By Marlon Bernardino
Seasoned Filipino cue artists Anton Raga, Roel Esquillo, and Paul John Ortega will spearhead the country's campaign in the prestigious Japan 10-Ball Open scheduled on September 19 to 21, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan.
Joining them in the international tournament are Erickson Navarrete, Rommel Santos, and John Reinbert "Hammerman" Ripay as they aim to showcase Filipino billiards excellence against some of Asia's and the world's best players.
The Filipino contingent paid a courtesy visit to Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera at the GAB office on Wednesday.
Also present during the meeting were GAB Supervising Sports and Games Regulation Officer Cynthia Cañezal, GAB Pro Billiards Focal Person Alile Gabinete, and team managers Kyla Pelos Santos, Wilfredo Figueroa, and Carmen Angeles.
Raga, a 28-year-old standout from Talisay City, Cebu, enters the tournament with an impressive international résumé. Known in the billiards circuit as "The Dragon," he finished runner-up in the China Open in 2019, 2023, and 2026.
"I am hoping to perform well in the Japan Open," said Raga, who remains one of the Philippines' most consistent performers on the international stage.
Santos, a 31-year-old cue artist from Caloocan City, also brings valuable experience after reaching the semifinals of both the All Japan Championships and the All Kanto Open last year.
"We are expecting tough matches, but we will do our best for our flag and country," Santos said.
Meanwhile, Navarrete, 41, of Calamba, Laguna, is eager to make his mark after finishing ninth in the Philippine Open and placing among the Top 32 in the Efren "Bata" Reyes Yalin 9-Ball Open, where he scored a notable victory over former world champion Dennis Orcollo.
"It will be very tough against the top players from Taiwan, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. We also expect strong competition from players coming from the United States and Europe," Navarrete said.
Ripay, 40, who is also popular in the billiards community as a content creator and blogger, gained attention after capturing the 2025 Motivated Billiard Season 6 10-Ball Championship title.
"We are ready," said Ripay, who is widely known by his nickname "Jheck."
Veterans Esquillo and Ortega, both respected figures in Philippine billiards, will serve as the spokespersons for the delegation while lending their vast experience to the team's campaign.
The Japan 10-Ball Open offers a champion's prize of approximately P600,000, making it one of the most attractive tournaments on the regional billiards calendar.
GAB Chairman Rivera expressed his full support for the Filipino athletes and officials competing in the event, extending his best wishes and encouragement as they seek to bring honor to the Philippines on the international stage.
