Unheralded Jefrey Roda pulled the rug from under Johann Chua but was quickly given a reality check in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 US 9-Ball Open Championship at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey Saturday, Aug 25 (Manila Time).

Playing in his maiden appearance in the prestigious US tournament, Roda stunned compatriot Chua, 10-7, in the Final 16, but was sent crashing back to earth after yielding to American Fedor Gorst, 5-10, in the quarterfinals.

For his Last 8 finish, Roda took home a consolation prize of $6,750 or P380,000.

With his win, Gorst, the 2024 World Pool Masters (WPM) king, will battle Dutch Niels Feijen in the semifinal round while in the other pairing five-time US Open champ Shane Van Boening squares off with Germany’s Joshua Filler.

Before his exit, the pride of Manila demolished American Elias Patrkios (9-1), UK’s Darren Appleton (9-2), Filler (9-6), Poland’s Wiktor Zielenski (10-2), and Jeffrey Ignacio (10-9).

Meanwhile, Michael Baoanan gave WPM titlist Spain’s David Alcaide a huge scare before ultimately falling, 9-10, in the Final 16.

Baoanan and Chua will not go home empty-handed as they bagged $4,500 (roughly P250,000).