On November 4, tournament founder Hadley Mariano announced during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex that the second season of the Sharks Billiards Association will begin on November 10 with two new teams.
Makati Titans and Parañaque Kings Join the Competition
The Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) returns for its second season on November 10 at the Sharks Arena Sports Bar along Timog Avenue, Quezon City, with an expanded roster and renewed excitement among fans, teams, and players alike.
This year’s edition will feature six teams:
- Manila MS Mavericks
- Negros Occidental Pillars
- Quezon City Dragons
- Taguig Stallions (Defending Champions)
And two new entrants
- Makati Titans
- Parañaque King
Making the field even more competitive and more unpredictable.
SBA founder Hadley Mariano said that the inclusion of new teams is expected to intensify the level of play.
“Hindi mo masasabi sino ang malakas at sino ang dehado,”
He added that team chemistry will play a major role in determining success, noting that the league’s format ensures that every match will be a test of unity and composure.
When asked about possibly adding Universities or Colleges in the tournament in the near future, Mariano said that the main goal of the league is to be popularized first, then discuss potentially adding teams from certain schools.
Tournament Format and Exciting New Features
The six participating teams will compete in a round-robin format, showcasing three playing styles: King of the Hill 5-on-5, Sharks Doubles, and Standard One-on-One.
Matches will take place five days a week, starting at 8:00 PM, and will be open to fans. The top two teams after the elimination phase will advance to the finals, which will decide the next holder of the Chino Trinidad Championship Trophy.
Mariano also revealed a minor rule tweak to keep the games fast-paced and thrilling. In the standard 25-second shot clock, the 10-second warning sound will be removed which now creates what he called a “buzzer-beater style” finish to each turn, heightening tension for both players and fans.
He also expressed interest in having a “Home and Away” format soon in order for the SBA to be introduced around the country.
Star Players and Rising Talents
Leading the charge this season is Jonas Magpantay, fresh off his triumph at the Qatar 10-Ball World Cup.
The 31-year-old cue artist will be the Team Captain of the Manila MS Mavericks and aims to steer them back to the finals after their runner-up finish to Taguig in the inaugural season.
Meanwhile, the defending champions, Taguig Stallions, are looking to protect their crown against both familiar contenders and fresh challengers.
The newly-formed Parañaque Kings are also making headlines for fielding the league’s first-ever student participant, 19-year-old Dart Bonode from De La Salle University, which is living proof of SBA’s growing appeal to the next generation of cue artists.
Mariano also added that there wouldn’t be any restrictions implemented to their players if ever they would want to compete in international tournaments, as long as there wouldn’t be a conflict in their schedule once Season 2 begins.
Expanding the Sport’s Reach and Youth Engagement
Beyond competition, the SBA’s second season carries a deeper mission: to nurture new talent and make billiards more appealing to younger audiences.
“Maraming magaling na players sa atin, ‘yong iba hindi lang nabibigyan ng pagkakataon… at least dito they have the opportunity to showcase their skills,” Mariano said.
He emphasized that the league’s vision goes beyond professional play. The SBA aims to become a platform for aspiring players while promoting the sport in a country that has long produced some of the world’s best billiard champions.
Mariano also shared the organization’s goal of expanding its fanbase.
“Ang gusto ko mangyari is ma-doble ‘yung viewers from Season 1. And sana ma-reach namin ‘yung younger audience,” he said, adding that they are working tirelessly to make the league more engaging and accessible to fans both inside and outside the arena.
Viewership Success on National TV
Due to their success in Season 1, the SBA has kept its TV partnerships with Sports Media Outlets.
That being said, some of their live games would still be televised nationwide through RPTV, PTV 4, and Glass TV.
Hadley also mentioned potentially airing some of their matches on local broadcast partners in provinces, but nothing is finalized yet.
He then noted that their newest partnership with SMART Sports would livestream their matches through the SMART Sports website.
Looking Ahead: Partnership and Growth
Mariano hinted at future collaborations, including a possible partnership with Matchroom Pool, one of the world’s leading promoters of professional billiards events.
The penultimate goal for SBA is for it to become a mainstream sport that the public could use for their entertainment, as well as a tool for Filipino athletes to become successful in the sport of billiards, not just locally, but internationally.
With a stronger lineup, fresh faces, and enhanced viewing experience, the Sharks Billiards Association Season 2 is shaping up to be its most competitive and entertaining season yet. Proving once again why the Philippines remains a powerhouse in the world of cue sports.
