MANILA — Filipino cue artist Jonas Magpantay captured the biggest title of his career after overpowering Taiwan’s Chang Sheng Yi, 13-5, in the championship match of the 2026 Universal Open Pool Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia, securing his maiden World Nineball Tour (WNT) crown and the tournament’s $15,000 top prize.
Magpantay overcame an early 2-0 deficit before unleashing a dominant run of six straight racks to seize control of the final. Displaying superb shot-making and disciplined safety play, the Filipino never looked back en route to a commanding victory at Pluit Village Mall.
“I would like to dedicate my victory to my family, my friends, my sponsors, my country and to God,” said Magpantay.
The championship adds another major achievement to the Filipino’s growing résumé and provides a huge confidence boost heading into Stage 2 of the Asian Pool Championship scheduled from July 10 to 15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Magpantay’s impressive title campaign included victories over Japan’s Kouki Sugiyama, 10-6, in the Round of 64, Indonesia’s Irsal Nasution, 10-6, in the Round of 32, fellow Filipino James Aranas, 10-6, in the Round of 16, Bernie Regalario, 11-3, in the quarterfinals, and Jefrey Roda, 11-3, in the semifinals.
Games and Amusements Board chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera hailed Magpantay’s latest international triumph.
“Congratulations to Filipino pool master Jonas Magpantay on a world-class victory,” Rivera said.
Magpantay is now preparing for the Asian Pool Championship in Vietnam, where he hopes to receive support from the Philippine Sports Commission.
He has sought assistance through PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo and PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio while also informing Philippine Olympic Committee secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan of his plans.
Last year, Magpantay also emerged as champion in the WPA World 10-Ball Championship in Doha, Qatar, joining an elite roster of Filipino world champions that includes Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Ronnie Alcano, Alex Pagulayan, Carlo Biado, Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno./PN
