The age of social media has ushered in a unique phenomenon, allowing us to witness the rise of a young, unknown pool player amidst the gritty back alleys and rough pool tables of urban Manila. There, we first glimpsed the skill and raw talent, recognizing the diamond in the rough.
Such was the scene when James Aranas, better known as Dodong Diamond at that time, took on none other than the Greatest of All Time, Efren Bata Reyes, nine years ago.
The ambiance resonated with authenticity in a dimly lit pool room, teeming with people engaged in side bets. Being a pool fan, my focus shifted to the play on the table, disregarding the cacophony in the background.
I thought, who is this lanky kid giving the legendary Magician a run for his money? Dodong Diamond, an unknown, fearlessly challenged the esteemed Efren Bata Reyes. With each stroke of the cue, James showcased a talent that belied his young age and lack of recognition. It was a mesmerizing sight, witnessing the emergence of a true contender in the presence of a billiards legend.
Fast forward to 2023, and James Aranas stands tall as a world champion, triumphantly lifting the 2023 World Cup of Pool alongside his best friend, Johann Chua.
Just yesterday, he clinched the Bandung Open 10 Ball Championship in Indonesia. The pride of General Trias, Cavite City, is now basking in a well-deserved spotlight. However, this success did not come without its own doubts.
In a recent interview with Mike Molina (Window’s Open) prior to his success in the World Cup of Pool, James unveiled a personal revelation. Despite competing across various countries for nearly five years, he had yet to seize a major international tournament victory.
This realization sparked a fire within him, igniting a relentless pursuit of excellence in the fiercely competitive World Pool Masters. Against all odds, as an unseeded player, James defied expectations, progressing to the semifinals before succumbing to the eventual champion, Ko Pin Yi.
At one point in the interview, James was asked about Alex Pagulayan's comment regarding his readiness to join the ranks of elite players. Alex pointed out that to reach the pinnacle of this sport, James required not only exceptional skills but also a clear vision of the player he aspired to become.
Embracing the truth in Alex's words, James underwent a profound transformation in his mindset toward major tournaments. No longer content with mere participation, he now perceives himself as a formidable adversary among the world's top billiards players, driven by a burning desire to compete at the highest level.
There were instances when James initially turned down invitations to prestigious tournaments, including Emily Frazer's of Matchroom Sports. However, Emily's unwavering belief and persuasive arguments eventually convinced James to reconsider.
With renewed focus and a fortified mindset, James seized the opportunity to compete against the very best. The unwavering support he receives from his sponsors and friends further bolsters his confidence, reaffirming his unwavering belief in his abilities.
The recent triumphs in the World Pool Championship and the Bandung 10 Ball Open only proves James' growth and determination.
The convergence of skill and mindset has finally materialized, and now the world eagerly awaits the conquests of "King James" as he seeks to leave an indelible mark on the global billiards stage.
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