Filipino professional pool player Johann Chua. EXPAT MEDIA

It all started with a click of the remote. Filipino pool superstar Johann Chua, now ranked World No. 5 in the World Nineball Tour (WNT), was just nine years old when he accidentally tuned into a televised billiards game. That moment—watching Finnish legend Mika Immonen sink a winning shot and break into tears—was all it took for the young Chua to fall in love with a sport his family had never imagined him pursuing. “It was by accident. My family and I were watching TV and we accidentally switched the channel to a billiard game. I absorbed emotions. So I told my dad I want to play that game,” Chua told Expat Media in an exclusive interview in Dubai. Now 33 years old, Chua is not just living his childhood dream—he’s thriving in it. Nicknamed the “Bad Koi”, the Bacolod-born and Manila-raised athlete is in Dubai for the Knight Shot Open – WNT Nineball Tournament, where he’s eyeing another podium finish after last year’s semi-final spot in the inaugural edition in Dubai.

From boxing gloves to billiard cues

Before his love affair with pool began, Chua had another sport in mind: boxing. “I really loved boxing. I was 7 years old when I started training,” he shared. “After two years… I switched to billiards.” From the moment his father took him to a local pool hall the next day, it became clear that young Johann had a natural talent for the sport. By 15, he had already turned professional in the Philippines, beating veteran players and joining the local pro circuit. “I was already able to compete with some of the best players of the game,” he said. Chua’s dedication to pool is as intense as it is inspiring. As part of the Philippine National Team, he trains at least three times a week with the squad, and even more when he’s on his own. “I try to play the game every day and train a minimum of three hours. But when I’m playing, I lose track of time and I end up playing for five to six hours,” he said with a big grin. The hard work has clearly paid off. After a stellar performance in last year’s WNT events, Chua climbed to the elite top 5 in the world, a feat only a few players from Asia have achieved. “I’m very happy to be in rank 5 because it’s difficult to reach the top 10 even. There are so many good players around the world. I am thankful I was given this chance to join,” he said. Chua credits his success not only to his dedication and training but also to the support of fans and the thrill of the game. “I just want to entertain fans and those who love this sport,” he said. “Hopefully I will be able to continue my performance.” As he competes in Dubai once again, Filipino fans are watching closely, hopeful that the "Bad Koi" will pull off another winning streak. And for Chua, that accidental TV channel flip back in 2001 wasn’t just fate—it was the start of a legacy. PIA/Expat Media
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