Nine-ball

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Fedor Gorst has claimed the top position on the World Nineball Tour rankings. His victory at the World Pool Championship, held at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal City Sports Hall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has catapulted him from No. 2 to No. 1. This achievement is further underscored by a historic first prize of $250,000, bringing his total earnings from ranking events to a staggering $398,411—the highest in the tour’s history.

Reflecting on his achievement, Gorst expressed his elation: “Being both the World Champion and the top-ranked player in the world feels overwhelming. This is a tremendous achievement for me—not only reaching number one again but also becoming the youngest player to win multiple World Pool Champion titles. The sense of accomplishment is incredible, and I hope to maintain my position as number one for a long time.”

Eklent Kaçi, who finished as the runner-up in the World Pool Championship, has also made a significant leap in the rankings. He now holds the No. 3 spot on the World Nineball Tour, having earned a prize of $100,000.

Top 10 World Nineball Tour Rankings

1. Fedor Gorst (USA) – $398,411
2. Francisco Sanchez Ruiz (Spain) – $182,428
3. Eklent Kaçi (Albania) – $166,418
4. Ko Ping Chung (Chinese Taipei) – $139,278
5. Jayson Shaw (Great Britain) – $137,182
6. David Alcaide (Spain) – $111,912
7. Wiktor Zielinski (Poland) – $105,746
8. Joshua Filler (Germany) – $104,366
9. Mario He (Austria) – $92,417
10. Aloysius Yapp (Singapore) – $91,850

Players will have the opportunity to gain further ranking points at the upcoming European Open Championship, set to take place in Fulda, Germany, from August 6-11 at the Hotel Esperanto.

A Gateway for Rising Stars in the Pool World

The Fillers’ Junior Open is set to return to the World Nineball Tour, accompanying the European Open Pool Championship in Fulda, Germany, from August 9-10. This highly anticipated event promises to be a cornerstone for young pool enthusiasts, offering a substantial prize fund and a platform to showcase their burgeoning talents.

Key Details:

• Prize Fund: $10,000
• Dates: August 9-10, 2024
• Location: Hotel Esperanto, Fulda, Germany
• Eligibility: Open to all juniors aged 17 and under
• Entry Fee: $100 (refundable post-participation)

Format and Structure

The Fillers’ Junior Open will follow the same double-elimination format as the JS Junior Open and the upcoming SVB Junior Open. With only 32 spots available, the competition will be fierce and provide an excellent proving ground for young players. Entry fees will be refunded after the event, provided participants compete, ensuring accessibility for all interested juniors.

A Commitment to Youth Development

This tournament underscores Matchroom Pool’s dedication to fostering grassroots development in the sport. Named after pool’s dynamic duo, Joshua and Pia Filler, the Fillers’ Junior Open stands as a testament to their commitment to nurturing the next generation of pool players.

“We’re thrilled to see the Fillers’ Junior Open return this year,” said Joshua Filler. “It’s an incredible opportunity for young talents to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience on a big stage.”

Pia Filler echoed this sentiment, stating, “Supporting the next generation of pool players is very important to us. We can’t wait to see the passion and determination these juniors will bring to the tournament.”

More Than Just Competition

Participants will receive a custom Fillers’ Junior Open jersey from Onboard Sportswear, allowing them to look and feel like professionals as they compete. The event will take place in the same arena as the European Open Pool Championship, providing an inspiring backdrop for the young competitors.

Memories from the Past

The inaugural event last year saw Dutch rising star Mikal Van Berkal triumph over Walter Laikre with a decisive 9-4 victory, setting a high bar for this year’s participants. This year’s juniors can look forward to an equally thrilling experience, both on and off the table.

Additional Perks

To ensure participants have a well-rounded experience, juniors will receive a guest pass and three additional tickets for the days they compete. This will give them a chance to observe and learn from the world’s best players as they compete in the European Open Pool Championship.

Looking Ahead

The Fillers’ Junior Open 2024 is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of young talent and a vital step in the development of the sport. With significant prize money, a professional setting, and the support of two of the sport’s biggest stars, this event is poised to be a highlight of the pool calendar. Young cueists are encouraged to register early and prepare for a competition that promises to be both challenging and rewarding.

For more information and to register for the Fillers’ Junior Open, visit the official World Nineball Tour website. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting event and take your first step towards pool stardom!