---
title: "Gorst, Filler and Ruiz Hunt Second Crowns as Final Eight Emerges"
url: https://cueculture.wiki/gorst-filler-and-ruiz-hunt-second-crowns-as-final-eight-emerges
published: 2026-08-29T04:48:49Z
updated: 2026-09-23T09:08:27Z
summary: "Fedor Gorst, Joshua Filler and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz reached the US Open quarterfinals as Yapp, Biado and Van Boening were eliminated in Frisco."
author: "Editorial"
tags: ["World Nineball Tour"]
lang: en
---

# Gorst, Filler and Ruiz Hunt Second Crowns as Final Eight Emerges

**Fedor Gorst, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Joshua Filler are all through to the quarterfinals in pursuit of a second US Open title, after a dramatic Day Four in Frisco saw defending champion Aloysius Yapp, reigning world champion Carlo Biado and five-time champion Shane Van Boening all eliminated as the field was cut to the final eight.**

The 49th edition of the US Open Pool Championship is being held at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas, from August 25–30, with 256 players competing for the Barry Behrman US Open Trophy.

Van Boening's bid for a record sixth US Open crown ended in the Last 32, where 2024 champion Fedor Gorst beat him 10-7 in one of the day's marquee matches — a repeat of their 2024 final. Van Boening had earlier come through a 10-6 win over Michael Baoanan, having also beaten Poland's Dominik Jastrzab and John Morra on his way to the last-32 stage.

"Today was tough. I'm battling a sickness, so it definitely feels harder than usual," Gorst said. "I knew going up against Shane was going to be brutal. The last two times we've played here I've managed to get the better of him, but he showed early on that he could easily have won today. I actually said before the match that if I lost, I would be rooting for Shane to get his sixth title. But it didn't go that way. I'm happy to get the win, especially with how tough the match was. Now I'm back in the quarterfinals for a fourth year in a row and I'm hungry to go all the way again."

Defending champion Aloysius Yapp and reigning world champion Carlo Biado were both knocked out in the Last 64, beaten by David Alcaide and six-time World Pool Masters champion Ralf Souquet respectively. For Yapp, it ended a third straight title-defence bid following a 2025 season in which he won three Matchroom Majors.

"David is a great player and I knew coming in that I had to bring my A-game. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case today and I paid the price," Yapp said. "I've definitely felt the pressure of being the defending champion over the last few events, alongside being world number one. I've also been adjusting to new equipment and haven't felt as confident as I would like. But that's nine-ball. Now it's time to reset, get back to practising and work on getting my confidence back."

Alcaide followed his win over the world number one with two further victories, beating Chang Yu Lung and Jayson Shaw to complete a three-match day and reach the quarterfinals.

"It's been a long day with three really tough matches, but I feel so good now," Alcaide said. "I feel like I've improved with every match and become more confident after every win. I don't want to think about winning the title just yet, but of course it would be special. I remember seeing my friend Francisco win it in 2022 and how special that was for him. I would love to experience that feeling myself."

Francisco Sanchez Ruiz joined his fellow Spaniard in the quarterfinals after recovering from an early stumble in the tournament, beating Sun Yi Hsuan, Petri Makkonen and Alexander Kazakis to move within three wins of a second US Open title.

"It's been a grind today, but I feel great," Ruiz said. "After falling into the losers' side, I said I was going to give everything I had and I feel like I've bounced back well. There are still things I need to improve, and the next three matches are going to be tough. Josh is next and I know I'll need to be ready if I want to win this title again."

Two-time UK Open champion Joshua Filler also booked a quarterfinal spot alongside Gorst and Ruiz, coming through three tough matches against Stephen Holem, Albert Januarta and Chris Melling.

"Today was definitely the toughest day. Once single elimination starts, you know you have to stay focused because one mistake can send you home," Filler said. "I think having the big crowd around me helps. Honestly, I think I played my best pool of the month today. Winning the title for a second time would be really special. It's been seven years since I last won it, so it feels like it's about time I won it again."

With the final eight now set, four quarterfinal matches will be played to determine Sunday's finalists and the next US Open champion.