The World Nineball Tour is thrilled to confirm last year’s MVP AJ ‘Starboy’ Manas will return to Team Asia for the 2026 Roobet Reyes Cup, with the rising Filipino star selected as a Captain’s Pick by returning captain Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante.
GET YOUR 2026 ROOBET REYES CUP TICKETS HERE
The third edition of the 2026 Roobet Reyes Cup will take place from 15–18 October at Makati Coliseum, Makati, as Team Asia look to make it three consecutive victories over Team Rest of the World. Fans unable to make it to Makati Coliseum can catch every moment of the action live on WNT TV, the home of nineball.
Manas capped off a dream Roobet Reyes Cup debut last year by being crowned MVP, playing a key role in Team Asia’s successful title defence. He will now return to the stage looking to continue his remarkable Roobet Reyes Cup record and help Asia secure the trophy for a third straight year.
Manas said:“I’m really excited to be back for another Reyes Cup. Last year was an incredible experience for me, and to finish it by being named MVP and helping Team Asia win the title was something I’ll never forget.
“I feel like my game has improved a lot since last year and I’ve gained more experience and confidence from playing against the best in the world. I’m grateful to Django for picking me again and I’m ready to give everything for the team. Playing in front of the home fans in the Philippines makes it even more special, and hopefully we can make it three in a row.”
Bustamante, who captained Team Asia to victory in 2025 and will once again lead the Asian side this year, had no hesitation in bringing Manas back into his team.
Bustamante commented: “I picked AJ last year because I knew what he could do, and he proved himself to the world. He became the MVP and showed everyone the talent and character he has. After the performance he gave us last year, it only made sense to pick him again. He knows what it takes to win this event now, and I’m expecting him to be a big part of our team again this year.”
Manas will join Robbie Capito and reunite with World Champion Carlo Biado, with the pair sharing the closing moment of Team Asia’s victory last year as they sealed the Roobet Reyes Cup in the final match.
With Manas now confirmed as Captain’s Pick, just two spots remain to complete the Team Asia line-up. The full Team Asia and Team Rest of the World line-ups will be announced across the coming days, with more of the world’s leading nineball players set to join the battle for the Roobet Reyes Cup.
With two consecutive Roobet Reyes Cup triumphs behind them, Manas and the rest of Team Asia will be aiming to continue their success when they face Team Rest of the World at Makati Coliseum this October.
Tickets for the 2026 Roobet Reyes Cup are on sale now, with fans able to experience four days of world-class nineball action live in Makati.
GET YOUR 2026 ROOBET REYES CUP TICKETS HERE
Fans unable to make it to Makati Coliseum can catch every moment of the 2026 Roobet Reyes Cup live on WNT TV, the home of nineball.
WATCH THE 2026 ROOBET REYES CUP LIVE ON WNT TV
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