Ko Ping Chung‘s hopes of defending his title came to a bitter end as World Champion Fedor Gorst defeated him in the Last 64 of the 2024 US Open Championship.
This year marks the 47th edition of the prestigious US Open Championship, returning to Harrah’s Resort for the fourth consecutive year in partnership with Caesars Entertainment and the Atlantic City Sports Commission, along with renowned broadcasters Sky Sports and DAZN.
The day’s most anticipated match was a rematch of last year’s US Open final, where reigning champion Ko Ping Chung faced off against World Champion Fedor Gorst in the Last 64. Although Ko claimed the first rack, Gorst swiftly avenged last year’s loss by delivering a fierce eight-rack run. Ko fought back valiantly, securing five more racks in a bid to close the gap as Gorst reached the hill. However, a critical scratch on the break sealed Ko’s fate, allowing Gorst to claim the final rack and advance to the Last 32.
Gorst then faced another familiar opponent, Aleksa Peceljin, in a rematch of last year’s semi-final. Despite trailing 4-1 early on, ‘The Ghost’ capitalised on Peceljin‘s missed opportunity in the sixth rack, unleashing a seven-rack run to seize the lead. Despite Peceljin‘s efforts to respond, Gorst held firm, securing a 10-8 victory.
Joshua Filler clashed with European Open champion Mickey Krause in the Last 64, culminating in a dramatic hill-hill showdown. A crucial safety shot from Filler in the final rack, following Krause’s dry break, left the Danish cueist struggling. Krause‘s subsequent scratch gave Filler control, which he expertly converted into a victory. Filler continued his strong form, securing a place in the Last 16 with a 10-7 win over Filipino Bernie Regalario.
©Taka Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport
Ko Ping Yi, the brother of the former US Open champion, also impressed by knocking out two of Britain’s top cueists to reach the Last 16. First, Ko delivered a brilliant 3-9 combo to seal his spot in the Last 32, following a three-rack run to reach the hill against Eliott Sanderson. He then made short work of Imran Majid, dispatching the Brit 10-2.
In equally commanding form, European Open runner-up Johann Chua handed Japanese cueist Naoyuki Oi a crushing 10-0 defeat in the Last 64. Chua then faced former US Open champion and respected pool commentator Jeremy Jones, who battled fiercely to level the match at 5-5. However, despite Jones‘ resilience, ‘Bad Koi’ Chua pulled ahead, ultimately defeating the American 10-6 to secure his place in the next stage.
Former US Open and World Champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz was not as fortunate, falling to former Mosconi Cup winner Oscar Dominguez 10-2. Joining Ruiz in his exit on day four included UK Open champion Robbie Capito and Team Asia qualifier Aloysius Yapp.
The Last 16
Shane Van Boening (USA) vs Jayson Shaw (GBR)
Joshua Filler (GER) vs Marc Bijsterbosch (DUT)
Jani Uski (FIN) vs Niels Feijen (DUT)
Vitaliy Patsura (UKR) vs Max Lechner (AUT)
Albin Ouschan (AUT) vs Ko Pin Yi (TPE)
Fedor Gorst (USA) vs Skyler Woodward (USA)
David Alcaide (SPA) vs Michael Baoanan (PHI)
Jefrey Roda (PHI) vs Johann Chua (PHI)
Live rack-by-rack scoring will be available throughout the event at www.wntlivescores.com.
Session Times
All times are local time (EDT)
Days 1-4 (19-22 August) – 256 to Last 16
From 10am – 9pm
Days 5-6 (23-24 August) – Last 16 to Winner
Saturday 10 August – 10am to 2:30pm / 4:30pm to 9pm
Sunday, 11 August – 10am to 2:30pm / 4:30pm to 7:30pm