The world of competitive billiards witnessed a stunning upset at the CTPBA Professional Billiards Tour Championship held at Taipei Songshan Cultural and Creative Park’s Warehouse No. 1 on January 7, 2026. Taiwan’s own “Pool Prince” Ko Ping-yi delivered a series of remarkable comebacks throughout the day,culminating in a thrilling victory over 18-year-old Filipino prodigy Albert James Manas. this win wasn’t just about skill; it was a testament too resilience and mental fortitude, captivating a massive online audience.
Ko’s journey to the championship was anything but easy. He faced Singapore’s Ye Junwei in the quarterfinals, initially trailing 2-7 before mounting a spectacular recovery to tie the match. Despite briefly falling behind again, Ko demonstrated composure, securing three consecutive racks to advance. He then overcame fellow taiwanese player Xie Jiazhen, battling from a deficit to claim his spot in the final.
The final match against Manas, heralded as a “genius boy” in the billiards world, proved to be a nail-biter.Ko found himself consistently trailing by three to four racks, but he refused to concede. Capitalizing on a crucial error by his opponent while down 9-12, Ko launched a breathtaking comeback, ultimately clinching the championship with a final score of 13-12. This victory marks a significant moment for Taiwanese billiards, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in the sport.
The championship match drew a substantial crowd of on-site spectators, and the online viewership
