Anthony Raga and Chen Siming Crowned Champions at the 39th Japan Open
TOKYO, JAPAN — September 21, 2026: The 39th Japan Open came to a thrilling conclusion on Monday at New Pia Hall in Takeshiba, Tokyo, with the Philippines’ Anthony Raga and China’s Chen Siming claiming the Men’s 10-Ball and Women’s 9-Ball titles respectively.
The prestigious Japan Open, organized by the Japan Professional Billiards Association (JPBA), is an ACBS & WPA co-sanctioned event, with players competing for valuable WPA ranking points. The 2026 edition featured a Men’s 10-Ball field of up to 352 players and a Women’s 9-Ball field of up to 96 players.
Raga Returns to the Top
Anthony Raga produced a commanding performance on the final day to capture the Men’s 10-Ball championship, defeating fellow Filipino Antonio Lining 8–3 in the final.
Raga’s route to the title saw him progress through the final stages of the tournament against a strong international field, eventually earning his place in the championship match against Lining.
The opening stages of the final were closely contested, with the players exchanging racks and Raga holding a narrow 4–3 advantage. From there, however, the Filipino veteran shifted into another gear.
With precise shot-making, strong defensive play and excellent control in difficult situations, Raga took command of the match and closed out the final 8–3 to become the 2026 Japan Open Men’s Champion.
The victory adds another major Japanese title to Raga’s career, following his previous Japan Open victories in 2006 and 2014.
Raga’s victory also underlines his continued presence among the leading players on the international pool scene, with the Filipino regularly competing at the highest levels of WNT and WPA competition.
The Japanese contingent was led by Luo Liwen, Shonosuke Komiya and Soo Kanazawa, who all finished tied for fifth place. Komiya entered the tournament as the defending champion after winning the 2025 Men’s Japan Open.
Men’s Results
Champion: Anthony Raga 🇵🇭
Runner-up: Antonio Lining 🇵🇭
3rd: Miguel Salvilla 🇵🇭
3rd: Valeriano Pajuay 🇵🇭
Chen Siming Wins a Dramatic Women’s Final
In the Women’s 9-Ball division, former World Champion Chen Siming of China captured her first Japan Open title after an extraordinary 7–6 victory over the Philippines’ Denise Santos.
Chen entered the final day at the quarterfinal stage and navigated her way through the knockout rounds before reaching the championship match.
Santos, known as “Denden”, made a strong start to the final and took the early advantage. Chen responded with the trademark smooth stroke and controlled play that have made her one of the most accomplished players in women’s pool.
The match appeared to be moving decisively in Chen’s direction when she reached a 6–3 lead. But Santos continued to fight and was given an opportunity to turn the match around after Chen missed the 9-ball on two occasions.
Santos capitalized, bringing the match all the way back to 6–6 and setting up a decisive final rack.
With the championship hanging in the balance, Chen produced the winning moment, converting a difficult shot from the third hole to finally secure the 7–6 victory.
The win marks another significant Japanese title for Chen, adding to her previous All Japan Championship victories and further extending her record of success on Japanese soil.
Women’s Results
Champion: Chen Siming 🇨🇳
Runner-up: Denise Santos 🇵🇭
3rd: Mari Fukawa 🇯🇵
3rd: Miyuki Kuribayashi 🇯🇵
Fukawa and Kuribayashi were the highest-placed Japanese players in the Women’s division.
A Strong International Showcase in Tokyo
The 2026 Japan Open once again brought together leading players from across Asia and beyond, combining established international stars with Japan’s professional and amateur talent.
The tournament’s final rounds were staged at New Pia Hall, where eight Diamond PRO-AM Black tables were installed for the championship-stage action. The Men’s event was contested over three days, while the Women’s competition concluded on September 21.
The 2026 edition continues the long-standing tradition of the Japan Open as one of the major events on the Asian pool calendar and provides another important stage for players competing for WPA ranking points.
The JPBA’s partnership with Diamond Billiard Products, Inc. and New Art Ltd. also continues through the 2025–2027 agreement supporting the Japan Open.
With Anthony Raga and Chen Siming now etched into the 2026 record books, the 39th Japan Open concludes with two champions from two of Asia’s strongest pool nations and another memorable chapter in the history of this prestigious tournament.
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