Gabica led 7-5 in the final but missed an 8-ball to move further ahead and Kawabata (pictured above - right) recovered to take the match 9-7.
“I got to 7-6 and it was a big point in the game,” said Kawabata. “If he had hit a stronger shot he would have won, but he made a soft shot and that’s why he missed.
“I am so excited, it is difficult to find the words. Cue sports is not popular in Japan compared to the Philippines so contributing this gold medal will help increase its popularity.
“Many people expected me to win. I started playing at 17 and to be the Asian Games gold medallist is my highest title,” added the 36-year-old.
Gabica was left to reflect on his costly error in the 13th frame. “I really made a mistake,” he said. “I forgot about the ball rolling. I should have hit it harder and with speed. I really made an error.
“I felt so tired and I had a mental block. While the play was going on, I felt even more tired and dizzy and kept on thinking about my mistake.
“I still feel good winning the silver because this is a very prestigious tournament.”
Huang Kun Chang of Chinese Taipei won the last three frames against Leonardo Andam of the Philippines to win 9-5 and clinch the bronze.
In women's 8-ball pool singles, Lin Yuan Chun of Chinese Taipei (pictured above) held her nerve in the deciding frame to win the final against Korea’s Kim Ga Young.
The match was close throughout but Lin took her chance at the end to win gold 7-6.
“I just played it like a normal frame but I didn’t do well getting the balls into position. On the last shot I was not nervous, but I just took my time to get my stance and the position correct and then I got the shot,” said 22 year-old Lin.
“I didn’t think there was a turning point in the match because I played well throughout the entire time.”
Silver medallist Kim said: “I didn’t take many balls off the break and that was bad luck for me but she [Lin] played good. As this is for my country I take a lot of pleasure from this medal and tried my best.”
Pan Ziaoting of China beat compatriot Zhou Mengmeng 7-0 to win bronze.
Click here for Men's 8-ball Pool Singles knockout chart
Click here for Women's 8-ball Pool Singles knockout chart
Click here for Men's 9-ball Pool Singles knockout chart
Click here for Women's 9-ball Pool Singles knockout chart |
