Raga rules SBA Philippine Open

MANILA, Philippines — Anton “The Dragon” Raga claimed the crown in the Sharks Billiards Association Philippine Open 2025, completing his championship run with a 13-7 conquest of Jerico “Panday” Bañares in the finale at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar in Quezon City Sunday.

With a great display of precision, grit and nerves of steel, Raga took top honors and the P400,000 top prize in the event participated in by over 200 players from across the country.

Bañares, meanwhile, earned P150,000 in the weeklong event that featured race-to-8 matches in the eliminations, race-to-9 in the quarterfinals and race-to-11 in the semifinals using the WPA 9-Ball rules.

The finale had the crowd on their feet and even the viewers watching via live PTV broadcast. And it’s a testament to the rising standard of Philippine billiards.

“This isn’t just a tournament win – it’s a statement,” said SBA commissioner/founder Hadley Mariano. “The Philippine Open was designed to raise the bar and discover the next generation of champions, and we witnessed that vision come to life,” Mariano added.