Carlo Biado Advances to 8-Ball World Championship Final

Filipino pool star one win away from coveted title

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:45pm

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Carlo Biado, the Filipino pool player, defeated Lithuanian opponent Pijus Labutis 8-3 on Good Friday to reach the final of the World Men's 8-Ball Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. This marks Biado's first appearance in the prestigious tournament's championship match, as he seeks to add the 8-ball crown to his already impressive list of accomplishments.

Why it matters

Biado is one of the most dominant pool players in the world, having won multiple major titles, but the 8-ball world championship has eluded him so far. A victory would cement his status as an all-time great and further raise the profile of Filipino pool talent on the global stage.

The details

Biado, the world No. 2 ranked player, cruised past Labutis in the semifinal match, winning 8 frames to Labutis' 3. The Filipino star showcased his exceptional shot-making ability and tactical nous to outclass his Lithuanian opponent and advance to the championship final.

  • The semifinal match took place on Good Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The 8-ball world championship final will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Carlo Biado

A Filipino professional pool player who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world and has won numerous major titles, including the US Open 9-Ball Championship and the World 9-Ball Championship.

Pijus Labutis

A Lithuanian professional pool player who was defeated by Biado in the semifinal match of the 2026 World Men's 8-Ball Championship.

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What they’re saying

“I'm one step closer to the title I've been chasing for so long. I'm feeling confident and ready to give it my all in the final.”

— Carlo Biado

What’s next

Biado will face the winner of the other semifinal match in the championship final on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Biado's dominant performance in the semifinal has set the stage for a highly anticipated final as he seeks to capture the one major title that has eluded him so far in his illustrious career.