South Africa shines at the 2026 World Pool-Billiard Association WPA, Blackbaal World Championships.The tournament officially commenced on Tuesday, October 20 to Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the Thistle Hotel Heathrow, in London, United Kingdom.
Moreover, the British Pool Federation organized the tournament under the World Pool-Billiard Association, WPA. In the tournament there were six formats in which 10 categories were scheduled. Six formats include, singles, doubles, mixed doubles, teams, Hawleys Cup and Grand Prix.
The 10 categories of the tournament were men’s, women’s, youth, seniors, masters, grand masters, wheelchair and under 15, 18 and 23. In the tournament South Africa won medals in two categories and the Hawleys Cup.
According to reports, in the Under-18 Doubles category South African players Jayden Willemse and Jermino “Yster” Fink won the gold medal. The duo won the match against the Malta’s team Jake Castaldi and Dielyn Edwards with 4-3 final score. The second gold medal was secured by duo Kriarel Saaiman and Gonaseelan Les in the category of Grandmasters Doubles. The South African duo won against England’s Jim Goodwin and Ian Wilkinson with the score of 4-0.
Additionally, in the 2026 WPA Blackball World Championship, the Hawleys Cup was won by the South African players. The team defeated the host nation “England”. The team consists of four players including Kevin Martin, Darren Barnard, Altaaf Shaik and Duall Naidoo.
Moreover, a South African player named Kevin Martin finished in 4th position in two categories of the WPA 2026 Blackball World Championship including singles and the Grand Prix. He also shared his experiences at the tournament on his official social media post. He said, “From dreaming of playing alongside the legends to sharing the world stage with them, Proud to have finished 4th in both the World Championships Singles and the Grand Prix”.
Notably, Councillor Bedworth, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Sport and Recreation from Breede Valley Municipality of the Western Cape congratulated the under-18 duo, Jayden Willemse and Jermino “Yster” Fink as they are from the De Doorns, in Western Cape.