Billiards NewsTournament Results Cue Culture Editorial Team 4 min read
2026 US Open Pool: Earl Strickland Eliminated as Biado Reaches Last 64
Strickland's sixth-title bid ended in Frisco, while Biado erased an 8-4 deficit and other contenders survived the double-elimination stage.
Earl Strickland was eliminated from the 2026 US Open Pool Championship on Day Two after consecutive defeats, ending his attempt to capture a record sixth title in Frisco, Texas. Carlo Biado, Aloysius Yapp, Duong Quoc Hoang and AJ Manas moved into the Last 64 as the double-elimination phase approached its conclusion.
How was Earl Strickland eliminated from the 2026 US Open?
Strickland entered Day Two with momentum from his dramatic 9-8 opening-day victory over Eklent Kaci, but his route through the winners' side ended with a 9-3 defeat against Chang Tzu Chien of Chinese Taipei. The loss sent the five-time champion into an elimination match against fellow American Marc Vidal Claramunt.
Strickland built a 7-4 advantage in the survival match and appeared positioned to extend his tournament. Claramunt then produced the decisive comeback, erasing the deficit and completing a late turnaround that ended Strickland's week in Texas.
The defeat closed a brief but memorable campaign for the 65-year-old American. His opening win showed that he could still pressure an elite opponent across a full race, but Day Two demonstrated how quickly momentum can reverse under the US Open's double-elimination format.
Which players survived the biggest Day Two pressure matches?
Several leading players faced elimination or difficult qualification matches as the field moved toward the Last 64. Biado delivered the largest comeback, while Francisco Sanchez Ruiz recovered from an earlier upset to remain alive.
| Player | Day Two result | Tournament status |
|---|---|---|
| Earl Strickland | Lost 9-3 to Chang Tzu Chien, then lost after leading Marc Vidal Claramunt 7-4 | Eliminated |
| Francisco Sanchez Ruiz | Lost 9-4 to Ivica Putnik, then defeated Vincent Goh 8-6 | Still alive |
| Carlo Biado | Recovered from 8-4 down to defeat Lu Hui Chan 9-8 | Qualified for Last 64 |
| AJ Manas | Defeated Jayson Shaw 9-4 | Qualified for Last 64 |
| Aloysius Yapp | Defeated Mustafa Alnar 9-3 | Qualified for Last 64 |
| Shane Van Boening | Defeated Eduard Bregu 9-7 | Faces another qualification match |
How did Carlo Biado complete his 9-8 comeback?
Biado trailed Lu Hui Chan 8-4 and was one rack away from elimination before changing the direction of the match. The reigning World Champion won five consecutive racks to complete a 9-8 recovery and secure his place in the Last 64.
The comeback was significant because Biado had struggled to produce consistent results from the break. Four dry breaks helped Lu establish the lead, but Biado stayed within reach and converted his opportunity when Lu missed a difficult shot at 8-7.
For Biado, the match identified both a strength and a concern. His ability to remain composed under elimination pressure was championship-level, but his break will need to improve as the races become more demanding in the knockout stage.
How did Francisco Sanchez Ruiz keep his title challenge alive?
Former US Open champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz dropped into the losers' side after a surprise 9-4 defeat against Serbia's Ivica Putnik. He then fell behind Vincent Goh 6-4 in a match that could have ended his tournament.
Sanchez Ruiz responded by winning the final four racks and completing an 8-6 victory. The recovery did not send him directly into the Last 64, but it preserved his opportunity to qualify and showed why former champions remain dangerous even when their strongest game is missing.
Why was AJ Manas one of the biggest Day Two stories?
AJ Manas defeated Jayson Shaw 9-4 to earn a place in the Last 64 during his first US Open appearance. The former Reyes Cup MVP began aggressively, created an early advantage and punished Shaw's mistakes before the match could turn into a prolonged tactical battle.
Manas represents a different type of threat from the tournament's established champions. He plays with natural attacking speed and appears willing to trust that approach against any opponent, making him a difficult draw as the championship enters its knockout phase.
Which major champions are still fighting for qualification?
Defending champion Aloysius Yapp defeated Mustafa Alnar 9-3 to advance into the Last 64 and keep his bid for consecutive US Open titles on schedule. Duong Quoc Hoang also secured his position in the next stage alongside Biado and Manas.
Shane Van Boening remained one match away from qualification after defeating Eduard Bregu 9-7. His next opponent is Marc Bijsterbosch of the Netherlands. Former champions Joshua Filler and Fedor Gorst also entered the final day of double-elimination play with their title hopes still active but no margin for another defeat.
What changes when the US Open reaches the Last 64?
The end of double elimination removes every remaining safety net. Once the Last 64 begins, one loss ends a player's tournament, increasing the value of a reliable break, disciplined safety play and the ability to manage short periods of poor table position.
Day Two offered a clear preview of that pressure. Strickland could not protect a 7-4 lead, Biado recovered from 8-4 behind and Sanchez Ruiz survived after trailing 6-4. Those reversals show that no advantage is secure when qualification or elimination is decided within a few racks.
Why was Earl Strickland eliminated from the 2026 US Open?
Strickland lost 9-3 to Chang Tzu Chien and then lost his elimination match against Marc Vidal Claramunt after leading 7-4.
Did Carlo Biado reach the Last 64?
Yes. Biado recovered from an 8-4 deficit to defeat Lu Hui Chan 9-8 and qualify for the Last 64.
Who did AJ Manas defeat at the 2026 US Open?
AJ Manas defeated Jayson Shaw 9-4 to reach the Last 64 in his first US Open appearance.
Is Shane Van Boening still competing in the 2026 US Open?
Yes. Van Boening defeated Eduard Bregu 9-7 and remained in contention with another qualification match ahead.