Jeffrey Ignacio displayed dominant form as he overpowered compatriot Sean Mark Malayan, 13-1, to claim his first World Nine-Ball Tour (WNT) title at the 2026 TAOM Arena Open in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 33-year-old cue artist was in control throughout the tournament and capped his campaign with a one-sided final, securing the championship and the $10,000 (₱617,135) winner’s purse.

“Thank God for guiding me throughout this tournament. I already felt something special after surviving that hill-hill match against my fellow Filipino player. I am also grateful to my sponsors who continue to support me without hesitation.”

“We are fortunate once again to secure a championship. To my opponent in the final, Sean Mark Malayan, you played exceptionally well throughout the tournament. Congratulations, brother.”

Malayan settled for runner-up honors and took home $4,500 (₱277,710) in the first-ever WNT event held in Malaysia.

Before reaching the final, Ignacio also eliminated Taiwanese player Liu Ri Teng, 11–7, in the semifinals.

He earlier defeated Indonesia’s Ponco Klinton Manurung, 10–3, in the quarterfinals, and opened his knockout campaign with a 9–3 win over fellow Filipino John Vincent Vicedo in the Round of 32.

The tournament featured several other Filipino cue artists, including Carlo Biado, AJ Manas, Jefrey Roda, Paolo Galito, and James Aranas.