David Alcaide Crowned Inaugural Philippines Open Champion | 2025 LiveSB.io Philippines Open Pool Championship

David Alcaide produced a masterclass performance in Quezon City to defeat Finland’s rising star Arseni Sevastyanov 13–3 and be crowned the first-ever Philippines Open champion in front of a packed and electric crowd at Gateway Mall.

The Spaniard, who last lifted a Matchroom Major more than two years ago, delivered one of his most commanding finals to date — proving once again that experience, composure, and class never fade. At 46, Alcaide reaffirmed his place among the world’s elite, adding yet another accolade to a storied career.

Reflecting on his victory, Alcaide shared: 

David Alciade

“What a week. What an experience. I’ve worked so hard for this moment, and I’m incredibly proud that it’s paid off. Arseni played amazing this week — he’s a great young talent and definitely one of the future stars of this sport. Today was my day, but he pushed me all the way.”

David Alcaide

I also want to thank my family, friends, and fans both here and back home. The atmosphere this week has been unbelievable — it felt like playing in the Mosconi Cup every day! The pressure was there in every match, but that’s when I feel most alive. To win here, in such a special event, means everything.”

Final Result

David Alcaide 13–3 Arseni Sevastyanov

Alcaide wasted no time asserting his dominance in the final, taking the opening rack and quickly building a commanding lead. Sevastyanov levelled briefly at 1–1, but a failed safety in rack three allowed Alcaide to seize control — stringing together a series of precise run-outs to surge ahead 5–1.

The young Finn fought to stay in contention, capitalising on a foul from Alcaide to reduce the deficit to 6–2, but the veteran’s tactical precision and table management proved too much to overcome. Alcaide’s experience shone through, extending his advantage to 8–2 before closing out rack after rack with ruthless efficiency.

A rare scratch from Alcaide gifted Sevastyanov one final rack, but it only delayed the inevitable. The Spaniard quickly regrouped, sweeping the final racks in trademark style to reach the hill and seal his first Matchroom Major title since 2023 — a dominant 13–3 victory that showcased both his technical brilliance and mental fortitude.

Moments after his triumph, Alcaide was surprised on stage by Mosconi Cup captain Jayson Shaw, who announced the Spaniard as his final captain’s pick for Team Europe this December. The news sent the Manila crowd into raptures, capping off an unforgettable week for the veteran.

With one of the most convincing performances of his career, David Alcaide has not only written his name into the history books as the inaugural Philippines Open champion but also sent a clear message to the world — El Matador is back at his best.

The 2025 LiveSB.io Philippines Open Pool Championship — the newest Matchroom Major on the World Nineball Tour — took place at Gateway Mall, Quezon City, showcasing five days of drama and elite Nineball action from 21–25 October.

Photography by Taka Wu for Matchroom Pool