Pool: Singapore's Aloysius Yapp retains Michigan Open title
A week-long struggle with table conditions that resembled an “ice-skating rink” could not stop Singapore’s top pool player Aloysius Yapp from clinching the Michigan Open crown and US$20,000 (S$28,600) prize on Saturday.
The defending champion kept his cool to beat Hong Kong’s Robbie Capito 4-2, 4-1 to retain an international title for the first time in his career.
Victory was made even sweeter as the world No. 11 player also secured a spot in the 2023 World 10-Ball Championship and is set to rejoin the sport’s top 10.
The 26-year-old said: “I’m happy but also speechless because I was struggling the whole week with the tables playing a lot faster than what I’m used to.
“But maybe there’s something about Michigan – the weather is nice and the set-up here is beautiful. This win gives me confidence going forward, knowing that I can find a way to hold it together and win when things don’t go well.”
In the 2021 final, Yapp had beaten Roberto Gomez of the Philippines 4-0, 4-2 to record the most significant breakthrough win of his career before going on to become world No. 1.
In the 2021 final, Yapp defeated Roberto Gomez of the Philippines 4-0, 4-2 to record the most significant breakthrough win of his career before going on to become world No. 1.
And he was again dominant in the 2022 edition against world No. 38 Capito, playing patient pool and clever safety shots when he had to, while maintaining superb cue-ball control for most parts of the tie. Read More…
