Aloysius Yapp endured a nightmare start to his Florida Open Pool Championship title defence after suffering a shock opening-round defeat that left both his crown and newly earned World No.1 ranking in jeopardy, while World Champion Carlo Biado and five-time US Open champion Shane Van Boening survived early scares on a dramatic opening day in Orlando.
The second edition of the Florida Open Pool Championship returns to the stunning Caribe Royale Resort from 4-9 August, bringing six days of world-class nine-ball action as the World Nineball Tour’s August USA Swing gets underway. With crucial ranking points, Mosconi Cup qualification and major silverware all on the line, the sport’s biggest stars are set for a dramatic week in the Sunshine State.
WATCH ALL THE ACTION ON WNT TV
Recently crowned World No.1 Aloysius Yapp endured the worst possible start to his Florida Open Pool Championship title defence, falling 9-5 to America’s BJ Ussery on the opening day in Orlando. Ussery capitalised on a series of uncharacteristic mistakes from the Singaporean to secure one of the biggest upsets of the day and send the defending champion into the Losers’ Bracket.
Reflecting on the defeat, Yapp said: “It’s never the way you want to start a tournament. I just didn’t perform anywhere near my level today and BJ deserved the win.
“Now my focus completely changes. I’m not thinking about defending the title or being World No.1 anymore. I just have to win my next match, stay alive in the tournament and build from there. It’s not over yet.”
Yapp’s opening-round defeat not only leaves his title defence hanging by a thread but also places his newly-earned World No.1 ranking under immediate pressure. World Champion Carlo Biado sits second in the rankings by just over $6,000, with a strong week in Orlando potentially enough to steal the top spot.
Biado avoided the same fate as Yapp but was made to work hard in his opening match against American Landon Hollingworth. Trailing 7-3, the Filipino produced a trademark comeback to edge through 9-7 before delivering a flawless 9-0 victory over Paul Song to book his place in the Last 128.
Biado said: “I wasn’t happy with how I played in the first match and I nearly paid the price. Landon is a good player and once he got ahead it was difficult to stop him, but I stayed patient and got it done.
“The second match was much better. After surviving that first one, I knew I had to improve my focus and I’m happy with how I responded.”
Five-time US Open Pool Championship winner Shane Van Boening also survived an early test, overcoming fellow American Payne McBride 9-7 before producing a commanding 9-2 victory over Bobby Garza to safely advance.
Van Boening said: “The first match was tough. I didn’t play well and there was a moment when I was trailing behind that I thought could lose. Every player here can stop you if you’re not at your best. I’m just relieved that I survived and finished today with two wins.”
Looking ahead to a crucial month on the World Nineball Tour, Van Boening added: “There are a lot of ranking points available this August, so I’m looking at these three major events as an opportunity to put myself in contention for the Mosconi Cup.
“I know I’m not the only American chasing that goal, but if I can put together deep runs throughout this swing of events, I’ll give myself every chance of earning my place back on Team USA.”
Also beginning his quest for Team USA qualification was former Mosconi Cup champion Justin Bergman, who marked his return to Open event competition with a statement 9-1 victory over Britain’s Dean Shields—his first match in an Open event since the 2019 US Open Pool Championship.
Bergman said: “I felt comfortable out there today. I’ve been working hard on my break this year and I think that made a huge difference today. If I can keep breaking like that, I know I can compete with anyone in this field.
“Winning a major would be incredible, but qualifying for Team USA is my where my heart is at. There are so many strong American players chasing those spots this month, so every match matters this week. If I can keep performing like today, I believe I’ve got a real chance.”
The action continues tomorrow in the Sunshine State, with World No.1 Aloysius Yapp looking to regain control of his title defence in the Losers’ Bracket, as the Last 128 field begins to take shape. With the race for the Palm Tree Trophy gathering momentum, the world’s best will continue their battle in what promises to be another epic day at the 2026 Florida Open Pool Championship.
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article.