Home bet Johann Chua clinches historic PH Pool Open crown

Johann Chua in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games at the Manila Hotel on December 3, 2019. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Johann Chua became the inaugural winner of the Philippines Open Pool Championship after outlasting countryman Anton Raga, 11-9, on Saturday at Gateway Mall in Quezon City.

Chua raced to a 5-0 lead before Raga clawed his way back to 7-6, keeping the title match within reach.

The former then pulled away to reach the hill at 10-7, but Raga refused to go down quietly, trimming the deficit to 10-9.

However, Raga scratched on the break in the deciding rack, handing Chua the championship and sealing another nine-ball title.

Chua secured his spot in the final after toppling fellow Reyes Cup players Aleksa Pecelj and Carlo Biado on his way to the semifinals.

He also defeated 21-year-old Bernie Regalario in the semis who dethroned 2025 champion David Alcaide and Reyes Cup MVP Francisco Sanchez-Ruiz.

Chua took home US$10,000 (around P630,000) in prize money for winning the tournament.