THE “Silent Killer” made noise after clinching the Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Championship last Nov. 2 at the Ezdan Palace Hotel in Doha. Jonas Magpantay made an outstanding performance as he took down big names and defending champions. 

No Longer Silent

Jonas was not even supposed to compete in the event. He joined the qualifying rounds four times, and lost all four. When an extra qualifier slot opened, his points also came up short. But just when hopes were fading away, another competitor withdrew at the last minute, and the slot went to Magpantay. 

Carrying only his determination and the Philippine flag, Jonas arrived in Doha with little fanfare trying to sculpt his name in history. While known cue artists from the Philippines such as AJ Manas, Johann Chua, and Carlo Biado had their slots secured in Stage 2 of the competition, Jonas was still hunched over Stage 1. 

His breakthrough came in the round of 32, after an 11-8 victory over the reigning world 9-ball champion, Carlo Biado, known as the Black Tiger. Slowly, Jonas broke through his silence as he tore reigning champion after champion, making his performance do all the introductions for him. 

Jonas entered the finals with confidence from his prior competitors, some of whom posted about his game through social media. The Silent Killer was up against Szymon Kural, former world junior champion from Poland. Leading with a 5-0, Jonas eased his way to the championship with a 13-9. 

Syzmon commended his performance, "He was cleaning everything, every rack."

In an interview with the Qatar Billiards Sports Federation, Jonas was beyond ecstatic as he brought home the title. “It means a lot to me because it’s the first time I joined here in Qatar and nobody knew me so I feel great and I want to just play my game.”

Jonas “Silent Killer” Magpantay may be known for surprising his opponents, but after this achievement, his victories may no longer be surprising. 

This win was not only for him, but for all the aspiring Filipino athletes who strive to make their own name and carve their journey in history.