Filipino Jonas Magpantay wins Indonesia; pockets $15,000, gains steam heading to Vietnam
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 29 Jun 2026
Manila---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 and his maiden WNT title at the conclusion of the 2026 Universal Open Pool Championship held at the Pluit Village Mall in Jakarta, Indonesia Sunday night, June 28, 2026.
It's a much-needed boost for the "Silent Killer" heading to the Stage 2 of the Asian Pool Championship scheduled on July 10-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Chang took an early 2-0 lead, but Magpantay responded back 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, but a couple of missed shots and a scratch on the break made it tough for him to capitalize.
"I would like to dedicate my victory to my family, my friends, my sponsors, my country and to God," said Magpantay, a resident of Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao, Quezon City who hails from Bansud, Oriental Mindoro.
"A huge victory for (Jonas) Magpantay and another proud moment for Philippine billiards," commented well known 77.billiards on their Facebook account.
"Congratulations to Filipino pool master Jonas Magpantay on a world-class victory" said the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco J. 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 "Dong" Cheng.
"Congratulations Jonas Magpantay," said pool enthusiast Jun Gayoso, who is also the Head of Quezon City Sports Development Office who was watching the game live thru live stream.
"2025 World Champion and now 2026 Universal Open Champion. Congratulations Jonas (Magpantay)," said pool player Paul McKingsley Chavez on his facebook account.
On the road to the finals, Magpantay had to beat
Kouki Sugiyama of Japan (10-6) in the Round-of-64; Irsal Nasution of Indonesia (10-6) in the Round-of-32; James Aranas of the Philippines (10-6) in the Round -of-16; Bernie Regalario of the Philippines (11-3) in the quarter finals; and Jefrey Roda of the Philippines (11-3) in the semi final.
Meanwhile, Magpantay is set to compete in the Asian Pool Championship scheduled on July 10-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
He is hoping to get an endorsement from the Philippine Sports Commission to play in the Stage 2 of the Asian Pool Championship like compatriots Carlo Biado and AJ Manas.
He already asked the help of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick "Pato" Gregorio thru PSC Commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo.
He also informed Atty. Wharton Chan, the secretary-general of the Philippine Olympic Committee under the leadership of POC President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino about the matter.
Atty. Chan is also the current president of the newly formed National League for Billiards Sports of the Philippines (NLBSPh).
It shall be recalled that Magpantay won the WPA World 10-Ball title last November held in Doha, Qatar to join the Filipino elite groups of World Champions in the likes of Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Ronato Alcano, Alex Pagulayan, Carlo Biado, Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno.-Marlon Bernardino-
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