Ruiz and Capito Set for US Open Final Showdown

Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Robbie Capito will meet for the US Open title, with Ruiz chasing a second crown and Capito aiming to become the tournament's newest first-time champion as the 2026 US Open reaches its climax in Frisco, Texas.

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

Sanchez Ruiz reached his second US Open final by getting past two heavyweight opponents: former champion Joshua Filler and fellow Spaniard David Alcaide. Against Filler, the German reached the hill first at 9-7, but a dry break gave Ruiz the chance he needed, and he ran out the final two racks to complete the comeback. He then edged past Alcaide 10-6 in an all-Spanish semi-final after pulling away in the second half of the match.

"I'm so happy to be in the final. I had a really tough battle against Josh and had to give everything I had. He's a great player, maybe even the best in the world, so getting that win gave me a lot of momentum," Ruiz said. "I've played David so many times throughout my career, but never against him in a Major like this. It's never nice beating your friend, but that's sport. He played great and that bank shot to make it 2-2 was incredible. Tomorrow is a huge day. I'm breaking well and if I can maintain that, I believe I can become a two-time champion."

Standing in his way is Robbie Capito, who beat 2024 champion Fedor Gorst 10-8 in the quarterfinals — his sixth straight win over Gorst on the World Nineball Tour — before overcoming recently crowned Phoenix Open champion Aleksa Pecelj 10-5 to reach his second Matchroom Major final.

"It's overwhelming to be in the US Open final. It means so much to me and shows that all the hard work is paying off," Capito said. "Even though I've beaten Gorst a few times before on Tour, I knew it was going to be a battle. He had the crowd behind him throughout, so I just stayed focused and got the job done. Same against Aleksa: even when I was 7-0 up, I knew he could come back if I gave him a chance. Now there's one more match between me and another Major title. If I play my best, I believe no one can beat me."

Sanchez Ruiz is bidding to become just the tenth player in tournament history to win the US Open more than once, while Capito is looking to claim his first Major crown. The final is scheduled for 4pm CDT, with two players a single victory away from lifting the Barry Behrman US Open Trophy.