---
title: "Sanchez Ruiz Claims Second US Open Crown in Hill-Hill Epic"
url: https://ncuemedia.com/sanchez-ruiz-second-us-open-title
published: 2026-08-31T10:00:00Z
updated: 2026-09-24T05:12:25Z
summary: "Francisco Sanchez Ruiz defeated Robbie Capito 13-12 in a hill-hill final to win his second US Open title and climb to third in the world rankings."
author: "Ncue Media Desk"
categories: ["News"]
tags: ["Matchroom Major", "Robbie Capito", "Sanchez Ruiz", "US Open", "nine-ball"]
lang: en
---

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

*The Spaniard edges Robbie Capito 13-12 in a Frisco thriller to join an elite group of multiple US Open champions.*

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.

![US Open final action in Frisco, Texas](media:e8cfeaac4f566fb5)

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.