In case you missed it, here are some of the key highlights and quotes from this afternoon’s Philippine Open press conference:

📈 GAB Chairman Francisco Rivera highlighted the growing interest in billiards nationwide. From just 7 events in 2019, the number grew to 35 in 2024—with 15 events already recorded in the first quarter of this year alone.

🎱 Hadley Mariano shared that the tournament will follow international 9-ball rules. The registration target of 128 players has already been filled, and SBA will open more slots to accommodate additional players.

🏆 While the prize fund breakdown hasn’t been finalized, Mariano estimated that 30–40% of the ₱1 million pool will go to the champion. Format: Race to 7 in the early rounds, and Race to 13 in the finals.

🏀 Mariano when asked regarding his vision is for the SBA to become the “NBA of billiards.”

📺 On the media partnership with PTV, Mariano confirmed a primetime 2-hour coverage, under a non-exclusive agreement. Other broadcasters are still welcome to air SBA games.

🚺 Female players are welcome to compete in the Philippine Open.

👏 Chairman Rivera praised the SBA’s efforts in giving players a platform to showcase their talent, saying he gives them “two thumbs up.”

📌 On the issue of the BSCP suspension, Mariano clarified that SBA is not affected, as it is a professional league regulated by GAB. Still, he expressed hope that BSCP resolves the matter soon. See less