In a heart-pounding finale, Ko Pin Yi emerged as the victor over Eklent Kaçi, clinching the esteemed 2023 World Pool Masters championship title. The electrifying showdown unfolded in Brentwood, Essex, and was broadcasted globally on Sky Sports, captivating audiences with its sheer intensity and skillful play.
Kaçi kicked off the match with a strong start, securing the first rack with a flawless break and run. However, the tables turned in the second rack when nerves got the best of him during a crucial 6-9 combo, allowing Ko to swiftly level the score. What followed was a strategic duel between the two players, each vying for control of the table.
The match was characterized by a series of thrilling exchanges, with Kaçi momentarily edging ahead at 4-3. Yet, a pivotal dry break from Kaçi proved to be a game-changer, as Ko seized the opportunity to secure successive racks, establishing a commanding 7-4 lead. With precision and determination, Ko continued to dominate, extending his advantage to 9-4 with impressive break and run plays in the 12th and 13th racks.
Despite Kaçi's valiant efforts to stage a comeback, his hopes were dashed by a critical scratch on the subsequent break, allowing Ko to widen the gap to 10-5. The tension reached its peak in the following rack, culminating in Ko capitalizing on Kaçi's missed shot to swiftly clear the table and move closer to victory.
In a climactic finale, Ko delivered a flawless break in the last rack and executed a brilliant 3-9 carom shot, solidifying his triumph and marking his first major victory since 2015. Ko's path to glory was paved with impressive victories over formidable opponents, including a commanding 9-1 win against Jayson Shaw in the opening round and an 11-7 defeat of Shane Van Boening in the quarter-finals. In a hard-fought semi-final clash, Ko emerged triumphant over James Aranas with an 11-9 victory, securing his place in the final showdown.
After his victory, Ko expressed his joy, saying, “It feels so good. The World Pool Masters was the one I wanted to win. After I beat Jayson (Shaw), I thought already about winning and jumping on the table. It was tough, but I feel so happy to win this tournament. I knew that the only person that could beat me was myself.”
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.