GORST BATTLES BACK TO REACH LAST 64 AS VAN BOENING, SHAW, AND RUIZ ADVANCE | 2025 LIVESB.IO FLORIDA OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Fedor Gorst kept his title hopes alive on day three of the 2025 LiveSB.io Florida Open Pool Championship, fighting his way through the Losers’ Bracket to join Shane Van Boening, Jayson Shaw, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, and rising junior star Albert Januarta in the Last 64.
The 2025 LiveSB.io Florida Open Pool Championship — the latest Matchroom Major on the World Nineball Tour — takes place at last year’s sell-out Mosconi Cup venue, the stunning Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, from 5–10 August.
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After a surprise setback on day two, World No.1 Gorst delivered when it mattered most, defeating Pierfrancesco Garzia to book his spot in the single elimination stage.
“It feels good to still be in the fight. Yesterday was a wake-up call, but against Pierfrancesco I found my rhythm again. Tomorrow is a fresh start — there’s still a lot of work ahead, so I need to stay focused.”
Five-time US Open champion Shane Van Boening continued his smooth progress in Florida, sweeping past fellow American Hunter Lombardo in commanding style.
“I felt solid out there. Only a couple of mistakes, but overall it was a strong performance. Now it’s about preparing for the Last 64. I trust my game and I’m confident about what’s ahead.”
Jayson Shaw’s path to the Last 64 was far more dramatic, with the Brit mounting a fierce comeback to edge past Filipino Marvin Asis in a tense hill-hill thriller.
“That was a real battle. Marvin’s a great player and I had to punish every mistake he made. I’m happy to get through, but we’re only halfway through the tournament — and it’s only going to get tougher from here.”
Like Gorst, Spain’s Francisco Sanchez Ruiz found himself in the Losers’ Bracket after day two, setting up a high-profile clash with three-time World Champion Earl Strickland. The Spaniard held his nerve to eliminate the American legend and keep his campaign alive.
“It’s always an honour to play Earl — he’s one of the true greats. But I knew I had to win that match to keep my tournament alive. He fought hard, especially towards the end, but I’m on a mission to go deep this week.”
Albert Januarta, fresh off his Saudi Junior Championship triumph just weeks ago, continued his breakthrough run by defeating Aleksa Pecelj — producing five break-and-runs in the early racks — to reach the Last 64 of a Matchroom Major for the first time.
“I’m really happy with how I played. Aleksa’s a tough opponent, so to start strong and keep the momentum was huge. This is my first time in the Last 64 of a Major, and to win one would be an absolute honour.”
The Florida Open now enters the single elimination stage, where the final 64 players will battle for the inaugural title under the Florida sun — and with the stakes rising, the drama is only just beginning.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the showdown in the Sunshine State live – secure your tickets now.
Fans can follow the full draw and live rack-by-rack scoring at www.wntlivescores.com, with coverage of the action shown on WNT TV in the USA and other selected international territories. Full broadcast list can be found here.
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