Shane Van Boening’s hopes of a record-breaking sixth US Open Pool Championship title came to a crushing end, as the American legend was eliminated by Ko Pin Yi on day three of the 2025 LiveSB.io US Open Pool Championship.
The 2025 LiveSB.io US Open Pool Championship — the 48th edition of the World Nineball Tour’s most prestigious major — continues at the iconic Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from 18–23 August.
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After battling through two gritty wins in the Losers’ Qualification round against Chang Yi and BJ Ussery, Van Boening’s campaign came undone in a 9-6 defeat to former world champion Ko, who ended the South Dakotan’s dream of lifting a sixth US Open crown.
Ko said: “It was a very tough match. Shane is one of the greatest players in the world, and the last time we played he beat me at the World Championship, so I came in a little nervous. To get the win this time feels amazing. The US Open is a trophy I don’t have yet, and it’s one I really want — to take it home at the end of this week would mean everything.”
Elsewhere, Aloysius Yapp booked his place in the Last 64 with a commanding 9-2 victory over Marvin Asis, as he continues his pursuit of a first US Open crown. Victory this week would see the Singaporean become the first player in history to win three consecutive Open titles in the same year, following triumphs in the UK and Florida.
“I honestly feel relieved to get through. Marvin is a solid opponent, so I’m happy with how I played. Last year I really struggled at the US Open — my game wasn’t where it needed to be. But with two Matchroom Majors under my belt this season, I feel sharper and more confident. I want that redemption and I want this title badly.”
Reigning world champion Carlo Biado also impressed on day three, defeating Vietnam’s Luong Duc Thien 9-5 to reach the Last 64. The Filipino star, who lifted his maiden US Open crown in 2017, is bidding to become the first player from the Philippines to claim the title twice.
“I felt much better today than yesterday. After my first match I told myself I needed to improve my break and my shooting, and today it worked. Winning the US Open again, like I did with the World Championship this year, would mean so much for me and for the Philippines. But I’m not thinking too far ahead — I’m just focusing on each match.”
Spain’s Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, the 2022 US Open champion, also cruised into the Last 64 with a dominant 9-1 win over Payne McBride.
“It feels great to be back into the Last 64. My game feels really strong right now — the break is working, the rolls are going my way, and I feel confident. Every day I’m building momentum, and I’m ready for the next challenge.”
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Fans can follow the full draw and live rack-by-rack scoring at www.wntlivescores.com, with coverage of the action shown on WNT TV in the USA and other selected international territories. Full broadcast list can be found here.
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