KAÇI DELIVERS PERFECTION AS DEFENDING CHAMPION NEUHAUSEN HITS SETBACK | 2026 PREMIER LEAGUE POOL
Eklent Kaçi produced a flawless display to surge to the top of the standings on Day Two of the 2026 Premier League Pool, while Moritz Neuhausen endured a difficult day, slipping down the table and leaving his title defence hanging in the balance.
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The Albanian was in imperious form, claiming five wins from five matches to firmly enter the title conversation. Victories over John Morra, Chris Melling, Duong Quoc Hoang, Aloysius Yapp and two-time world champion Thorsten Hohmann capped a commanding run that showcased both composure and clinical finishing.
Kaçi said: “I made very few mistakes today and that’s always important in this format. Apart from a couple of racks, I felt in control and confident in my decisions. I trust my game and I know I’m capable of winning this tournament. Last year was disappointing for me – I went out early and it stayed with me. This time I want to show a different version of myself. I’m here to compete for the title and I’m ready for the fight ahead.”
It was a contrasting story for Neuhausen, whose title defence suffered a setback after losing three of his five matches. The Mosconi Cup MVP now finds himself tenth in the standings following a day disrupted by further equipment problems.
Neuhausen said: “Today was frustrating. After my tip broke yesterday, my shaft broke at the start of the day – it felt like everything was going against me. It’s hard to play your natural game when you’re adjusting to equipment issues, and I struggled to find any rhythm. But this event is about resilience. Tomorrow is a new opportunity, and I’ll come back ready to battle and give myself a chance to stay in contention.”
Former World Champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz enjoyed a strong resurgence, climbing to third in the standings after winning four of his five matches. Back-to-back hill-hill victories over Pijus Labutis and Albert Januarta proved pivotal in building his momentum and hopes of reclaiming the title.
Ruiz said: “I feel much better today. The opening day is always tough – it takes time to settle into the conditions – but today I found my momentum. Those close matches are important. Winning on the hill gives you belief. Last year’s final loss still motivates me, and I want another opportunity. If I reach the final again, I’ll be ready to finish the job.”
Duong Quoc Hoang also continued his upward climb to move into fourth as he targets a maiden major title on tour.
Duong commented: “I’m happy with parts of my game, but I know I can raise my level. In this format, one small mistake can change everything very quickly. My focus is to stay calm and keep improving each session. If I do that, I believe I can put myself in a strong position by the end of the week.”
With momentum shifting and the table tightening, the battle for the next stage is intensifying as the 2026 Premier League Pool heads into a pivotal third day of action.
The 2026 Premier League Pool returns on Friday, 20 February from 12 EST on WNT TV, along with Viaplay, Fan Duel, and Nova. Find where you can watch in your country here.
You can track the action on all 183 matches at Premier League Pool via the WNT Live Scores website here.
The 2026 Premier League Pool takes place from the 18-22 February at the electric Classic Billiards in Miami, Florida, where 16 of the world’s best players go head-to-head to claim the prestigious title.
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