2026 Pattaya Open
Recap
Published April 13, 2026
Johann "Bad Koi" Chua won the inaugural Pattaya Open, defeating compatriot James Aranas 15-5 in the championship final at S1 Pool Hall & Sport Bar. The Filipino player claimed the $22,500 winner's prize from the tournament's $50,000 prize pool.
Chua advanced to the final by defeating veteran Dennis Orcollo 13-11 in the semifinal. Aranas secured his finals berth with a 13-12 victory over Alexis Ferrer, setting up an all-Filipino championship matchup.
Chua is a 2023 World Cup of Pool champion, two-time All Japan Championship winner, and Reyes Cup champion. He controlled the table throughout the final, leaving Aranas with few opportunities.
The inaugural Pattaya Open, organized by Matchroom, featured an innovative format with 160 players in group stages before narrowing to knockout rounds. As a WNT ranking event with Reyes Cup implications, the tournament attracted top international talent, with Filipino players dominating the later stages of competition.
Aranas finished as runner-up with $12,500, while semifinalists Orcollo and Ferrer each earned $7,500. The tournament reinforced the Philippines' prominence in elite 9-ball competition and established the Pattaya Open as a significant event on the international pool calendar.
This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.