Still Chasing the Highs of 2025, Singapore Pool Star Aloysius Yapp Eyes Consistency

Singapore pool player Aloysius Yapp had the best year of his career in 2025, winning 10 titles and earning the Singapore Sportsman of the Year award. Now 30 years old, Yapp is working hard to be just as strong in the seasons that follow. He spoke about his goals and his journey at a dinner held on July 21 by Cuesports Singapore to honor his achievements.

Yapp calls his 2025 season '11 out of 10.' He won three major titles in a row — the UK Open, the Florida Open, and the US Open. He also won the World Nineball Tour Player of the Year award for the first time. He said a big part of his success was his strong mental focus and a bit of luck along the way.

This year, Yapp rates his season 'six out of 10.' His only title so far has been the WPA Men's 8-Ball World Championship, which he won in April. He says he has not been as consistent as he was last year. Still, he is looking forward to more tournaments in the coming months and believes he can do better.

One of Yapp's biggest goals is to win the World 9-Ball Championship. His best result in that event was reaching the last 16 players back in 2022. No date has been set for the 2026 tournament yet. He said winning that title is his 'ultimate goal.'

Yapp will next play at the Vice City Classic in Florida from July 29 to August 2. After that, he will compete in the Arizona, Phoenix, and US Opens. Even after winning the Sportsman of the Year award, Yapp feels there is more work to do. He said he still has a lot to learn and wants to keep improving for Singapore.

Cuesports Singapore president Christopher Chuah said Yapp's success has inspired many people to try the sport. Since Yapp won the Sportsman award, more people have been signing up for cue sports events at the national training centre. Many of those newcomers are young players and university students. Chuah said this surge in interest can be traced directly back to Yapp's achievements.

The national training centre has also grown because of this new interest. It moved from Katong Shopping Centre to a new location in Tanjong Katong. The centre now has 10 pool tables and four snooker tables. There are also plans to expand into a nearby building so even more young athletes can train there.

Yapp is happy with the changes at the training centre. He says it feels bigger, more spacious, and gives him a tournament-like feeling when he practises. He also noticed that cue sports is attracting a new kind of player. In the past, the sport had a certain image, but now he sees many new faces, including university students, picking up the game.