AJ Manas

Last updated

Albert James Manas
Personal information
Nickname
Starboy
Pool career
CountryFlag of the Philippines.svg Philippines
Tournament wins
Other titles Reyes Cup

Albert James 'AJ' Manas is a professional pool player from the Philippines. Nicknamed Starboy, he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2025 Reyes Cup where Team Asia defeated Team Rest of World.

Contents

Career

Manas started playing pool aged seven in Antipolo, Philippines. [1] He counted Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamente as idols while growing up. [2] In 2023, he won the Hanoi Junior Open and was a losing finalist at the TE Capital Nineball Open. [3] He was selected to represent Asia in the 2025 Reyes Cup. [4] Team Asia defeated Team Rest of World with Manas being named most valuable player (MVP). During the event, Manas defeated Fedor Gorst in a singles match, and helped secure the winning points in a doubles match with playing partner Carlo Biado. [5] At the Philippines Open, Manas knocked out world champion Biado before suffering a defeat to Jayson Shaw in the quarter-finals. [6] [7]

Titles

source: [8]

References

  1. Espina-Varona, Inday (6 October 2022). "Wonder kid AJ Manas ends run in Bacolod billiards tourney on high note". Rappler. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  2. "Who is AJ Manas? Meet the 18-year-old cue artist seen as the future of Philippine billiards". onesports.ph. 18 October 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  3. "AJ Manas". Matchroom Sport. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  4. "Online pool sensation AJ Manas steps into the mainstream at Reyes Cup". spin.ph. 16 October 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  5. Matel, Philip (20 October 2025). "'Starboy' steals show: AJ Manas wins MVP as Team Asia defends Reyes Cup title". Rappler. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  6. "AJ Manas' star keeps rising after besting Carlo Biado in PH Open". spin.ph. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  7. "Great Scot ends teen AJ Manas' dream run in PH Open quarterfinals". spin.ph. 24 October 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  8. "AJ Manas". azbilliards.com. Retrieved 7 December 2025.