Eddy Merckx has done it again! The Belgian claimed the Yanggu World Cup title in South Korea, adding another major trophy to an already remarkable season. After winning the World Cup in Porto and becoming world champion in Blois just a few weeks ago, Merckx finishes the year in spectacular fashion. What an incredible run of form!

His victory in Yanggu was built on outstanding consistency and a series of high-level performances in the knockout rounds. But the final against Glenn Hofman was the real highlight. Merckx won 50-23 in just 16 innings, recording an extraordinary 3.125 average. The decisive moment came in the second half of the match, when he scored 26 points against Hofman's 2 over just five innings. A stunning burst that left the Dutchman with no chance of fighting back.

Round of 16: a dramatic start to the knockout stage

The Round of 16 produced some close contests and a few major upsets. Ruben Legazpi edged out home favourite Kim Haeng-jik 50-49 in the tightest match of the round. Quyet Chien Tran also delivered a major surprise, defeating Myung Woo Cho 50-23 in just 18 innings, with a high run of 16.

Dick Jaspers was equally impressive, beating Sergio Jimenez 50-23 in only 17 innings. Eddy Merckx advanced with a 50-38 win over Berkay Karakurt, while Tayfun Taşdemir defeated Marco Zanetti 50-42. Phuong Vinh Bao overcame Pham Quoc Thuan 50-42, Glenn Hofman beat Heo Jung-han 50-33, and Tran Thanh Luc completed the quarter-final line-up with a 50-38 victory over Huberney Catano.

Quarter-finals: Merckx, Hofman, Jaspers and Taşdemir through

Eddy Merckx continued his impressive run by defeating Phuong Vinh Bao 50-28 in 28 innings. Glenn Hofman produced one of the strongest performances of the round, beating Tran Thanh Luc 50-17 in just 20 innings.

Dick Jaspers was also in excellent form, overcoming Quyet Chien Tran 50-32 in 20 innings for a 2.500 average. The final place in the semi-finals went to Tayfun Taşdemir, who defeated Ruben Legazpi 50-28 in 26 innings.

Semi-finals: Merckx and Hofman set up the final

The first semi-final saw Eddy Merckx take control against Tayfun Taşdemir. The Belgian won 50-26 in 17 innings, averaging 2.941 and recording a high run of 14.

In the other match, Glenn Hofman produced another strong performance to eliminate Dick Jaspers. The Dutchman won 50-33 in 19 innings, with a 2.631 average and a high run of 12. The final was set: Merckx against Hofman.

The final: a masterclass from Eddy Merckx

The final proved to be a one-sided affair, with Merckx delivering a performance worthy of a champion. He reached 50 points in just 16 innings, while Hofman finished on 23 in 15 innings.

The Belgian's 3.125 average tells only part of the story. His extraordinary second-half run — 26 points to Hofman's 2 over five innings — effectively settled the contest and sealed another major title.

Following his World Cup success in Porto and his world championship victory in Blois, Merckx adds Yanggu to his list of achievements. Three major titles in an extraordinary run: a truly memorable end to the season.

Final ranking – Top 32

Merckx finishes at the top of the standings with 12 match points and a 2.259 general average across the main tournament. Hofman takes second place, while Dick Jaspers and Tayfun Taşdemir share third. Quyet Chien Tran stands out in seventh place with a 2.031 average, while Mikaël Devogelaere finishes 18th and Jérémy Bury 30th.

World Ranking: Eddy Merckx takes the lead!

Eddy Merckx has moved to the top of the UMB world ranking following his victory at the Yanggu World Cup in South Korea. The Belgian, who was ranked second after the World Championship in Blois, now leads the standings with 474 points, overtaking Myung Woo Cho, who drops to second place with 458 points.

Merckx’s remarkable run of results continues after his World Championship title in Blois and his World Cup victory in Porto. His latest success in Yanggu confirms his position at the summit of 3-cushion billiards.

Sameh Sidhom remains third with 327 points, while Berkay Karakurt makes one of the biggest advances in the top 10, climbing four places to fourth. Phuong Vinh Bao stays fifth, and Dick Jaspers moves up five positions to sixth.

Further down, Tayfun Taşdemir is seventh, Marco Zanetti eighth, Martin Horn ninth and Frédéric Caudron tenth. Glenn Hofman remains 13th after his run to the Yanggu World Cup final.

The ranking takes into account results from national, continental and world championships, as well as World Cups.

UMB World Ranking – Top 14