Yapp’s Reign Begins…
Aloysius Yapp has been crowned the new World No. 1, capping a remarkable rise to the summit of the World Nineball Tour following one of the greatest seasons in modern nine-ball history.
The 30-year-old Singaporean rises to the top of the world rankings on the strength of his performances last year, when he became the first player ever to win three consecutive Matchroom Open Major titles — a feat that has now been recognised with the sport’s highest individual honour.
Reflecting on the achievement, Yapp said:“It’s a dream come true for me becoming World No. 1. I’ve worked really hard throughout my career, and last year showed that it pays off. I’m happy and grateful for that — but it’s not over yet. I have a lot more to do and achieve in this game, and I want to keep working hard to stay at the top and keep winning on Tour.”
Yapp’s historic run began at the 2025 UK Open Pool Championship, continued with victory at the inaugural Florida Open Pool Championship, and closed with a triumphant run to the US Open Pool Championship title — making him the first player ever to win three Matchroom Open Majors consecutively in the same calendar year. That sustained dominance throughout last season is what has carried him to World No. 1 today.
Alongside his incredible 2025 season, Yapp also stands as a two-time Reyes Cup champion — a rare feat achieved by only a handful of players. He first made his mark on the event in its inaugural 2024 edition, where he was named the first-ever Reyes Cup MVP representing Team Asia.
Now, with the new ranking confirmed, Yapp turns his attention to defending his title. He returns this week to the Florida Open Pool Championship at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando — the same tournament where his historic run first took shape last year — arriving as top seed and defending champion for the first time as World No. 1.
Fans can watch every match of Yapp’s title defence by subscribing to WNT TV, with live coverage running 4–9 August.
Those looking to see the new World No. 1 in action live can purchase spectator tickets for the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
PURCHASE YOUR SPECTATOR TICKETS HERE
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