Aloysius Yapp wrote another unforgettable chapter in pool history, defeating World No.1 Fedor Gorst to lift his maiden US Open Pool Championship crown at the Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City.
In doing so, the Singaporean star became the first player ever to win three consecutive Matchroom majors – adding the US Open to his UK Open and Florida Open triumphs earlier this year. The victory also propels Yapp to World No.2 in the Nineball Rankings, cementing his status as one of the sport’s elite.
“This is a dream come true – I can’t even describe how I feel right now. I’ve wanted this title for so many years, and there were times I wondered if it would ever happen. To finally lift the US Open is unbelievable.
“The pressure out there was immense – my hands were shaking throughout. Fedor is such a tough opponent, one of the very best, and I have so much respect for him. We both made mistakes, but it was an epic final and I’m proud of how I held myself together.
“Since winning the UK Open I’ve felt a new belief in myself, and to now win Florida and the US Open this month shows that it’s not luck – it’s hard work, preparation, and trust in my game. This moment means everything to me.
“There are so many people I want to dedicate this title to, but most of all I want to give it to my friend, Chang Jung-Lin, who recently passed away. He taught me so much throughout my life, and I truly believe I wouldn’t be here today without his guidance. This one is for you, my friend.”
Final Result
Aloysius Yapp 13–11 Fedor Gorst
The final began with nerves on show, as Gorst capitalised on Yapp’s error to take the opening rack. The pair traded racks in a tense early exchange, but Yapp found his rhythm in the fifth, stringing together a devastating run to surge ahead 10–5 with clinical cueing and relentless safety play.
Just as momentum seemed to have slipped away, Gorst mounted a fierce fightback, punishing a dry break from Yapp in rack 16 and reeling off four racks in succession to close the gap to 10–9. The American then tied the contest at 10–10 after Yapp faltered on a simple pot.
The pressure boiled over in the closing stages as both players exchanged errors. At 11–11, nerves were on show between the two, but it was Yapp that pounced on a foul from Gorst to reclaim the lead and reach the hill.
With the title hanging in the balance, the final rack produced high drama. Yapp momentarily faltered with a missed 2-ball, but Gorst let slip his own chance on the 3-ball. That proved decisive: Yapp cleared the table to finally realise his US Open dream.
Yapp’s triumph not only completes a golden run of three majors in four months, but also marks redemption for years of near misses on American soil. Now crowned the 2025 US Open Champion, Yapp’s place in pool’s history books is undeniable.
The 2025 LiveSB.io US Open Pool Championship — the 48th edition of the World Nineball Tour’s most prestigious major — took place at the iconic Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, showcasing non-stop Nineball action from 18–23 August.