ROME, ITALY – 3 August 2026 — Sweden’s Henrik Larsson has been crowned the 2026 Predator Wheelchair Open Champion, producing a composed and determined performance to defeat Slovenia’s Matej Brajkovic in a thrilling final at the Rome Cavalieri – A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Larsson secured the title after a dramatic three-set contest, recovering from a spirited fightback by Brajkovic to claim the deciding set 3-0 and lift the championship trophy.
The Swedish veteran appeared firmly in control early, sweeping the opening set 3-0 before moving within a rack of victory in the second. However, Brajkovic refused to surrender, mounting an impressive comeback to steal the set and force a deciding third.
With the championship on the line, Larsson responded in emphatic fashion. Drawing on decades of experience, he regained his rhythm and dominated the deciding set to secure the title and cap off an outstanding week of competition.
Following his victory, Larsson reflected on the emotions of becoming champion.
“I’m just a little bit excited right now. Many shots were very solid, but a couple of crucial ones cost me in the second set. But I’m as happy as I can be.
“You’ve just got to hang in there, and I’m kind of used to hanging in there. I have 35 to 40 years in my backbone, and I’ve been here before. Even though your heart is racing, you just have to keep doing what needs to be done.”
Larsson also highlighted the significance of the event for the continued growth of parasport within professional cue sports.
“I’ve been working with Predator for 15 years, and this is the first parasport event, so I really wanted to win this one. It’s amazing, and I hope we continue to see parasport integrated alongside able-bodied events because these are fantastic championships.”
The Predator Wheelchair Open showcased the exceptional talent, determination and competitive spirit of wheelchair athletes, reinforcing the World Pool-Billiard Association’s commitment to providing greater opportunities and visibility for parasport competitors on the international stage.
The WPA congratulates Henrik Larsson on his well-deserved championship and commends all athletes who participated in making the 2026 Predator Wheelchair Open a memorable success.
For media enquiries:
World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)
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