Sanchez Ruiz and Capito Meet in the 2026 US Open Pool Championship Final

Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Robbie Capito will face off in the final of the 2026 US Open Pool Championship on Sunday in Frisco, Texas. The 2026 champion is chasing a second US Open title, while Capito hopes to become a first-time winner at the sport's second-richest tournament. Sanchez Ruiz's road to the final has been far from smooth. He suffered a shocking 9-4 loss to Croatian veteran Ivica Putnik in the second round and was sent to the one-loss side. He had to dig deep to survive, recovering from 6-4 down against Vincent Goh to win 8-6 and keep his hopes alive. From there, he defeated Sun Yi-Hsuan, Petri Makkonen and Alex Kazakis to reach the quarter-finals. He then edged past former champion Joshua Filler and compatriot David Alcaide to secure his spot in the title match. Capito has also enjoyed a breakout run. The Hong Kong cueist won his first WNT major at the UK Open two years ago. A win in Texas would see him follow a similar path to Aloysius Yapp, who won the UK Open before lifting the US Open crown. Capito was in brilliant form, compiling a late three-pack to beat 2026 champion Fedor Gorst 10-8 in the quarter-finals. That was his sixth consecutive victory over the former world number one on the World Nineball Tour. He then overcame Phoenix Open winner Aleksa Pecelj in another tough battle to reach the final. That win over Gorst carries extra significance beyond Capito's own run. It means this is the first US Open final without Gorst since Sanchez Ruiz won the title in 2026. Gorst had reached three straight finals and was on course to match a record held by Efren Reyes before Capito stopped him. Should Capito complete the job, he would become the first player from outside the world's top 16 to win the US Open since Kevin Cheng's surprise triumph in 2026. History favours Sanchez Ruiz heavily, with the Spaniard holding a 7-1 winning record against Capito. Most of those meetings came in the short race-to-five format of Premier League Pool, a very different challenge from a US Open final. However, Sanchez Ruiz did defeat Capito on his way to winning the 2026 World 8-Ball Championship. Whether his pattern holds under the bright lights in front of ESPN cameras or Capito carries his momentum into the biggest match of his life remains to be seen. This final also has special meaning for Vietnamese fans. Sanchez Ruiz's most recent big title was the 2026 Peri Open in Vietnam. Winning in Frisco would not only give him a second US Open title but also secure his return to both the Reyes Cup and the Mosconi Cup. A strong performance in Texas would be his most emphatic statement yet. Capito clearly has the momentum. He beat Gorst, one of the most difficult players in the world, with decisive attacking play and sharp table reading. His ability to run a three-pack under pressure showed he is not afraid of big moments. He then stayed solid against Pecelj. If he maintains that level, he can certainly surprise the more experienced Sanchez Ruiz. Sanchez Ruiz, however, thrives in big matches. He won the US Open in 2026 and has proven his ability to control the cue ball and manage pressure. Despite losing to Putnik, his come-back from the one-loss side demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit. That extra time on the table may actually help him stay sharp for the final. This US Open final is not just about technique. The longer race format creates periods for tactical adjustment and mental endurance. Sanchez Ruiz has more experience in major finals, and that invisible advantage could prove crucial. He knows when to attack, when to play safe, and how to handle a lead. Capito is younger and perhaps stronger physically, but can he stay patient if he trails early? The tactical battle will likely centre on break shots and safety play. Sanchez Ruiz is famous for his kicking and intelligent safeties. He can turn a difficult situation into a counter-attacking opportunity. Capito prefers direct, attacking play based on feel and confidence. If the table creates tricky patterns, Sanchez Ruiz will have the edge. If the racks open up, Capito can use his speed and power to dominate. A victory for Sanchez Ruiz would make him the tenth player in tournament history to win multiple US Open titles, joining legends like Mike Sigel, David Howard, Earl Strickland, Nick Varner, Buddy Hall, Mika Immonen, Darren Appleton and Shane van Boening. It would also give him his first title since the 2026 Peri Open in Vietnam and a return to both the Reyes Cup and the Mosconi Cup. If Capito wins, he would inspire young players across Asia. Hong Kong is not a traditional pool powerhouse, but a US Open crown would change that narrative. It would also be another breakthrough for Asian pool after Aloysius Yapp's recent successes. Physical condition is another key factor. Sanchez Ruiz has played more matches after falling to the one-loss side. That could affect his stamina in the final. Capito stayed on the winner's side and had more rest. If the match is long and tense, that advantage could prove significant. The mental side of facing a familiar opponent also matters. Sanchez Ruiz has won 7 of 8 previous meetings, but most were in short-format Premier League Pool. Capito can play without fear, knowing the pressure is on his opponent. In billiards, the underdog often feels more relaxed, and that can make a difference in crucial moments. The 2026 US Open final promises to be a fascinating contest between experience and youth, between consistency and explosiveness. Sanchez Ruiz wants to prove his 2026 title was no fluke, while Capito wants to show that his path from the UK Open to the US Open is the product of steady growth. No matter the result, fans will witness a high-level performance from the two best players in the tournament. The final question is about composure on the biggest stage. Sanchez Ruiz has the titles and the status, but that also brings pressure. Capito has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Can he become the next big upset winner since Kevin Cheng in 2026? Or will Sanchez Ruiz add his name to history twice over? Texas will provide the answer, and fans are waiting for an unforgettable final at the sport's second-richest tournament.