One year ago, Aloysius Yapp arrived in Orlando chasing momentum. He left as a history-maker.
As the World Nineball Tour returns to the Caribe Royale Resort for the 2026 Florida Open Pool Championship from 4–9 August, the spotlight once again falls on the man who produced one of the standout performances of the 2025 season to become the tournament’s inaugural champion.
Yapp’s victory over American legend Shane Van Boening not only secured the first-ever Florida Open title but also saw the Singaporean become the first player in World Nineball Tour history to win back-to-back Open ranking events, following his success at the UK Open earlier that year.
The achievement cemented Yapp’s place among the sport’s elite and marked the arrival of one of the most memorable title runs in recent WNT history.
A Final Worthy of the Occasion
Standing between Yapp and history was five-time US Open champion Shane Van Boening, who looked in complete control during the opening exchanges.
Winning the lag, the American stormed into a 5-1 lead and appeared destined to spoil Yapp’s remarkable run. But the Singaporean refused to panic.
A missed 2-ball from Van Boening in the seventh rack proved to be the turning point. Yapp seized the opportunity with both hands, finding his rhythm and reeling off four consecutive racks to level the contest at 5-5 before extending his run to lead 9-5 with a display of clinical finishing and fearless shot-making.
Van Boening, however, reminded everyone why he remains one of the game’s greatest competitors. Capitalising on a rare scratch from Yapp, he mounted a superb comeback of his own, winning four straight racks to draw level at 9-9 and set up a dramatic finish.
But every time the pressure peaked, Yapp found another gear.
Punishing a Van Boening mistake to edge back in front at 10-9, the Singaporean held his composure in the closing stages before reaching the hill at 12-10 after another costly American scratch.
When Van Boening broke dry in the next rack, Yapp never looked back, producing one final clearance to secure a famous 13-10 victory and lift the inaugural Florida Open trophy.
“I’m Still in Shock”
Speaking moments after his victory, an emotional Yapp reflected on a week that changed his career.
“I can’t believe it – honestly, I’m still in shock. Shane is such a phenomenal player and someone I have so much respect for – one of the greatest of all time.
“At the start of the year, I told myself I wanted to win a major. To win one felt amazing… but to win two in a row is just unbelievable. I’m truly speechless. Thank you to everyone for the incredible support this week – it’s been unforgettable.”
Orlando Awaits Again
Now, one year later, the Florida Open returns to Orlando as one of the marquee stops on the World Nineball Tour calendar.
From 4–9 August 2026, another world-class field will descend on the Caribe Royale Resort, all aiming to follow in Yapp’s footsteps by lifting one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
Will Yapp successfully defend the crown that made history, or will a new name be etched onto the Florida Open trophy?
The countdown to another unforgettable week in Orlando is on.
Purchase your ticket to witness history once again in Florida here.