By Jean Malanum

PROUD CEBUANO. Anton “The Dragon” Raga tops the Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) Philippine Open at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City on Sunday (April 27, 2025). He won PHP400,000 in cash. (Photo courtesy of SBA)  

MANILA – Anton “The Dragon” Raga ruled the Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) Philippine Open Sunday night at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City.

The 28-year-old Cebuano from Talisay defeated Jerico “Panday” Bañares, 13-7, in the race-to-13 championship duel of the event by the best Filipino cue artists.

SBA founder and commissioner Hadley Mariano described this as a testament to the rising standard of Philippine billiards.

“This isn’t just a tournament win — it’s a statement. The Philippine Open was designed to raise the bar and discover the next generation of champions, and tonight, we witnessed that vision come to life,” he said.

Raga earned PHP400,000 in cash while Bañares settled for PHP150,000. Both received trophies.

Cash prizes were awarded to the third and fourth placers (PHP75,000); 5th-8th (PHP20,000); 9th-16th (PHP7,500); 17th-32nd (PHP4,000); and 33rd-64th (PHP3,000). (PNA)