By Marlon Bernardino
Fresh from his victorious run at the Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Championship last Sunday in Doha, “The Kid” Jonas Ruga Magpantay is setting his sights on another international crown as he competes in the Bojue Championship 9-Ball International Open slated to begin on November 7, 2025, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in BSD City, Banten, Indonesia.
“I hope to do well in Indonesia,” said Magpantay, a resident of Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao, Quezon City, as he prepares for another tough campaign just days after his historic win.
The Bojue Championship offers a total prize fund of IDR 888,000,000 (approximately US$56,500). The champion will pocket IDR 288 million (US$18,300), while the runner-up will receive IDR 116 million (US$7,400). Semifinalists, meanwhile, are guaranteed IDR 58 million (US$3,700) each.
The 31-year-old Filipino cue artist made history when he captured the Qatar World Cup 10-Ball title, defeating Poland’s Szymon Kural, 13-9, in the finals held at the Ezdan Palace in Doha. The win earned Magpantay a handsome US$100,000, while Kural took home US$40,000 as runner-up.
After his Indonesia campaign, Magpantay is also set to join the Mayor Stephen Palmares 9-Ball Invitational Billiard Tournament scheduled from December 5 to 7, 2025, at the Arena Stadium in Passi City, Iloilo.
On Wednesday, Magpantay paid a courtesy visit to Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera at the GAB office in Makati City. Joining him were veteran sportswriter and broadcaster Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. and Anthony “Nino” Bernardino.
