ENJOYING this homecoming of sorts, Robbie Capito is delighted to have the support of his relatives in the Philippines Open Pool Championship.
But as much as it also became a family reunion for him, the Hong Kong-born cue artist doesn't want to be weighed down by all this pressure.
"I'm not thinking about it much. I'm just trying to play my best," said the 24-year-old.
Capito - whose father hails from Pandacan, Manila and mother from Isabela - reached the semifinals of this Matchroom major after disposing of Bernie Regalario, 11-4, in the quarters on Friday.
Along the way, he has enjoyed the support from an appreciative crowd - and to an extent, somewhat of a homecourt advantage.
And you bet, that's something that only warms the heart of the 2024 UK Open champion.
"I'm still Filipino by heart," Capito said. "The crowd is amazing and I'm glad to be welcomed by fellow Filipinos."
"It"s amazing to have their support and I hope to continue to play my best for them."
Robbie's eyes on the prize
Still, Capito's main focus is on the table as he wants to exceed his semifinal finish in the Hanoi Open two weeks back, as he braces for David Alcaide of Spain.
"I'm playing better now. I also got to the semifinals in Hanoi, so I'm just trying to play two steps better now," he said.
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