Van Boening Chases Redemption As Florida Open Final Four Is Set | 2026 Florida Open Pool Championship
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Shane Van Boening moved one step closer to Florida Open redemption as the five-time US Open champion returned to the semi-finals for a second consecutive year, alongside Jesus Atencio, Eklent Kaçi and Alexander Kazakis.
The second edition of the Florida Open Pool Championship returns to the stunning Caribe Royale Resort from 4-9 August, bringing six days of world-class nine-ball action as the World Nineball Tour’s August USA Swing gets underway. With crucial ranking points, Mosconi Cup qualification and major silverware all on the line, the sport’s biggest stars continue their battle in the Sunshine State.
Van Boening continued his outstanding run in Orlando, defeating recently crowned UK Open champion Joshua Filler before overcoming Francisco Sánchez Ruiz to return to the Florida Open semi-finals for a second consecutive year.
The American has arguably navigated one of the toughest routes to the final four, defeating four former World Champions in succession to keep his pursuit of a first Florida Open title alive after falling just short in last year’s final.
Van Boening said: “I’ve been practicing really hard this week, at least six hours a day. I’m just staying in rhythm, staying focused and doing what I need to do to win.
“It’s been a while since I’ve won a title on Tour, and I feel like this would be a great place to do it. I came so close last year, so I want to prove to myself that I can go one step further and win this title.”
The first player to secure his place in tomorrow’s semi-finals was Jesus Atencio, who continued his remarkable rise on the World Nineball Tour by defeating last year’s Florida Open semi-finalist Chang Yu Lung before overcoming Indonesia’s rising star Albert Januarta.
Atencio’s run marks his first semi-final appearance at a Matchroom Major, having announced himself on the WNT last year at the Florida Open by reaching the Last 16. Just 12 months later, the Venezuelan has gone even further in Orlando.
Atencio said: “It’s a dream come true. It’s the first time I’ve reached a Matchroom Major semi-final, and to do it in front of my family and friends makes it even more special.
“Having them all in my corner this week has been a huge part of my success. Before every match, my goal is simply to make them proud, whether I win or lose. That’s what keeps me focused.”
Looking ahead to the final day and the possibility of claiming his first Major title, Atencio added: “I would be so happy. Every time I’ve played on the TV table this week, I look at the trophy and imagine holding it in front of my family and friends. That would be amazing. But I still have two more matches to win before I can think about that. That’s what I’m focused on now.”
Joining Atencio in the final four was Eklent Kaçi, who reached his third Matchroom Major semi-final of the year after overcoming Germany’s Boris Ivanovski and America’s Tyler Styer.
Kaçi said: “I’m feeling great. I’ve been working really hard this year to get back to my best form, and I know what I’m capable of. I know I can win these tournaments.
“You always need a little bit of luck to win a Major, and I feel like luck has been on my side this week. It doesn’t matter who I play next. I trust my game, and if my break is working and I’m in my zone, I know I can compete with anyone.”
Completing the final four was Alexander Kazakis, who produced two impressive victories to book his place in the semi-finals. The Greek defeated former World Champion Thorsten Hohmann before edging past Finland’s Petri Makkonen in a dramatic hill-hill battle.
Kazakis now stands two wins away from a second Matchroom Major title, with his previous triumph coming at the World Pool Masters five years ago.
From a field of 256 players, just four remain.
Shane Van Boening will face Eklent Kaçi in one semi-final, while Jesus Atencio meets Alexander Kazakis in the other, with all four players now just two victories away from lifting the Palm Tree trophy. Can Van Boening complete his redemption story one year after finishing runner-up, or will there be a new champion crowned in Orlando?
For the full draw and live scoring, visit www.wntlivescores.com.
For all the latest updates, follow World Nineball Tour on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
Comments