Raga, Esquillo, Ortega, Navarrete, Santos, Ripay to compete in Japan 10-Ball Open
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 11 Jun 2026
Filipino pool veterans Anton Raga, Roel Esquillo and Paul John Ortega are set to compete at Japan 10-Ball Open on September 19, 20 and 21, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.
Also joining are Erickson Navarrete, Rommel Santos and John Reibert "Hammerman" Ripay.
The Filipino pool sharks visit Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera at the GAB office on Wednesday.
Joining them are GAB supervising sports and games Regulation officer Cynthia Cañezal, and GAB focal person of Pro Billiards Alile Gabinete, and team managers Kyla Pelos Santos, Wilfredo Figueroa and Carmen Angeles.
The 28-year-old Talisay, Cebu native Raga finished in second place of the China Open in 2019, 2023 and 2026 held in China.
"I am hoping to perform well in the Japan Open," said Raga, fondly called The Dragon in the pool world.
The 31-year-old Caloocan bet Santos, on the other hand, made it to the semi finals of All Japan Championships and All Canto Open, both held last year in Japan.
'We are expecting tough matches but we will try our best for flag and country," said Santos.
The 41-year-old Calamba, Laguna ace Navarrete finished in 9th place in the Philippine Open and top 32 in the Efren "Bata" Reyes Yalin 9 Ball Open where he eliminated Dennis Orcollo.
"It will be a very tough match against the Asian players (Taiwan, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea and Japan). Not to be outdone are players from the United States as well from Europe," said Navarrete.
The 40-year-old Ripay, one of the famous bloggers meantime, won the 2025 Motivated Billiard Season 6 10-Ball Championship.
"We are ready," said Ripay much known Jheck.
Esquillo and Ortega, are the spokesperson of the group.
The Japan 10-Ball Open offers P600,000 to the champion.
GAB Chairman Atty Rivera sent his best wishes to all the Filipino athletes and delegates participating at this year's Japan 10-ball Open. -Marlon Bernardino-
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