Sanchez Ruiz Claims Second US Open Crown in Hill-Hill Epic

Francisco Sanchez Ruiz became a two-time US Open champion on Sunday night, edging Robbie Capito 13-12 in a hill-hill final at Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas.

Four years after first wearing the green jacket in 2022, the Spaniard held his nerve in the deciding rack to deny Capito a maiden major crown. He is only the tenth player in the tournament's 49-year history to lift the Barry Behrman Trophy more than once, and the title moves him up to third in the world rankings.

A final that swung until the last rack

Capito won the lag but Sanchez Ruiz struck first after a safety exchange, and the pair traded racks to 2-2. The Spaniard nudged 4-2 ahead off a dry break, only for Capito to level twice more at 4-4 and 5-5 as both men let chances slip.

A foul forced by a tight safety on the 7-ball put Sanchez Ruiz back in front, but Capito fought to 7-7 and then reeled off three straight racks — helped by a Sanchez Ruiz scratch off the break — to lead 10-8.

With the title slipping away, the 2022 champion produced the shot of the night: a clutch 3-9 combination that sparked a comeback to 10-10. Capito still reached the hill first at 12-10, but a missed 5-ball opened the door and Sanchez Ruiz levelled.

In the decider, Capito failed to convert a difficult 2-ball after Sanchez Ruiz's push-out, and the Spaniard cleared up to seal an unforgettable 13-12 victory.

What they said

"I gave absolutely everything to win today," said Sanchez Ruiz. "Robbie gave me a very tough final. When he was on the hill I just stayed focused and trusted my game. This is my favourite tournament. Winning it in 2022 was special, but to do it again four years later means even more."

What next

The World Nineball Tour heads to Manila next for the Reyes Cup (15-18 October), where US Open finalist Capito debuts for Team Asia and champion Sanchez Ruiz lines up for Team Rest of the World alongside Shane Van Boening.