The 2026 WPA European Heyball Open has come to a thrilling conclusion in Kielce, Poland, with Maks Benko and Waratthanun Sukritthanes taking the men’s and women’s titles respectively.
Both finals produced excellent displays of heyball, with Benko overcoming Great Britain’s Jordan Shepherd in the men’s championship match, while Thailand’s Sukritthanes defeated Mary Talbot to claim the women’s crown.
Maks Benko Claims Men’s European Open Title
Slovenia’s Maks Benko was crowned the 2026 WPA European Heyball Open men’s champion after defeating Great Britain’s Jordan Shepherd 7–4 in an exciting final.
Benko produced an impressive tournament from start to finish, showing consistency and composure throughout the competition before delivering when it mattered most in the championship match.
The Slovenian established himself in the final and ultimately secured a 7–4 victory to add the European Open title to his achievements and etch his name into the history of the event.
Shepherd can also be proud of an outstanding tournament, reaching the final and putting together a strong run through a highly competitive field.
Men’s Final
Maks Benko 7–4 Jordan Shepherd
2026 WPA European Heyball Open Men’s Champion: Maks Benko
Waratthanun Sukritthanes Takes Women’s Crown
In the women’s competition, Waratthanun Sukritthanes produced a superb performance to claim the European Open title.
The Thai star defeated Mary Talbot 6–3 in the championship final, completing an excellent tournament with a deserved victory.
Sukritthanes maintained her composure throughout the final and finished strongly to secure the women’s European Open crown.
Talbot enjoyed an impressive run to the championship match and deserves great credit for reaching the final and competing strongly against one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Women’s Final
Waratthanun Sukritthanes 6–3 Mary Talbot
2026 WPA European Heyball Open Women’s Champion: Waratthanun Sukritthanes
Two New Champions Crowned in Kielce
The 2026 WPA European Heyball Open concludes with two new champions taking their place in the history of the prestigious event.
Congratulations to Maks Benko and Waratthanun Sukritthanes on their fantastic championship victories, while Jordan Shepherd and Mary Talbot deserve recognition for their excellent performances in reaching their respective finals.
With another major European heyball event now complete, attention will turn to the next chapter of the rapidly growing cue sport.
Pinnacle Sport will continue to bring you the latest news, results and stories from the world of cue sports.
