Filipinos Advance at 8-Ball World Championship

De Luna, Malayan, and Corteza survive tense matches to remain in title contention.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:56am

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Three Filipino pool players - Jeff de Luna, Sean Mark Malayan, and Lee Van Corteza - have advanced in the World Men's 8-Ball Championship being held in St. Louis, Missouri. Despite facing intense pressure, the Filipinos were able to pull off dramatic come-from-behind victories to keep their title hopes alive.

Why it matters

The World Men's 8-Ball Championship is one of the most prestigious events in professional pool, and Filipino players have a long history of success in the tournament. Their continued advancement showcases the high level of talent and skill within the Philippine pool community.

The details

In their respective matches, De Luna, Malayan, and Corteza all found themselves in tight, back-and-forth battles. However, they were able to maintain their composure and make the critical shots needed to secure narrow wins and progress to the next round of the tournament.

  • The World Men's 8-Ball Championship is currently taking place in St. Louis, Missouri.

The players

Jeff de Luna

A Filipino professional pool player who has competed in the World Men's 8-Ball Championship.

Sean Mark Malayan

A Filipino professional pool player who has competed in the World Men's 8-Ball Championship.

Lee Van Corteza

A Filipino professional pool player who has competed in the World Men's 8-Ball Championship.

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What’s next

The three Filipino players will continue advancing through the tournament bracket, with the goal of reaching the championship finals.

The takeaway

The strong performance of the Filipino players at the World Men's 8-Ball Championship demonstrates the depth of talent within the Philippine pool community and their ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.