Player Profile Series: James Aranas – “Dodong Diamond”

Zoren James Aranas, a native of Cavite, Philippines, is a Filipino professional pool player known by his nickname "Dodong Diamond."

He made his debut on the Action Pool Tour (APT) in 2017, going undefeated through a strong field of 48 entrants. He began his six-match run to the winner’s circle with an opening-round shutout and capped it off with victories over the APT's top-ranked player, Shaun Wilkie, in the hot seat match, and Reymart Lim in the finals. The event was hosted by Q Master Billiards in Virginia Beach, VA.

In 2018, Aranas secured his first international title after defeating Chris Melling twice at the first Annual Asian Culture Day, held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This event marked the opening of the Efren Reyes retirement tour. In 2019, Aranas claimed the ten-ball title at the Super Billiards Expo Diamond Open, defeating Oscar Dominguez 13–10 in the final.

In 2022, he reached the finals of the APP Asian 9-Ball Open in Singapore but fell short against Taiwan's Ko Pin-yi, 11–13.

On February 3, Aranas was detained and deported back to the Philippines. He was held in a room alongside several athletes and artists from outside the United States who were on tourist visas, most of whom were from Europe.

He was questioned for twenty-seven hours before having his visa revoked, being issued a citation, and informed that he was banned from entering the U.S. for the next five years. Authorities stated that his participation in a tournament while on a tourist visa violated immigration rules, and that he would need to obtain either an athlete or working visa to compete in the country.

At the 2023 World Cup of Pool, Aranas was selected to represent the Philippines alongside partner Johann Chua.

Aranas and Chua found their rhythm and clinched the final rack to advance to the semifinals. Aranas scored a golden break that helped the Philippines edge past the Spanish duo of Jonas Souto and Jose Alberto Delgado, setting up a quarterfinal clash with the Ko brothers.

They reached the final, where they faced the German tandem of Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen. The Filipino duo triumphed 11–7, becoming the first unseeded team to win the World Cup of Pool.

In 2024, the San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC–PSA) recognized Aranas, along with Chua and Carlo Biado, for their outstanding achievements in billiards.

The SMC–PSA Awards honor the distinction, commitment, and accomplishments of athletes and organizations that have significantly contributed to the nation’s international sporting success.