Robbie Capito claimed his first Matchroom Major by winning the UK Open Pool Championship title. The 22-year-old player emerged victorious against Poland’s Mieszko Fortunski with a score of 13-10 at the Telford International Centre.
“I’ve been working so hard for this moment,” Capito said, expressing his determination and focus throughout the tournament. “I made it clear at the start of the week that I wasn’t just here to participate. I was here to win my first Matchroom Major, and today, I have achieved just that.” Born in Hong Kong to Filipino parents, Capito’s roots and his connection to the Philippines are evident in his career and personal life, as he often shares his experiences of training and competing alongside Filipino players.
This win marks a remarkable achievement for Capito and a rare international victory for Hong Kong’s billiards scene, which has struggled to shine on the global stage in recent years.
Capito’s victory comes at a critical juncture for billiards in Hong Kong. Due to a failure to meet certain performance targets, billiard sports are set to be downgraded from Tier A funding by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) starting in 2025. This downgrade will result in a 90 percent cut in funding, posing a significant challenge for athletes who rely on this support to compete professionally.
“This is a massive title for Hong Kong sports, especially since we are facing a substantial cut in funding from the HKSI,” Capito emphasized. “We may have to find jobs or rely on tournament bonuses to make a living, so 2025 is going to be difficult for us all. I just hope this title will make our government pay more attention to billiard sports.”
Capito’s journey to the championship was nothing short of extraordinary. Along the way, he defeated the recent 2024 Derby City Classic Master of the Table Joshua Filler and newly crowned World Pool Masters Champion Fedor Gorst, both players regarded by many as the ranked No. 1 & 2 players in the world right now, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure on his way to capture the US$30,000 top prize.
Capito’s success is not only a personal milestone but also highlights the impact of his mentor, Carlo Biado, one of the best players who ever played the game and has been Robbie’s father figure in the billiard world. Capito has grown into a mature and dedicated athlete, deeply involved in the Hong Kong pool scene. He even organized the Capito Cup, showing his commitment to nurturing the sport locally.
Robbie Capito’s aunt, Bless Capito Tateuchi, revealed that his name was inspired by Robbie McIntosh, the guitarist from Paul McCartney and the Wings, who had played with Capito’s father, Bambie Capito, in England. Robbie himself is quite a musician, able to play the guitar and also sings well, as seen in videos posted by his mother, Jean Capito.
In addition to his recent UK Open victory, Capito made significant strides this year by finishing as the runner-up in the highly competitive Indonesia Open last January. His achievements over the past year underscore his rapid development and solidifies his place as one of the best young players in the game.
Robbie “the Crusader” Capito’s triumph in the UK Open is more than just a personal victory; it is a statement for the entire billiards community in Hong Kong. As the sport faces funding cuts and uncertainties, Capito’s success brings hope and a call to action for greater recognition and support.
