SBA Philippine Billiards Open launched

THE Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) officially launched the Philippine Open 2025 in a press conference and signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Friday at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

The event also celebrated the start of a significant media partnership with People's Television Network (PTV) and laid out the direction for one of the biggest professional billiards tournaments in the country.

The press conference gathered key stakeholders in the billiards, broadcast and regulatory sectors, offering insight into SBA's vision, tournament structure, and its rising stature in the world of Philippine cue sports.

The event was attended by SBA commissioner and founder Hadley Mariano, Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Francisco Rivera, PTV board chairman and officer in charge Oscar Orbos, and PTV legal and administrative officer Pamela Parce.

Team Owners representing SBA's founding franchises were also present namely Reynato Roallos Jr. of Manila MSW Mavericks; Glenn Michael Nuestro of Quezon City Dragons; Edmund Jose of Taguig Stallions, and Marc Yao of Negros Occidental Pillars.

Rivera, meanwhile, highlighted the surging interest in billiards, noting GAB's data on tournament growth.

"In 2019, we only had seven sanctioned events. By 2024, that number grew to 35 — and we've already recorded 15 in the first quarter of 2025. This momentum shows the sport is thriving," the GAB chief said.

"I give the SBA two thumbs up for creating a platform where our players can shine professionally."

Mariano revealed that SBA has already exceeded its registration goal of 128 players for the Philippine Open 2025 and is now preparing to open additional slots due to overwhelming interest.

The tournament will follow international 9-ball rules, with a race to 7 format in the early rounds and a race to 13 duel in the finals.

One of the event's main highlights was the announcement of the SBA's non-exclusive media partnership with PTV. Under the agreement, SBA matches — including those from the Philippine Open — will be aired on primetime television in a dedicated two-hour broadcast slot.

"This partnership is a game-changer," said Mariano. "We're bringing billiards into Filipino homes nationwide. And while PTV will be our lead partner, other networks are also welcome to broadcast SBA games. This is about growing the sport, not limiting it."