Joshua Filler opened his title defence in dominant fashion, while World No.1 Fedor Gorst delivered a ruthless whitewash as the 2026 Roobet European Open Pool Championship got underway in Sarajevo.
Taking place in the heart of Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, the 2026 Roobet European Open Pool Championship returns for its fifth edition at the iconic Hotel Hills from 10–15 March, bringing six days of non-stop nine-ball action on the World Nineball Tour.
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The defending champion Joshua Filler wasted little time reminding the field why he lifted the trophy last year, powering past Jani Siekkinen 9–1 to secure his place in the knockout stages.
Reflecting on his return to Sarajevo, Filler said: “I’m super happy to be back in Bosnia. Coming back as the defending champion feels a little different, but I’m trying not to think about it too much. There’s always more pressure when you return as the champion, but I managed it last year and I’ll try to do the same again.”
“My first match against Jani felt pretty good. I made a ball on every break and had four break-and-runs. Some of the position play was a little long or short, so I still need to adjust to the speed of the table, but overall it was a good start. Now I’m already in the knockout stage which adds a bit of pressure, but I can’t wait to get back to the table. I’m definitely ready to go all the way and defend the title.”
World No.1 Fedor Gorst also made a powerful opening statement in his first appearance in Bosnia & Herzegovina, dismantling Mirnes Mujic 9–0 in just 39 minutes.
Gorst commented: “This is my first time in Bosnia, so I’m really looking forward to this tournament and the week ahead. I feel motivated — the last half of last season wasn’t very pretty for me, but over the last two or three months I’ve been playing good pool and hopefully my game will be there this week.”
“I’m not too worried about the scoreline in the early rounds, but it’s always nice to have one like that. I played very close to the standard I want to maintain for the rest of the tournament, so I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”
Spain’s David Alcaide, fresh off his triumph at the Philippines Open, also impressed on Day One, matching Gorst’s dominance with a 9–0 victory over Lovro Bracun.
Alcaide said: “My break wasn’t working perfectly out there — twice I didn’t make a ball on the break. But I always try to stay confident and just give my best. I enjoy playing here in Sarajevo; it’s always fun to compete here.”
Robbie Capito also made a strong start to his campaign, dispatching Holger Vier 9–1 to book his place in the single-elimination stage.
Capito said: “My first match went well and the table is playing really nicely here in Bosnia. I’m looking forward to the next few matches and the week ahead. I’ve got my eyes on that European crown. Last year I came close to winning my second major — this year I want to make it happen, and it would be special to do it here in Sarajevo.”
The action continues tomorrow as more of the sport’s biggest names enter the arena. Newly crowned Premier League Pool champion Duong Quoc Hoang begins his campaign, while former World Champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, Eklent Kaçi, and local star Sanjin Pehlivanovic will also look to make their mark as the race for the European Open title gathers momentum.
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