SHAW FLIES THE FLAG FOR BRITAIN AS YAPP MOVES CLOSER TO TITLE DEFENCE | 2026 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP

Jayson Shaw kept British hopes alive on home soil with a pair of impressive victories to reach the Last 16 of the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship, while defending champion Aloysius Yapp continued his relentless charge towards back-to-back titles.

The fifth edition of the UK Open Pool Championship continues at the Brentwood Centre from 26–31 May, delivering six days of world-class nine-ball action and drama on the World Nineball Tour as the sport’s biggest stars battle it out for one of the calendar’s most prestigious Open titles.

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Britain’s leading pool star Jayson Shaw produced another strong day’s work to secure his place in the Last 16. The former Mosconi Cup captain first overcame fellow Brit Daryl Hill with ease before defeating reigning Premier League Pool champion Duong Quoc Hoang in a high-quality showdown.

The victories move Shaw within touching distance of a maiden UK Open title, making him now one of the last British players standing in the tournament.

Shaw commented: “Duong is a world-class player and he’s shown that many times over the last few years, so I knew it was going to be a tough match. There were a couple of mistakes from me, but I also played some really good pool when it mattered.”

“I’m happy to be in the Last 16, but I’ve been here before. The job isn’t done yet. There are still a lot of top players left in the field and I’m only focused on my next match. It’s been a while since I’ve lifted a major title and to do it here, in front of a home crowd, would mean a lot. To become the first Brit to win the UK Open would be something very special.”

Awaiting Shaw tomorrow is fellow Brit Dean Shields, who produced arguably the upset of the day.

The Englishman fought back from 6-1 down against former World Champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, capitalising on a shift in momentum before completing a dramatic hill-hill victory to book his place in the Last 16.

Shields said: “I didn’t actually think I was playing badly when I went behind. Francisco was just playing really well and I wasn’t getting many chances. Then a couple of opportunities came my way and I managed to take advantage of them.”

“When it got close, I believed I could win. This is the deepest run I’ve ever had in an event like this and I don’t want it to stop here. Playing Jayson next is going to be brilliant. I’ve watched him for years and I’m looking forward to testing myself against one of the best.”

Defending champion Aloysius Yapp continued to look every bit the man to beat as he powered into the Last 16 with commanding victories over Greece’s Nick Chatoupis and Estonia’s Denis Grabe.

The Singaporean barely put a foot wrong throughout the day and remains firmly on course to become the first player to successfully defend the UK Open title.

Yapp said: “Today felt good both physically and mentally and I think that showed in my performance. I’m happy with how I played, but I still think there’s another level in my game.”

“It’s great to be back in the Last 16. Last year I kept saying I was lucky, and if I win it again I’ll probably say the same thing. Maybe a little less lucky this time.”

Former UK Open champion Eklent Kaçi also advanced in commanding fashion. The Albanian dispatched Ukraine’s Kostiantyn Ivanov 10-2 before defeating close friend Sanjin Pehlivanovic to secure his return to the Last 16.

Kaçi said: “I felt really comfortable on the table today. Against Sanjin I broke well, controlled the table, and took my opportunities when they came.”

“When I’m playing like that, I trust my game against anyone. There are still a lot of tough matches ahead, but I believe I have what it takes to win this title again.”

Kaçi joins fellow former UK Open champion Joshua Filler in the Last 16, with both players chasing a second UK Open crown. Robbie Capito’s impressive run came to an end after the Hong Kong star, fresh from his stunning comeback victory over World No.1 Fedor Gorst, fell to Finland’s Casper Matikainen in the Last 64.

With just 16 players remaining, the race for the 2026 UK Open title is entering its decisive stages. Defending champion Aloysius Yapp continues his pursuit of history, while home favourite Jayson Shaw, former champions Joshua Filler and Eklent Kaçi, and a host of hungry challengers stand between him and back-to-back UK Open glory.

For the full draw and live scoring, visit www.wntlivescores.com.

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