Kyle “The Sharpshooter” Amoroto announced himself on the world stage with a breakthrough victory at the 58th All Japan Championship on November 23. The 23-year-old rising star showed just why he’s one of the most exciting names in the sport, displaying great poise and incredible precision to claim his first international title.
Historic All-Filipino Sweep at the All Japan Championship
The win also capped an extraordinary showing by Team Philippines in the ten-ball event, which made history by locking out all four semifinal spots and bringing the title back to the country for the first time in five editions.
The All-Filipino semifinals were a treat for fans, featuring two fiercely contested and high-stakes matches. “The Sharpshooter” had been storming through the tournament with commanding victories before facing a formidable challenge from veteran Antonio Lining, a household name who won the nine-ball crown in 2000 and finished as runner-up three times. Lining proved his pedigree by taking an early 7–5 lead, but Amoroto roared back, stacking five straight racks to capture the lead and eventually an 11–8 win.
That victory set up a finals showdown with Johann Chua, ranked #4 in the world in men’s nine-ball and a two-time All Japan Champion, who survived an intense back-and-forth battle, outlasting Rommel Santos in their hill-to-hill match, 11–10. Chua looked poised for his third title in the tournament, jumping to a strong 3–0 lead with brilliant shotmaking. But just like in the semifinals, Amoroto fought his way back, winning the next five racks to take control of the match. From that point on, “The Sharpshooter” kept going, sealing an 11–5 upset and the biggest win of his young career.
With the win, Amoroto takes home the grand prize of $16,185 USD and becomes just the seventh Filipino to conquer the prestigious tournament.
