GORST KEEPS TITLE DEFENCE ALIVE AS HE JOINS YAPP, CHUA & KO IN BLOCKBUSTER ALL-CHAMPION SEMI-FINAL | 2025 LIVESB.IO US OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
World No.1 Fedor Gorst’s bid to defend his crown remains on course as he booked his spot in a third consecutive US Open semi-final, joining fellow champions Aloysius Yapp, Johann Chua, and Ko Pin Yi in a star-studded final four.
The 2025 LiveSB.io US Open Pool Championship — the 48th edition of the World Nineball Tour’s most prestigious major — continues at the iconic Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from 18–23 August.
Gorst was forced to dig deep on day five, surviving back-to-back hill-hill thrillers against Wiktor Zielinski in the Last 16 and Michael Baoanan in the quarterfinals. The World number one kept his composure under intense pressure to edge through and move one step closer to retaining the title.
“Both matches were a real test of character. Wiktor and Michael pushed me all the way, but I refused to give in. I came here to defend my title, and I’m still on track to do that. The job isn’t finished yet – tomorrow is where it really counts.”
Hanoi Open champion Johann Chua was the first to seal a semi-final berth, reaching the last four of the US Open for the first time. After a gritty win over Aleksa Pecelj, the Filipino turned on the style with a commanding 10-2 dismantling of Niels Feijen.
“I’m so happy to finally make it to the US Open semi-finals. To defeat a player like Niels gives me a lot of confidence. Winning this title would mean the world – not just for me, but for everyone back home supporting me. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
UK Open and Florida Open champion Aloysius Yapp, also secured his place in the semis with two statement victories. He brushed past Jefrey Roda before holding his nerve in a tense quarterfinal battle against former US Open champion Joshua Filler.
“Josh is one of the toughest players to beat, and I knew it would take everything I had. I just kept trusting my game, staying calm under pressure, and it paid off. This season has felt special – my form is clicking, and I believe I can make another big run.”
Completing the formidable line-up is former world champion Ko Pin Yi, who defeated Jayson Shaw and Denis Grabe to reach the semi-finals of the US Open for the first time in his career.
“I’m so proud to finally be in the last four here. This is a tournament I’ve always wanted to win. My brother lifted the trophy before me, and to follow in his footsteps would be an incredible feeling. I’ll stay focused and fight for every shot tomorrow.”
With four champions from across the globe battling for a place in the final, the 2025 US Open Pool Championship is set for a semi-final stage worthy of its legacy.
SVB Junior Open Championship
The 2025 SVB Junior Open came to an exciting close today in Atlantic City, with New Zealand’s Jack Beggs defeating Germany’s Martin Roser 9-4 in a commanding final performance. The rising star claimed the coveted title along with the top prize of $2,500.
The event drew talented juniors aged 17 and under from across the globe, each eager to showcase their skills and stake their claim as the sport’s next big name, while competing for a share of the $10,000 prize fund.
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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