ANTHONY “Antonio” Raga captured the men’s 10-ball title at the 39th Japan Open after defeating fellow Filipino Antonio “Nikoy” Lining, 8-3, in an all-Filipino final Monday night at New Pier Hall in Minato City, Tokyo.
Raga pocketed JPY 1.4 million for winning the championship, while Lining received JPY 700,000 as runner-up.
The Cebuano cue artist reached the title match with a string of convincing victories, including an 8-1 win over Japan’s Masahiro Shimano in the round of 16. He then beat fellow Filipino Saldy Galliguez, 8-3, in the quarterfinals before edging Miguel Salvilla, 8-6, in the semifinals.
“I would like to dedicate my victory to my family, my friends, my sponsors, my country and to God,” Raga said.
The Japan Open title adds another major international achievement to Raga’s résumé and gives him added momentum heading into the 2026 Philippines Open Pool Championship, scheduled for October 20-24 at Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
Denise ‘Denden’ Santos, meanwhile, came close to winning a Japan Open title after reaching the women’s 9-ball final. She eventually fell to China’s Chen Siming, 7-6.
Chen earned JPY 500,000 for the championship, while Santos took home JPY 250,000 as runner-up. (Adrian Co)
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