KO PING CHUNG KICKSTARTS TITLE DEFENCE AT THE 2024 US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Ko Ping Chung commenced his title defence at the 2024 US Open Championship with a strong performance, joining top players Fedor Gorst, Joshua Filler, and Francisco Sanchez Ruiz in the winners’ qualification of the US Open Championship.

This year marks the 47th edition of the prestigious US Open Championship, returning to Harrah’s Resort for the fourth consecutive year in partnership with Caesars Entertainment and the Atlantic City Sports Commission, along with renowned broadcasters Sky Sports and DAZN.

Ko Ping Chung showed no signs of ring rust in his opening match, decisively defeating American Payne McBride 9-3 to advance to the winners’ qualification round of the US Open Championship.

Earl Strickland began his quest for a sixth US Open title with a solid start, overcoming Mike Delawder 9-4. He executed a spectacular 4-9 carom in the first rack and delivered the first golden break on the TV table in rack nine. However, despite leading 5-3 against UK Open semi-finalist Pijus Labutis, the Pearl was unable to secure a second victory against the Lithuanian, falling short 9-8.

Continuing his successful year, World Champion Fedor Gorst delivered a commanding 9-2 performance against Nadim Okbani, who handed the victory to Gorst after three consecutive fouls in the final rack. Matching Gorst's score, both Joshua Filler and Jayson Shaw also displayed dominant starts in their quests for a second US Open title, defeating Erik Hjorleifson and Aiden Finch, respectively.

Former World No. 1 and 2022 US Open champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz excelled in his first match, triumphing over Casper Matikainen 9-3. Following in his Spanish compatriot’s footsteps, David “El Matador” Alcaide also advanced, delivering a 9-2 victory against Nicholas Tan.

The semi-finalist at the 2023 US Open and a qualifier for the Reyes Cup Team Asia, Aloysius Yapp began his tournament run with an impressive 9-2 win over Pierfrancesco Garzia from Italy. Johann Chua joined his fellow Team Asia teammate in the next round after stopping Vietnamese cueist Dang Thanh Kien 9-1.

Matchroom commentator and 2003 US Open Champion Jeremy Jones secured his spot in the next stage of the tournament after a successful opening day, winning both of his matches. Jones delivered a solid performance in his first match against German player Holger Vier, winning 9-5. He then faced former Mosconi Cup player Tyler Styer in a closely contested match, ultimately claiming victory with a nail-biting 9-8 finish.

Session Times (EDT)

Days 1-4 (19-22 August) - 256 to Last 16 From 10am – 9pm 

Days 5-6 (23-24 August) - Last 16 to Winner 

Saturday 10 August – 10am to 2:30pm / 4:30pm to 9pm

Sunday, 11 August – 10am to 2:30pm / 4:30pm to 7:30pm