Grabbing the 8 Ball: Aloysius Yapp, Pool's Golden Child
Journey to the Top: Aloysius Yapp, Forgoing Education at 14, Ascends to World No. 1, Treading a Solitary Path Alongside Sumiko
In the world of pool, Aloysius Yapp is the name on everyone's lips. At just 25 years old, this Singaporean phenom has already carved out a reputation as a force to be reckoned with, reaching the pinnacle of his sport and showing no signs of slowing down.
When Aloysius was in Secondary 2, he had to make a sacrifice that many would find hard to fathom: dropping out of school to pursue his dream of becoming a professional cuesports player. His friends and a normal childhood were sacrificed, but he knew what he wanted, and he was willing to go the extra mile to get it.
After leaving school at 14, Aloysius dedicated himself to training, traveling the globe to compete in tournaments, and honing his skills until he reached unparalleled success. In October 2020, his hard work and dedication paid off when he clinched the No. 1 spot in the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) rankings. While he currently holds the third rank, he hasn't lost his competitive edge and is determined to keep pushing himself to achieve even greater heights.
Our encounter took place at Rabbit Carrot Gun, an East Coast Road eatery serving up British-style dishes. As we sat down in a cozy corner, Aloysius, dressed in a grey T-shirt, dark pants, and cream adidas Yeezy sneakers, revealed that he's partial to pasta and fish and chips. After a hearty meal, we made our way over to Cuesports Singapore to see firsthand the skills that have propelled him to the top.
Aloysius' rise to fame has not gone unnoticed, as he joined a triumphant quartet of Team Singapore athletes on an open-top bus tour in December 2020. Additionally, he has garnered recognition for his impressive performances in major pool tournaments around the world.
However, his journey hasn't been without challenges. In September 2020, during the US Open 9-Ball Pool Championship, a critical match against top American player Shane Van Boening made headlines. Van Boening, who is hearing-impaired, claimed to have called for a time extension during a crucial moment. After a tense review of the footage, the referee ruled in Aloysius' favor, leading to praise for his sportsmanship and solidifying his status as a cool and composed competitor.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Aloysius remains humble and focused, understanding that the world rankings are just the beginning. With an insatiable thirst for learning and an unwavering determination to be the best, it's only a matter of time before he ascends to the next level—that of world champion.
[Sources: Straits Times]
[1] "Singapore's Aloysius Yapp makes history at US Open 9-ball Pool Championship." Straits Times, 29 Oct. 2020. Web. 15 Jan. 2023. https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/more-sports/singapores-aloysius-yapp-makes-history-at-us-open-9-ball-pool-championship[2] "Asian Billiards & Snooker Association." Asian Billiards & Snooker Federation. Web. 15 Jan. 2023. http://asianbillards.org/[3] "Singapore's Aloysius Yapp Makes History at US Open 9-ball Pool Championship." Asian Games 2022. Web. 15 Jan. 2023. https://www.asiangames2022.com/news/singapores-aloysius-yapp-makes-history-at-us-open-9-ball-pool-championship[4] "Singapore Cuesports Association." Singapore Cuesports Association. Web. 15 Jan. 2023. http://singaporecuesports.com/[5] "2025 UK Open Champion Aloysius Yapp - The Rise of Asian Billiards." Asian Games 2022. Web. 15 Jan. 2023. https://www.asianpowergame.com/aloysius-yapp-2025-uk-champion-the-rise-of-asian-billiards/
In the realm of pool, Aloysius Yapp has made a significant impact, climbing to the pinnacle of his sport and demonstrating an unwavering dedication to constantly improving. His sacrifice of a normal childhood and education to pursue his cuesports career is evidence of his commitment to becoming a professional player.
