Everything You Missed At The Roobet Reyes Cup Press Conference
Team Asia and Team Rest of the World came face to face for the first time in Makati as the countdown to the 2026 Roobet Reyes Cup entered its final hours.
The battle lines are drawn. Team Asia and Team Rest of the World met for the first time at yesterday’s official press conference in Makati, setting the stage for four days of nineball drama at the Makati Coliseum from 15–18 October.
Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante’s Team Asia arrive as back-to-back champions, chasing a historic three-peat on home soil after beating Team Europe 11–6 in 2024 and Team Rest of the World 11–3 last year. Standing in their way is a Team Rest of the World led for the first time by German great Ralf Souquet, with four world champions in its ranks.
“Pool is ready to reach the next level”
Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, opened proceedings by reflecting on the event’s rapid rise and a landmark moment for the Reyes Cup, which will be broadcast live on ESPN in America for the first time.
“Just three years in, Team Asia have been incredible, with Django dancing his way to the title and Ralf Souquet brought in to get them into shape. Thanks to Putch Puyat’s vision, the Reyes Cup is here to stay in Manila, honouring the GOAT Efren Reyes. Now, with the event live on ESPN in America for the first time, pool is ready to reach the next level professionally.”
Puyat Sports Founder and Owner Mr Aristeo ‘Putch’ Puyat placed the Reyes Cup firmly alongside the sport’s most famous team event, and set Django a clear challenge:
“Matchroom’s commitment to pool has brought the Reyes Cup to Asia, putting it alongside the Mosconi Cup. With Fedor Gorst and Joshua Filler among the world’s best representing Team Rest of the World, Django must get Team Asia prepared and make the most of their home advantage.”
Team Rest of the World: “We’re the favourites”
New captain Ralf Souquet is wary of what awaits his side, with three Reyes Cup rookies set to experience the Filipino crowd for the first time:
“Honoured to captain Team ROW, with a strong squad and great team chemistry. Despite their individual success this year, three rookies and the pressure of playing on Asian soil present a different challenge. The focus is on building a team that can compete now and at the Mosconi Cup, with the hope that the best team wins.”
Two-time US Open champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz has tasted defeat in both previous editions, but believes this is the line-up to finally turn the tide:
“Really happy to be here. We lost the last two, but we have a stronger team this time. I’m looking for the best from my players. We feel comfortable, we have champions in the team, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Debutant Shane Van Boening made his intentions clear: “Very excited to be here and playing alongside world champions. We have a strong team with great chemistry, and we’re ready to compete. Team Asia are a strong side, but we’re here to win.”
Fellow rookie Aleksa Pečelj added: “I’m extremely honoured to be part of such a quality team. Having world champions alongside me gives me a lot of confidence, and I’m excited to play.”
Joshua Filler delivered the boldest prediction of the day:
“We’re all great players and multiple champions. We’ve all won big tournaments this year, and we know what it takes to win. I think we’re the favourites, and we’re going to win this.”
And Fedor Gorst, who renews a familiar partnership with Van Boening on the opening night, said: “It’s always great to play doubles with Shane, as we’ve played together so many times. I’m also excited to have the chance to play alongside Josh.”
Team Asia: “A team of giant killers”
Last year’s MVP AJ Manas is ready to pick up where he left off:
“I’m confident heading into this year’s Reyes Cup. After being named MVP last year, I’m ready to go again. We have plenty of champions in the team, including Carlo, Duong, Capito and the Giant Killer, and I believe we can win it this year.”
Reigning world champion Carlo Biado embraced the underdog tag and his role as a mentor to Asia’s younger stars:
“I’ll do my best for this team. We may be the underdogs, but we’re a team of giant killers, and we’ll give it our all. I’m grateful to have younger players on the team. I’ll share my experience and give them advice, just as our captain, Django, has done throughout the event.”
US Open runner-up Robbie Capito, who earned his debut as Asia’s top-ranked qualifier, said:
“First, thanks to Matchroom, the fans and media for being here. I’m proud to show my hard work is paying off and to be part of this team alongside great players, with guidance from the legendary Django. I’m confident we can get the win.”
Premier League Pool champion Duong Quoc Hoang kept it short and sweet: “Hello everybody! I am happy to be here. Good luck! Fighting Team Asia!”
And 17-year-old Albert Januarta, the youngest player ever to represent Team Asia, is soaking up every moment:
“I’m happy to be here for my first Reyes Cup and my first time in the Philippines. I’ll do my best alongside my great teammates, and we’ll keep fighting. Thank you to Emily Frazer and Matchroom for this opportunity.”
Opening night
The talking is done. The 2026 Roobet Reyes Cup breaks off tonight at the Makati Coliseum, with three matches on the opening night:
Thursday 15 October (7pm)
Biado/Capito v Filler/Pečelj
Duong Quoc Hoang v Sanchez Ruiz
Manas/Januarta v Gorst/Van Boening
The 2026 Roobet Reyes Cup begins on Thursday 15 October at Makati Coliseum and runs until Sunday 18 October. Book your tickets to experience the contest in person, or check the official event page for event information and viewing links. US viewers can watch live on ESPN+ on the ESPN App and WNT TV.
