A Dream Fulfilled for Aloysius Yapp

SINGAPORE – After years of dedication and the agony of a heartbreaking loss in the 2021 final, Singapore's pool sensation Aloysius Yapp has claimed victory at the prestigious US Open, securing the coveted Barry Behrman trophy and the iconic green jacket. This monumental win comes after an intense showdown against Fedor Gorst, ending with a thrilling score of 13-11 in a nail-biting three-hour final at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City.

A Historic Hat-Trick Victory

On August 23, the 29-year-old Yapp not only triumphed in the final but also made history by becoming the first player ever to win three consecutive Matchroom major titles—adding the US Open to his victories at the UK Open in May and the Florida Open in August. Prior to his achievement, no player had even secured back-to-back major wins.

Overcoming Nerves for Glory

With a staggering prize pool of US$100,000 on the line, even the best felt the pressure. Yapp initially surged to an 8-3 lead, but Gorst, a fierce competitor and three-time US Open finalist, staged a dramatic comeback, leveling the game at 10-10. The tension was palpable as both players battled for dominance.

Exorcising Past Demons

Yapp successfully exorcised previous disappointments, including his loss to Carlo Biado in the 2021 final. As Gorst faltered with uncharacteristic mistakes, Yapp seized the moment, ultimately prevailing in a rollercoaster match filled with unexpected twists.

A Triumphant Celebration

After securing his win, Yapp jumped onto the table in jubilation, joining legends like Mike Sigel and Earl Strickland in the illustrious list of US Open champions. His phenomenal run has now escalated to 27 consecutive match victories across three major tournaments, propelling him to the impressive rank of world No. 2.

A Grateful Champion

Yapp expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters, coaches, and family, especially remembering his late friend Chang Jung-lin, who tragically passed away during a competition earlier this year. Despite the defeat, Gorst praised Yapp's extraordinary performance, hinting at the possibility of encountering each other again in future finals.

Singapore's Rising Star

Christopher Chuah, president of Cuesport Singapore, proclaimed Yapp’s historic victory as a source of pride for both the nation and the sport. Another Singaporean player, Nicholas Tan, also made an impressive performance, reaching the top 64.

What's Next for Yapp?

Looking ahead, Yapp is set to compete in the upcoming Asian swing, starting with the Reyes Cup in Manila, where he previously showcased his talents in the inaugural event in 2024. "I’m starting to believe in myself more, but there’s still a lot to learn. Team Asia is strong, and we’re ready to face any challenge," he asserted.