I just returned from Brentwood, Essex, England where I took in all six days of the WNT UK Open. It was fantastic.
The Setup of the Tournament
I am sure that a few have whined loudly about the lack of air conditioning at the Brentwood Centre, but only day one had very hot weather and I was fairly comfortable for the last five days. I’d certainly go back.
The real story was the pool. The field was rock solid. The room was set up the way I like it, with groups of four tables having area referees. A small negative is that there were four tables in the back of the room for which there was no good seating. Still, the schedule was maintained and the quality of play was electrifying, with a lot of really competitive matches along the way.
The Tournament in Hindsight
Filler was, of course, the biggest story of the week. With wins at the 2026 Derby City 9ball, the 2026 Las Vegas 10ball and now the 2026 UK Open, he is head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. Anyone who thinks Fedor is even in the conversation for best rotation pool player in the world is delusional. In fact, it is a couple of years since Fedor beat Josh in any match involving rotation pool. We all understand that for all around play, the Filler/Gorst debate is alive and kicking, and perhaps Fedor is still best in that regard, but Josh is well above the pack at rotation pool and his “A” game brings to mind Earl’s “A” game of some thirty years ago. Filler’s 24 racks won to 3 lost on day six reminds us that he owns a gear that no other player has. Nobody but Josh produces efforts like this one. When he is really on, it doesn’t much matter how well his opponents play.
Nonetheless, Josh was hardly the only story. Jonas Souto was a big story. 2025 was a breakout year for him, and it looks like he has taken yet another step forward in his game. Mario He was a big story, knocking off some tough opponents before being eliminated by Filler. Mario has a 2nd and a 9th place finish in the first two WNT majors of the year. Elliot Sanderson was a big story, too, producing his first ever top 10 in a WNT major. Jayson Shaw is looking strong again, with a semifinal appearance in both the 2025 Philippines Open and the 2026 UK Open. Jayson might be ready to win something big soon. Despite his quarterfinal loss to Shaw, David Alcaide was in dead stroke all week. Szewczyk was brilliant, as he so often is, and his loss in the finals should not take the shine off that brilliance.
Top Americans Absent, Other Americans Impressed
Three of the members of 2025 Team USA (SVB, Thorpe, Woodward) were absent and each has now missed the first two WNT majors of the year. I respect their right to pick and choose, but it is still disappointing for this fan who enjoys watching them compete. On the brighter side, Tyler Styer was showing solid form, including a fine win over Neuhausen and young American Lukas Fracasso Verner is playing well and merits serious Mosconi consideration. Each finished tied for 17th.
The Hotel
Many of the players, fans, and tournament staff stayed at the Brentwood Holiday Inn, and I was among them. I was very pleased with my room, the hotel amenities, and the food at the hotel was pretty darn good.
Referees
The referees were consistently outstanding, and I made sure to say congratulations to head referee Marcel on a job well done before leaving the venue on day six.
Matchroom Staff
Congratulations to all at Matchroom on exemplary administration of the event. Everything ran smoothly and on schedule. On those rare occasions that I needed anything from a staff member I was accommodated with courtesy and promptness.
Socially
I caught up with nearly all the players I had hoped to see, but had substantial time with just a few, including Josh Filler, Felix Vogel, Jayson Shaw, Darren Appleton, Max Lechner, Mario He, and Lukas Fracasso Verner. A few friends, including one of my closest friends from New York City, were present, and thanks to all of them for their good company.
To Sum
Well played, Josh Filler, but many made a statement at the UK Open. I sure hope I get to go again next year. Thanks to all at Matchroom.
