DAY TWO: STARBOY MANAS STEALS THE SHOW AS TEAM ASIA EXTENDS PERFECT RUN
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 18 Oct 2025
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.
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.
For all the latest updates, follow Matchroom Pool on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Alicaba to fight for WBC Asian Continental super fly
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 18 Oct 2025DAY TWO: STARBOY MANAS STEALS THE SHOW AS TEAM ASIA EXTENDS PERFECT RUN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS INTRODUCES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND VICE PRESIDENT TONY COHEN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Joseph Subia Signs with Wise Owl Boxing
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Sirimongkhol, Midgley Make Weight for WBF World Title in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 17 Oct 2025ICTSI South Pacific on Oct. 28-31
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Oct 2025PIONEERING FILIPINO BOXERS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT ON FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH (PART II)
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 17 Oct 2025California Commission Backs Dana White’s ‘American Boxing Revival’ and Expanded Muhammad Ali Act
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 17 Oct 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS PRESENTS “COUNTDOWN TO THRILLA IN MANILA” AND “THRILLA IN MANILA 50”
Fri, 17 Oct 2025Rafael Espinoza-Arnold Khegai Featherweight World Title Showdown Set for Nov. 15 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Fri, 17 Oct 2025Irish welterweight contender Paddy Donovan Positioned for another World title shot
Fri, 17 Oct 2025DAY ONE: TEAM ASIA LAUNCHES TITLE DEFENCE WITH DOMINANT WHITEWASH AS AJ ‘STARBOY’ MANAS SHINES
Fri, 17 Oct 2025CONNOR MITCHELL SIGNS FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AND DREAMS OF SURPASSING HIS LEGENDARY FATHER
Fri, 17 Oct 2025CONWAY-LIDDARD YORK HALL WEIGH-IN RESULTS
Thu, 16 Oct 2025PR Run - Break Your Record on Oct. 19
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 16 Oct 2025