AMATEURS SHINE ON THE GRAND STAGE AT THE UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

The UK Open Pool Championship has firmly established itself as a crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour. 

While the fifth edition of the tournament in Brentwood naturally draws global icons like Joshua Filler and Aloysius Yapp, its true magic lies in its open format.

It is a unique battleground where local amateur players can rub shoulders, trade racks and go toe-to-toe with the absolute elite of the sport. 

For London-based Oliver Lawrence, returning to the UK Open was an opportunity to fulfil his passion and showcase his confidence.

“I just like competing in good events. And there aren’t many in the UK, so it’s nice to play on proper conditions,” Lawrence explained. “I look forward to playing against the top players. I’ve played for the last few years and competed against some of the best already, but I want to keep competing and trying against them.”

That ambition manifested a dream draw. Lawrence was given a special opportunity to play against the UK’s number 1 pool player, Jayson Shaw, live on the main TV table in the Winners’ Qualification. 

Despite a 3-9 defeat to “The Eagle Eye”, he relished the experience of fighting under the bright lights.

“I played alright, held my own, made a couple of nice shots,” Lawrence reflected on the gravity of the moment. “But these top boys, they just run out and hook you in snookers, you just can’t get out. The nerves and stuff don’t really bother me too much. I’m pretty used to playing on the big stage in English pool. Obviously, this is slightly different. But yes, good nerves, good nerves.”

Oliver Lawrence proved his ability and resilience by bouncing back in his Losers’ Qualification and advancing to the Last 128. His impressive tournament run came to an end after falling to Kostiantyn Ivanov 8-10.

Meanwhile, I Peng Liao, a student from Sheffield and a big fan of Vietnamese sharpshooter Duong Quoc Hoang, participated in his first-ever Matchroom Pool event on the grand stage of the UK Open.

“I think the venue is quite brilliant. The atmosphere, the lights, everything is perfect,” the Chinese Taipei representative said. “I’m excited to see all the top players in the venue.”

I Peng Liao preparing for his WNT debut

His preparation was far from ideal; he was juggling cue time with revision for his university final exams. Peng Liao set only a modest goal of winning a single match

Not only did he achieve his dream, but he did so in front of a global audience on Table 2, facing off against Matchroom founder Barry Hearn OBE. 

Following his memorable victory, Peng Liao said: “It’s my first time on the TV Table, so I was nervous at the beginning. But the atmosphere that my opponents created helped me feel less stressed and focus on myself more.”

“He is a really good opponent. It is a pleasure to play with him. I have a lot to learn from him because even at his age, he still participates in such a major event.”

I Peng Liao and Barry Hearn OBE also shared a moment at the end of the game, something that the young student will carry with him forever

“He told me that I did well today, and then I just said, ‘Oh no, I just got more lucky today,’” Peng Liao said. “I can definitely learn from his good sportsmanship and spirit.”

Their stories prove that the gap between the grandstands and the absolute pinnacle of the game is only as wide as your willingness to step up and compete. 

Nineball is a game for everyone.