As I watched the latest PBA match unfold, a question that often pops into my mind during major sporting events resurfaced: Is billiards an Olympic sport? The surprising truth revealed is that despite its global popularity, cue sports have never been part of the Olympic program. This thought struck me particularly hard while following Torren Jones' impressive debut with San Miguel. The new import immediately made his presence felt, helping the Beermen secure their second victory in just four games while dealing the struggling Dyip their fifth defeat of the season. There's something about watching elite athletes perform that makes you wonder why certain sports get Olympic recognition while others don't.
I've always found it fascinating how some sports that seem perfect for the Olympics never make the cut. Billiards, with its combination of precision, strategy, and mental toughness, checks so many boxes of what we consider Olympic-worthy. The recent PBA action reminded me of this paradox - here we have athletes like Jones demonstrating incredible skill and competitive spirit, yet their sport remains outside the Olympic family. During that crucial game, Jones showed the kind of focus and determination that would absolutely shine on the Olympic stage. The Beermen's 2-2 record might not sound spectacular, but considering they've played only four games, it shows promising momentum.
What really gets me is the international appeal of billiards. Unlike some current Olympic sports that only have regional popularity, pocket billiards has genuine global reach. I've played in pool halls from Manila to Miami, and the passion for the game transcends cultures. The PBA's growing international viewership - estimated at over 15 million across Southeast Asia alone - demonstrates this potential. When you see imports like Jones adapting quickly to new teams and making immediate impacts, it proves the universal language of sports excellence.
I remember talking to a former professional player who told me that the Olympic question comes up constantly in billiards circles. The general consensus seems to be that while the skill level is undoubtedly Olympic-caliber, the sport lacks the political connections and organizational unity needed for Olympic inclusion. The World Confederation of Billiard Sports has been trying for years, submitting applications to the IOC since 1998, but progress has been frustratingly slow. They've managed to get recognition from the International Olympic Committee, but actual inclusion in the Games remains elusive.
Looking at the recent PBA statistics, the numbers tell an interesting story. The league has maintained consistent attendance of around 8,000-12,000 spectators per game, with television ratings showing approximately 4.3 million viewers tuning in for major matchups. These aren't just recreational players - these are professional athletes whose livelihoods depend on their performance. The level of competition I witnessed in that San Miguel versus Dyip game was every bit as intense as what you'd see in Olympic events. The players' dedication to their craft is remarkable, with many spending 6-8 hours daily practicing their shots and strategies.
From my perspective, the Olympic movement is missing out on something special. The drama of that recent PBA game, where Jones helped secure victory in the final minutes, had all the elements of great Olympic moments - tension, skill, and emotional payoff. The Dyip's 1-5 record might look disappointing, but every game featured moments of brilliance that would captivate Olympic audiences. There's a raw, unfiltered quality to professional billiards that I find more compelling than some of the more polished Olympic sports.
The reality is that the Olympic program has limited spots, and new sports face an uphill battle. But when I see athletes of Torren Jones' caliber making immediate impacts in their debut games, I can't help but feel that the Olympics would be richer for including cue sports. The journey from local pool halls to Olympic glory might seem distant, but the quality of play I witnessed in that recent PBA matchup suggests it's not impossible. Until then, fans will continue to enjoy spectacular performances in leagues like the PBA, where questions about Olympic inclusion become secondary to the pure excitement of the game itself.