PRACTISING TO BE PERFECT

Yapp's work ethic pays off in most prolific season with Int'l Open hat-trick

- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

Singapore's Aloysius Yapp accepting Francisco Sanchez Ruiz's congratulations after defeating the Spaniard 13-11 for his third consecutive International 9-Ball Open title.

(PHOTO: THE INTERNATIONAL OPEN)

When every other world-class player had retired for the day, Singapore's Aloysius Yapp was seen practising his breaking and potting on a pool table past lam at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in Florida, United States, on Nov 19.

Such a work ethic even after he had won a tournament two nights before is the key reason behind his most prolific season, which has seen him rack up 10 titles.

Before that, his most successful season was in 2023 when he won six titles.

On Nov 23, he retained his International 9-ball Open crown for a second time with a 13-11 win over Spaniard Francisco Sanchez Ruiz six days after winning the International Open Big Foot 10-ball Challenge title.

Unsurprisingly, the 29-year-old said after he bagged the winner's cheque of US$40,000 (S$52,000) to add to the US$16,000 from the earlier event: "There is no secret formula, just practise a lot and pray to God.

"I still have got lots to work on, everything in fact. Everyone is so tough to play, so I can only get better."