Introduction:
The 2023 World Nineball Tour season concluded with the prestigious Mosconi Cup, marking a record-breaking year featuring 40 events across four continents and over $3.3 million in prize money. Matchroom added new Majors to the calendar, expanding the tour’s reach with the Spanish Open Pool Championship and Hanoi Open Pool Championship.
1. World Pool Championship – Kielce, Poland:
Kicking off the season with a bang, the World Pool Championship in Kielce, Poland, witnessed thrilling upsets and drama. Rising star Mohammad Soufi defeated two-time champion Albin Ouschan, setting the stage for an intense final where Francisco Sanchez Ruiz claimed victory, adding to his 2022 US Open title.
2. Premier League Pool – Leicester, United Kingdom:
The dominance of FSR continued in Leicester, securing his fourth final appearance in five events. FSR clinched the league title by defeating Japan’s Naoyuki Oi and went on to win the final against Jayson Shaw, securing another World Nineball Tour title.
3. World Pool Masters – Brentwood, United Kingdom:
In Brentwood, Ko Pin Yi emerged victorious at the World Pool Masters, defeating Eklent Kaçi in a spectacular final. Overcoming top players like Jayson Shaw, Shane Van Boening, and James Aranas, Ko Pin Yi claimed his first major title since 2015.
4. UK Open – London, United Kingdom:
Eklent Kaçi shone at the Copperbox Arena in London, securing his first singles Matchroom Major title by defeating Joshua Filler in a dominant 11-4 final. Unfortunately, Kaçi’s season was cut short due to a car accident in the summer.
5. Spanish Open – Lugo, Spain:
Dang Jin Hu became the inaugural winner of the Spanish Open Pool Championship, defeating Marc Bijsterbosch in a thrilling hill-hill final in Lugo, Spain. Dang announced himself on the world stage with notable wins over Kaçi and Woodward.
6. World Cup of Pool – Lugo, Spain:
The Pinoy duo of James Aranas and Johann Chua made history by winning the World Cup of Pool for the Philippines, securing a record fourth title. Their exceptional play in the final against Germany solidified their place in pool history.
7. European Open – Fulda, Germany:
David Alcaide secured his spot in the Mosconi Cup for the third successive year by winning the European Open Pool Championship in a dramatic hill-hill final against Anton Raga.
8. US Open – Atlantic City, United States:
Ko Ping Chung captured the 46th Annual US Open Pool Championship, displaying outstanding form throughout the week. Overcoming a 6-3 deficit, Ko dominated the final, winning 10 consecutive frames to claim the Barry Behrman Trophy.
9. Hanoi Open – Hanoi, Vietnam:
Jayson Shaw ended his Matchroom Major singles drought by winning the Hanoi Open in a thrilling hill-hill final against Albin Ouschan. The Mosconi Cup teammates exchanged blows, with Shaw ultimately securing his first Major victory since the 2017 US Open Pool Championship.
Mosconi Cup – London, United Kingdom:
The 30th Anniversary Mosconi Cup concluded the season with a dominant display from Team Europe, led by captain Ralph Eckert. The European team, featuring all five winners from the previous year, secured an 11-3 victory over Team USA, with Joshua Filler receiving the Cuetec MVP award for his outstanding performance.
In summary, the 2023 World Nineball Tour season was filled with exciting moments, upsets, and historic victories, showcasing the global appeal and competitiveness of professional pool.