Filipino cue artist Jonas Magpantay got the better of Taiwanese Chang Sheng Yi, 13-5, in the final and took home the $15,000 cash prize at the conclusion of the 2026 Universal Open Pool Championship held at the Pluit Village Mall in Jakarta, Indonesia Sunday night.
This is the first World Nineball Tour title for Magpantay, also known as the "Silent Killer" in the pool circle, who is heading to the Stage 2 of the Asian Pool Championship scheduled on July 10-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
In the title match, Chang took an early 2-0 lead but Magpantay responded with six straight racks to seize control at 6-2.
From there, Magpantay kept Chang at arm's length with great shot making and solid defensive play.
The offensive-minded Chang had his fair share of chances to steal the win but a couple of missed shots and a scratch on the break made it tough for him to overthrow Magpantay.
"I would like to dedicate my victory to my family, my friends, my sponsors, my country and to God," said Magpantay, who hails from Bansud, Oriental Mindoro but now resides in Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao, Quezon City.
To reach the finals, Magpantay had to beat Kouki Sugiyama of Japan (10-6); Irsal Nasution of Indonesia (10-6); James Aranas of the Philippines (10-6); Bernie Regalario of the Philippines (11-3) and Jefrey Roda of the Philippines.
Congratulatory messages flooded social media after Magpantay’s victory.
"A huge victory for (Jonas) Magpantay and another proud moment for Philippine billiards," wrote the well known 77.billiards on a Facebook post.
"Congratulations to Filipino pool master Jonas Magpantay on a world-class victory" said the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Francisco Rivera.
"Another well-deserved victory. Proud is an understatement. Congratulations, be (Jonas Magpantay). All Glory to God. Your dedication continues to pay off. Your 2026 Universal Open Champion, Jonas Magpantay,” said proud sister Imee Magpantay-Balida on her Facebook account.
"Congratulations, Champ. Barangay Kaunlaran is proud of Jonas Magpantay for winning the 2026 Universal Open Championship held in Jakarta, Indonesia. You are truly an inspiration to us all,” said Barangay Kaunlaran chairman Christopher Cheng.
"Congratulations Jonas Magpantay," said pool enthusiast Jun Gayoso, head of the Quezon City Sports Development Office, who watched the game on livestream.
" 2025 World Champion and now 2026 Universal Open champion. Congratulations Jonas (Magpantay)," said pool player Paul McKingsley Chavez on his facebook account.
Magpantay, meanwhile, is hoping to get an endorsement from the Philippine Sports Commission to play in the Stage 2 of the Asian Pool Championship alongside compatriots Carlo Biado and AJ Manas.
The Asian Pool Championship scheduled on July 10-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
