Filipino Final Four Set As Home Heroes Topple The World’s Best
A Filipino champion is guaranteed at the 2026 Roobet Philippines Open Pool Championship after Bernie Regalario, Johann Chua, Anton Raga and Baseth Mocaibat swept through a dramatic Day Four at Gateway Mall. Along the way, Regalario dethroned defending champion David Alcaide, Chua stunned World Champion Carlo Biado, and Mocaibat knocked out World No.1 Aloysius Yapp before removing Shane Van Boening to set up an all-Filipino final day.
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The standout performance of the day came from 19-year-old Regalario, who ended Alcaide’s title defence with a commanding 10–2 win before dismantling US Open champion Francisco Sánchez Ruiz 10–1. The young Filipino reaches his second semi-final on the World Nineball Tour, having dropped just 14 racks out of 50 so far this week.
Reflecting on his performance, Regalario said: “Of course, it was a tough battle against David and Francisco, one the defending champion and the other the US Open champion. I didn’t let that bother me. I just focused on the game and gave it my all. Luck was on my side today, and I hope it continues tomorrow.
“I’ve never played in front of a crowd like this. I feel the pressure, but it also gives me strength to have my home crowd rooting for me. I want to go the distance tomorrow.”
Chua continued his impressive run in his first Matchroom Major of the year. The two-time Reyes Cup champion edged Aleksa Pecelj 10–7 in the Last 16, then produced a stunning display to beat World Champion Carlo Biado 10–1 and book his place in the semi-finals.
Chua said: “I’m so thrilled and happy to perform in front of my home crowd this week, and to make it to the last day is incredible. Aleksa played great, and I was proud to get the win against him. Then to meet Carlo and win the way I did is good. I respect him so much as a player and for what he’s done for his country.
“Now I want to rest and stay focused. It would be amazing to win another Major title, especially in my country in front of my people.”
2023 European Open runner-up Raga also kept the home charge going, beating fellow Filipino Jefrey Roda 10–7 before seeing off Jayson Shaw 10–4 to reach the final day.
Raga said: “I’m so happy. The support has been incredible today. My break has been so good, and I made a lot of run-outs today. I feel good. Tomorrow we go again.”
The biggest surprise of the day came from Mocaibat, who completed the Filipino final four in remarkable fashion. Having already beaten World No.1 Yapp 10–3 in the Last 16, Mocaibat trailed Van Boening 7–1 in the quarter-finals and looked to be heading out, but he produced an incredible fightback to win 10–9, sending the Gateway Mall crowd into raptures.
Mocaibat said: “I can’t believe I beat Van Boening the way I did. He’s an incredible player, and I’m so happy I could go the distance. It’s truly special to make my first Major semi-final, but it’s even more special to share it with three other Filipino players. Knowing a Filipino will win the title on home soil makes me happy, and I want it to be me.”
The Golden Filipino Sun trophy is staying in the Philippines. Mocaibat takes on Raga and Regalario faces Chua in tomorrow’s semi-finals, with the winners meeting in the final for one of the biggest titles in the history of Filipino pool, in front of a home crowd at Gateway Mall.
Semi-Finals | 2026 Roobet Philippines Open Pool Championship
Baseth Mocaibat vs Anton Raga
Bernie Regalario vs Johann Chua
The 2026 Roobet Philippines Open Pool Championship returns to the iconic Gateway Mall in Quezon City, Manila, from 20–24 October, live on One Sport in the Philippines and on WNT TV across the globe.
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