Tickets on sale for 2026 Roobet Philippines Open Pool Championship final day: David Alcaide returns to defend title in Quezon City

The Philippines has long been considered the holy land of pool. Whenever an international tournament takes place, local fans turn the venue into a roaring festival of cheers and gasps. The announcement that tickets for the final day of the 2026 Roobet Philippines Open Pool Championship are now on sale has already electrified the cue sports community. The event, sponsored by Roobet, is scheduled for October 24, 2026 at Gateway Mall, Quezon City, featuring the semi-finals and the final. According to the official World Nineball Tour announcement, tickets for the last day are now on sale. Fans unable to travel to Manila can watch the entire tournament live on WNT TV. Last year, the event was packed from the first session to the last, and organisers expect equally high demand this year. Defending champion David Alcaide returns as the headline attraction. David Alcaide, the Spanish pro, relies on efficiency rather than flashy play. At last year's event, he beat several top players thanks to his superb control of match tempo and his composure in decisive moments. At 36, he is in the prime of his career. However, defending a title in the Philippines is never easy, as the crowd can put enormous pressure on any visiting player. Carlo Biado is the home fans' biggest hope. He won the US Open Pool Championship in 2026 and is known for his aggressive style, powerful break and excellent table reading. Playing at home with thousands of fans behind him gives Biado extra motivation, but also adds immense pressure. Shane Van Boening, the American legend, is one of the greatest players in the sport's history. He has won the US Open six times. His greatest assets are his absolute focus and flawless long-range potting. Van Boening rarely shows emotion, and his coolness often draws opponents into his pace. His experience in some of the loudest arenas in the world is a key advantage. Fedor Gorst, the 2026 world champion from Russia, is regarded by many pundits as the strongest candidate. He has a complete game, from the break to safety play and cue ball control. Despite his youth, he has defeated many top players on the World Nineball Tour. His calm and intelligent approach allows him to adapt to any environment, including the intense atmosphere of Quezon City. Jayson Shaw of Scotland brings explosive firepower. He once set a world record by pocketing 52 balls in one minute, a stunning display of speed and accuracy. Shaw can beat anyone when he enters the zone, though his spontaneous temperament sometimes causes lapses. Still, his presence always makes the tournament unpredictable. AJ Manas and Johan Chua complete the home challenge. Manas is a rising star, while Chua is a seasoned veteran. Though less heralded than Biado, both are capable of causing upsets in knockout formats. A steady hand often goes a long way. The 2026 Roobet Philippines Open Pool Championship is part of a major World Nineball Tour swing through the Philippines, directly following the Roobet Reyes Cup from October 15-18 at Makati Coliseum. This back-to-back scheduling highlights Southeast Asia's growing importance in world pool. The World Nineball Tour is the sport's most prestigious circuit, operated by Matchroom Sport. Players accumulate ranking points to qualify for major events such as the World Pool Championship and Mosconi Cup. Therefore, every match counts, and no player dares to take the event lightly. Tickets are only available for the final day, October 24, when the semi-finals and final will be staged. Schedules may be subject to change, so fans should follow official WNT channels for updates. Based on my years of covering events in Asia, finals-day tickets in the Philippines tend to disappear very quickly. For Vietnamese fans, this tournament is a learning opportunity. Pool is developing quickly in Vietnam, with several young players already achieving international results. Watching how superstars handle pressure and make tactical decisions is invaluable. With proper investment, a Vietnamese representative on the World Nineball Tour is not unrealistic. October 24, 2026 promises to be a spectacular sporting day. Whether David Alcaide retains his crown or a new champion is crowned in Quezon City, the answer will be decided on the table.