesia
Biado’s win in Indonesia capped a dominant tournament for the Philippines. Aside from Biado and Gallito reaching the final, four other Filipinos advanced to the quarterfinals. In all, six of the eight quarterfinalists in the 2026 Indonesia International Open were Pinoys, including Bernie Regalario, whom Biado defeated in the semis, 10-6.
Carlo Biado will now turn his attention to the 2026 Asian Pool Championship, where he is the defending champion. He will be joined by compatriots Jonas Magpantay, who recently won the Universal Open Pool Championship, and AJ Manas, among others.
