A champion’s first international title can reveal more than a result sheet. Anton Raga’s undefeated run at the 39th Japan Open highlights the value of separating the cue used for scoring shots from the cue used to break. For players, clubs, and distributors, it also shows how a complete two-cue setup can support confident decisions under pressure.

Anton Raga breaks through in Tokyo

The 39th Japan Open finished in Tokyo on September 21, 2026, with PERI ambassador Anton Raga defeating fellow Filipino Antonio Lining 8–3 in the men’s final. Also known as the Tokyo Open, it is one of Japan’s long-running traditional cue-sports competitions, alongside the All Japan Open.

Raga reached the final unbeaten and won three Filipino-versus-Filipino matches in the single-elimination stage. It was his first international title after runner-up finishes at the WPA 9-Ball China Open and the Chinese Pool 9-Ball Tour’s Chengmai stop, turning a run of near misses into a breakthrough.

In the women’s division, former champion Chen Siming also took the title after dropping three match points and ending Santos’s challenge with a fortunate final ball. Together, the two finals highlighted how professional routines and dependable equipment can make a difference when the pressure is highest.

What Raga’s setup says about tournament cue selection

A tournament cue works best when it matches the demands of the format. In a category such as players pool cues, players look for a stable pre-shot routine and a familiar response under pressure. Raga’s setup shows why matching each cue to its role is so important.

WPA rules also allow a player to switch between cue sticks during a match, including a normal cue, break cue, and jump cue, as well as an add-on or built-in extender. That flexibility matters because the opening break creates a different physical and tactical challenge from the controlled shots that follow.

One match, two cue roles

Raga’s tournament setup reflects this approach: he used the overseas PERI P-T03 as his playing cue and the PERI Loong S as his break cue. Together, the two models form a purposeful pairing for scoring control and opening-break performance.

This two-cue approach gives players a consistent scoring cue and a dedicated tool for the opening break. It also gives clubs and distributors a clear way to present a tournament-ready setup: each cue has a distinct role, and both are built around repeatable performance.

Why the two cues should be evaluated differently

P-T03: consistent control for scoring shots

The P-T03 is specified with a 12.55mm tip, P20-R shaft, Eiferin ferrule, Radial Pin joint, adjustable weight system, and an 18.5–19oz range. These details give competitive players a repeatable reference for visual line, bridge length, grip pressure, and cue response.

For a tournament buyer, the manufacturing details matter too. PERI manually selects raw wood, naturally dehydrates it in controlled conditions, and tests production wood below 8% moisture content. Shafts receive CNC rounding plus straightness, concentricity, and finish inspections, and each product comes with a quality inspection report.

Loong S: a dedicated tool for the break

The Loong S has a different brief: a 13mm tip and black carbon-fiber shaft with Uni-Loc joint, an 18.5–19.5oz range, and no weighting system. Its construction is tailored to a dedicated break routine, keeping the opening shot distinct from the playing cue’s feel.

For buyers, a break cue can be presented through its role, construction, joint, tip, and weight range, while a playing cue can be matched to the player’s preferred feedback and level of control.

A tournament-ready product story for buyers and clubs

For distributors, the first practical step is to organize products by competitive use case. A professional pool cue range is easier to explain when a catalogue distinguishes main cues, break cues, jump cues, shafts, tips, and accessories, giving every product a clear place in the tournament setup.

Material and construction details make this product story stronger. A carbon fiber cue shaft can be positioned as part of a focused break setup, alongside the appropriate tip diameter, joint format, weight, and cue role. PERI combines research, production, and quality inspection within its Weilu Cue Factory, helping overseas buyers build a coherent tournament-focused assortment.

The broader lesson from the 2026 Japan Open

Anton Raga’s Japan Open victory brings this idea into focus. A strong tournament setup combines a stable playing cue, a dedicated break cue, carefully defined construction details, and a practiced routine. The P-T03 and Loong S pairing gives that principle a concrete example from the international stage.

FAQ

What cue setup did Anton Raga use at the 2026 Japan Open?

Raga used the overseas PERI P-T03 as his playing cue and the PERI Loong S as his break cue.

Why might a player use a separate break cue?

The break serves a different tactical purpose from later scoring shots. A separate cue lets the player preserve a familiar playing-cue setup while practicing the opening stroke independently.

What stands out about the PERI P-T03 configuration?

The P-T03 has a 12.55mm tip, P20-R shaft, Eiferin ferrule, Radial Pin joint, 18.5–19oz range, and adjustable weight system, creating a clearly defined playing-cue configuration for competitive control.

What stands out about the PERI Loong S break cue?

The Loong S has a 13mm tip, black carbon-fiber shaft, Uni-Loc joint, 18.5–19.5oz range, and no weighting system, supporting a separate break-cue role.

How should a distributor explain tournament cue choices?

Start with shot role and player routine, then compare tip diameter, shaft material, joint, weight range, balance, and documented quality checks. This gives clubs and players a clear path to a tournament-ready setup.