FILLER RECLAIMS HIS CROWN TO BECOME THE FIRST TWO-TIME UK OPEN CHAMPION | 2026 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Joshua Filler delivered one of the most dominant performances ever seen in a Matchroom Major final, dismantling Poland’s Wojciech Szewczyk 13-1 to reclaim the UK Open title and become the first player in history to win the prestigious title twice.
The German star lived up to his nickname “The Killer”, producing a ruthless display from start to finish and securing victory in record-breaking fashion to add another chapter to his remarkable legacy.
Reflecting on his historic triumph, Filler said: “Winning any Major title is special, but this one means a little bit more. Every year the standard gets higher and the competition gets tougher, so to come through a field like this and play the way I did in the final is something I’m extremely proud of.
“I didn’t come here with any complicated game plan. My mindset is always simple — I come to every tournament believing I can win it. This week I trusted myself, stayed focused and delivered when it mattered most.”
Final
Joshua Filler 13 – 1 Wojciech Szewczyk
Despite Szewczyk winning the lag, an early scratch from a failed safety escape handed control to Filler, who immediately began his charge towards a second UK Open crown.
The German was relentless from the outset, combining a devastating break with flawless position play to race into a commanding 9-0 lead in just 42 minutes. With every opportunity, Filler tightened his grip on the match, leaving his opponent with little room to respond.
Szewczyk was finally presented with a chance in the tenth rack after Filler broke dry. Although the Pole initially failed to capitalise, a rare missed 5-ball from Filler opened the door for him to get on the board and reduce the deficit to 9-1.
Any hopes of a comeback, however, were quickly extinguished. Filler immediately restored control, punishing a missed 2-ball from Szewczyk to move 10-1 ahead before continuing his relentless march towards the finish line. The Polish cueist was handed opportunities in the closing stages but was unable to convert, while Filler remained clinical whenever he returned to the table.
Filler sealed victory in emphatic fashion, producing a swift 2-9 combination on the hill to complete a stunning 13-1 triumph — matching the scoreline from his previous Matchroom Major title victory at the European Open in Sarajevo last year.
Filler added: “There are so many great players on the World Nineball Tour. You look at players like Fedor and Aloysius and you know every match is going to be a battle.
“But I’ve always believed my toughest opponent is myself. If I stay disciplined mentally and trust my game, I know what I’m capable of. Today I managed to do that from the first rack to the last.
“I’ve now played in three UK Open finals and without question that’s the best I’ve ever performed in a final. Everything came together at the right time.”
Earlier in the day, Filler produced another commanding display in the semi-finals, defeating home favourite Jayson Shaw 11-2. Much like the final, the German established an early lead and never looked back, showcasing the ruthless form that would ultimately carry him to the title.
The victory marks another historic milestone for the former world champion. Having first lifted the UK Open trophy in 2023, Filler now becomes the first player in World Nineball Tour history to win the event twice, further cementing his status as one of the defining players of his generation.
With multiple Matchroom Major titles already to his name, the latest triumph serves as a reminder of why Filler remains one of the most feared competitors in world pool and a constant contender whenever the sport’s biggest trophies are on the line.
The 2026 UK Open Pool Championship, the fifth edition of the prestigious event, took place at the Brentwood Centre from 26–31 May, delivering six days of world-class nine-ball action on the World Nineball Tour. With one of the sport’s most coveted Open titles at stake, the game’s biggest stars went head-to-head in a thrilling week of drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
NEXT MATCHROOM MAJOR
The World Nineball Tour heads back to the United States for the second edition of the Florida Open Pool Championship, returning to the stunning Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida from 4–9 August. A 256-player field from around the globe will once again battle it out in the Sunshine State, with defending champion Aloysius Yapp looking to retain his crown on the other side of the Atlantic.
NEXT WNT RANKING EVENT
The action continues this week with the return of the Mezz Hill-Hill Estonia Open, taking place from 5–7 June in Tallinn, Estonia. With a $25,000 prize fund up for grabs, players will be eager to secure valuable ranking points as the races for the Mosconi Cup, Reyes Cup, and now the World Pool Masters intensify.
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