GORST AND BIADO TO CLASH IN HISTORIC THIRD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL APPEARANCE | 2025 WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Defending champion Fedor Gorst and former title-holder Carlo Biado are set for a thrilling showdown in the 2025 World Pool Championship final—marking the third time each has reached the sport’s biggest stage. With both players chasing history, all eyes will be on a contest that promises drama, legacy, and world-class pool.
In collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Billiard & Snooker Federation and under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport, the 2025 World Pool Championship—the crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour—returns to the iconic Green Halls in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 21–26 July.
Fedor Gorst 11 – 7 Kledio Kaçi
Fedor Gorst returns to the World Championship final for a second consecutive year after overcoming Kledio Kaçi in a tense, tactical battle filled with safety exchanges and high-pressure shot-making.
Although Kaçi took an early lead, Gorst responded with a composed comeback to edge ahead. The two traded racks in a gripping back-and-forth, but it was Gorst who ultimately prevailed—defeating another Kaçi on the world stage, this time to reach the final for the third time in his career.
“I’m feeling great—but also relieved. That match against Kledio was tough. He’s a difficult opponent—his shot-making was sharp, his break was solid, and he barely missed. He definitely outplayed me at the start, but when he scratched, the momentum shifted, and I was able to take it all the way.”
Looking ahead to the final, Gorst added:
“I expect it to be a great match. It’s going to be a grind—it’s a long race to 15. But I’m ready for it. Whoever wins will have earned it.”
Should Gorst successfully defend his title, he will join Earl Strickland as only the second player in history to win the World Pool Championship in back-to-back years.
“Of course, that would mean the world to me,” he said. “But right now, I’m not thinking about that. I’m just trying to stay consistent—taking each tournament one at a time.”
Carlo Biado 11 – 3 Bernie Regalario
Carlo Biado showcased a cocktail of dominance and luck in his semi final racing a six-rack lead against 20-year-old Bernie Regalario, to igniting his run to the final. While Regalario found his moments to capitalise on Biado’s error in hopes to narrow the gap, the Lil Prince was unable to take control of the table from the former champion.
Biado sealed the match in spectacular fashion, delivering a golden break in the final rack to reach his third World Championship final.
“I feel good and excited,” Biado said after the win. “Against Bernie I got super lucky—I missed some shots in the match but still managed to get through. That golden break in the final rack… wow, it might be my lucky day.”
Biado now stands one step away from making history. A win in the final would not only secure his second world title but also make him the first Filipino player to win the World Pool Championship twice.
Reflecting on his journey, Biado added: “It feels different this time. In 2017, when I won the World Championship, it was overwhelming—I remember feeling frustrated on that day. But me then and me now— we’re the same Filipino – and whatever happens, it’ll be a good day.
“Of course, I feel the pressure today, but I’m proud of myself. I’ve come a long way in this tournament, and just reaching the final is already something to make me and my family proud. That’s what matters most.”
The pair will meet at 19:30 (AST) in what promises to be a historic World Championship final.
Fans can follow the full draw and live rack-by-rack scoring at www.wntlivescores.com, with global coverage on SSC (KSA), Sky Sports (UK & Ireland), and WNT TV in selected international territories.
For all the latest news and updates, follow Matchroom Pool on Facebook, Instagram and X, TikTok and YouTube.
