Fedor Gorst’s title defence gathered real momentum on Day Four of the 2025 World Pool Championship, as the reigning champion battled past Jonas Souto and Max Lechner to reach the Last 16 in Jeddah — where he joins a field now dominated by Filipino stars, with an astonishing seven players from the Philippines advancing.
In collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Billiard & Snooker Federation and under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport, the 2025 World Pool Championship—the crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour—returns to the iconic Green Halls in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 21–26 July.
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Gorst was made to work hard early in the day, edging a back-and-forth encounter with Souto 11-9. But it was in the evening session where the Russian truly stamped his authority, delivering a convincing 11-4 win over Austria’s Lechner.
“My match against Max was probably the best I’ve played all tournament. I made some really tough shots and felt in full control throughout. The break is finally starting to come together, and my safety play is sharper. I’m building confidence match by match — I’m ready for what’s next.”
There was heartbreak for Filipino fan favourites Johann Chua and AJ Manas, both bowing out on day four, but the Filipino charge remained the story of the tournament, with seven players from the Philippines making it into the Last 16 — more than any other nation. Among them was 2023 World Cup of Pool winner James Aranas, who delivered standout victories over former European Open champions David Alcaide and Mickey Krause to reach the Last 16 of the World Pool Championship for the first time in his career.
“It feels amazing — it’s my first time in the Last 16 at the Worlds. To have so many Filipinos alongside me means so much. I believe one of us can win this for the country. Even if it’s not me, I’ll be proud to see a Filipino champion.”
Francisco Sanchez Ruiz continued his push for a second world title, surviving a scare against Tyler Styer before defeating Marco Teutscher to advance.
“It was a really tough day. I was 5-2 down against Tyler but turned it around with a strong break and good composure. The second match, honestly, we both struggled — it wasn’t pretty. But I got through, and tomorrow is a new day. I’m locked in for the Last 16.”
Continuing his pursuit of becoming the first Vietnamese World Champion, Duong Quoc Hoang, who once again defeated Daniel Maciol — the same opponent he had beaten earlier in the event—before overcoming Marvin Asis to earn his Last 16 spot.
“I set small goals for each rack and just stayed disciplined. Getting to the Last 16 feels like a reward for that mindset. But I’m not finished yet — I know the hardest part is still to come.”
Day Four also saw some of the sport’s biggest names fall short. Former world champions Shane Van Boening and Joshua Filler both exited the competition, ending their hopes of a second world title.
They were joined on the sidelines by the last remaining Brit, Shaw, as well as UK Open champion Aloysius Yapp and the tournament’s sole female competitor, Seo Seoa, who made history with her run but narrowly missed out on a place in the Last 32.
With the business end of the World Pool Championship now in sight, the stage is set for a high-stakes finish—and with seven Filipinos still standing, the home of pool could well produce its next world champion.
Don’t miss your chance to experience pool’s greatest show live in Jeddah – secure your tickets now.
Fans can follow the full draw and live rack-by-rack scoring at www.wntlivescores.com, with global coverage on SSC (KSA), Sky Sports (UK & Ireland), and WNT TV in selected international territories.
