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It Still Feels Like A Dream For Yapp

The Straits Times

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August 12, 2025

S'porean pool player overcomes self-doubts to become first to win back-to-back Majors

- Melvyn Teoh

It Still Feels Like A Dream For Yapp

Reclaiming top spot by the end of 2025 is likely to be out of reach for Singapore's Aloysius Yapp, but there was some consolation for the world No. 3 on Aug 10 when he clinched his second pool Major title at the Florida Open.

In May, he notched a career milestone on Mother's Day, when he defeated Spaniard Jonas Souto 13-1 in the final of the US$200,000 (S$259,000) UK Open in Telford, England for his first Major win on the World Nineball Tour.

This time, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, Yapp had to bounce back from 5-1 down to beat American world No. 12 Shane van Boening 13-10 and claim the US$40,000 top prize.

He is the first player to achieve back-to-back Major titles on the tour.

"It feels unbelievable, it still feels like a dream to me. I started off the year just hoping that I would do well and hopefully win a Major, but winning two... I just can't believe it," said the 29-year-old former world No. 1, who has over US$236,000 in earnings.

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