UK Open Pool 2026 Final Push: Aloysius Yapp vs Fedor Gorst in the Title Chase

The 2026 UK Open Pool Championship reaches its climax this weekend in Brentwood, Essex. Defending champion Aloysius Yapp fights to secure back-to-back Matchroom Major titles while World No. 1 Fedor Gorst hunts his first UK Open crown. With 256 players competing and 64 seeded World Nineball Tour professionals in the draw, drama is guaranteed down to the final frame.

Yapp’s Defense and Gorst’s Quest

Aloysius Yapp captured his maiden Matchroom Major last year in emphatic fashion. Now defending at the UK Open presents the real test—repeat champions are rare at this level. Meanwhile, Fedor Gorst, the world’s highest-ranked player, carries the weight of expectation. A UK Open title would complete his resume and prove he can finish at Matchroom’s flagship events.

Former Champions Return

Joshua Filler, Eklent Kaçi, and Robbie Capito—all previous UK Open champions—are back hunting reclamation. The field is stacked with proven winners.

What Makes the UK Open Different

The 256-player format, professional-only seeding, and six-day marathon create a tournament that tests stamina, composure, and cue skill equally. There’s nowhere to hide here. This is where the world’s best prove themselves.

About Corey Bernstein

Corey Bernstein is a competitive pool player, billiards equipment specialist, and co-owner of Quarter King Billiards in Wilmington, North Carolina. With over a decade of experience in the sport, Corey has competed in regional APA and BCA sanctioned tournaments and maintains an intimate knowledge of cue construction, shaft technology, and table mechanics. As a certified dealer for brands including Predator, McDermott, Jacoby, Viking, Lucasi, Meucci, Joss, and Cuetec, Corey personally tests and evaluates every cue that comes through the shop. His hands-on approach to the business means he has racked thousands of hours behind the table — breaking in shafts, comparing tip compounds, and dialing in the nuances that separate a good cue from a great one. When he is not behind the counter or on the table, Corey is researching the latest advances in low-deflection technology, carbon fiber shaft construction, and cue ball physics. His articles on Quarter King Billiards combine real-world playing experience with deep product knowledge to help players at every level find the right equipment for their game.