Ruiz and Capito Clash in US Open Final: Battle of Champions

The world of billiards is looking towards Frisco, Texas where the 2026 US Open Pool Championship final will take place at 4:00 PM local time on August 30. Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, the world number one from Spain, is on the verge of making history as he aims to become the tenth player to win this prestigious tournament twice, while Robbie Capito, the Filipino sensation, seeks his first career major title. This is the 49th edition of the tournament, featuring 256 players competing from August 25-30 at Embassy Suites, broadcast live on ESPN2 and WNT TV. Ruiz's path to the championship match was anything but smooth. In the quarterfinals, he faced 2026 champion Joshua Filler. The match was highly contested, with Filler taking a 9-7 lead, one rack away from victory. But a dry break from his opponent changed everything. Ruiz seized the opportunity, winning the necessary racks to complete a remarkable comeback and secure his place in the semifinals. He then overcame compatriot David Alcaide 10-6 in a match where tactics and composure were paramount. Ruiz said, "I'm so happy to be in the final. The match against Josh was really tough; I had to give my all. He's a great player, maybe the best in the world. That win gave me a lot of momentum. As for David, we've played many times, but never in a major like this. Beating a friend is never pleasant, but that's sport. He played great; that bank shot to tie at 2-2 was incredible." On the other side of the bracket, Robbie Capito is having a dream tournament. He defeated defending champion Fedor Gorst 10-8 in the quarterfinals. Notably, this was the sixth consecutive time Capito beat the former world number one from Russia on the World Nineball Tour. Riding the momentum, he overcame Aleksa Pecelj, the recent Phoenix Open champion, 10-5 to reach his second career Matchroom Major final. Capito was emotional: "It's overwhelming to be in the US Open final. It means a lot to me, showing that all the hard work is paying off. Even though I've beaten Gorst a few times, I knew it would be a battle. He had the crowd behind him, so I stayed focused. Against Aleksa, even when I was 7-0 up, I knew he could come back if I made mistakes." This year's final holds special significance as Ruiz has the chance to join legendary names like Efren Reyes, Shane van Boening, and Earl Strickland – who have won the US Open multiple times. Meanwhile, Capito aims to become the first Filipino since Reyes to win this title while etching his name in history with a debut major crown. The clash represents two generations and two styles: Ruiz is known for his scientific approach, precise calculations, and excellent table reading, while Capito relies on instincts, creativity, and strong mentality. According to statistics, this is the first time they meet at a Major. Ruiz holds a high win percentage against Asian players at the US Open, while Capito has shown exceptional performance under pressure, as evidenced by his consecutive victories over champions. Capito's strength lies in consistent shot-making under pressure; Ruiz has more experience at the highest level. The match will be streamed live on WNT TV and ESPN2. Billiards fans in Vietnam can follow through official World Nineball Tour channels. Regardless of the outcome, history will be written. Will Ruiz complete his second title? Or will Capito create a fairytale? The answer will come after the final break shot. Expert Ngo Tri, a billiards analyst from Haiphong, commented, "Ruiz is in great form, especially in the break. But Capito is a 'hunter' of champions. This match will revolve around break control and error management. I predict if Ruiz maintains accuracy in the first five racks, his chance of winning is 60%. Capito needs to capitalize when Ruiz makes bad breaks." Expectation from Vietnamese fans is high, especially after Capito's impressive run. Many top Vietnamese players have expressed support for Capito, given his Southeast Asian roots. The final promises to be tense until the last rack, where mental strength and experience will weigh heavily. The organizers have prepared meticulously, with dedicated camera systems, referee oversight, and hawk-eye technology. This year's tournament has a total prize fund of $250,000, with the winner receiving $50,000 and the legendary Barry Behrman trophy. The final match will be race-to-10, winning by two racks. Players alternate breaks. Factors like timeouts, psychology, and luck in break shots could determine the outcome. Historically, the US Open has seen young players topple legends. Joshua Filler in 2026 and Gorst in 2026 are examples. Capito, at 25, could follow suit. But Ruiz is no underdog; he has won numerous international titles over the past three years, including the World Pool Masters and World 9-Ball Championship. In the meantime, Capito has emerged in the 2026-2026 season with two major finals. His consecutive wins over top players demonstrate growth. The semifinal against Pecelj was proof: despite the opponent's limited chances, he maintained focus, a mark of a champion. Vietnamese fans can visit the official WNT website for live updates and expert commentary. The match will also be broadcast in Vietnam through FPT Play and K+, as part of a partnership with the World Nineball Tour. This is great news for the local billiards community. The US Open final always holds special appeal. Names like Nguyen Phuc Long and Nguyen Anh Tuan have made their mark at this event. Although there is no Vietnamese representative this year, interest remains high. Many of Vietnam's top players have backed Capito because of his Southeast Asian background. So what happens when the best defensive player meets the most explosive offensive player? No one can predict exactly. But one thing is certain: tonight will be a feast of top-class billiards. And in a final, one bad shot can collapse all calculations. Ruiz is ready for his dream of lifting the trophy for the second time. Capito, in his first meeting with his senior rival, shows no fear. At the pinnacle of billiards, only calmness and class can keep you standing on the edge. Let's watch the match at 4 PM Texas time, which is 4 AM on August 31 Vietnam time.