15th China Open 9-Ball Championship: Szewczyk and Kawahara to defend titles in Shanghai

The 15th China Open 9-Ball Championship will take place from September 9 to 13, 2026, at the Tangzhen Cultural and Sports Centre in Shanghai. This WPA ranking event brings together defending men's champion Wojciech Szewczyk (Poland, world No. 1) and defending women's champion Chihiro Kawahara (Japan), along with many other top players worldwide. The total prize fund exceeds $350,000, split between the men's and women's competitions, making it one of the richest events on the WPA calendar. The tournament uses a hybrid format: double-elimination race-to-9 for men and race-to-7 for women, before switching to single-elimination race-to-11 (men) and race-to-9 (women). This structure reduces early-round randomness and rewards consistent performance. Played under WPA standard rules, the event features the nine-ball on the spot, no break box, and the three-point rule – a penalty that awards the opponent three points for certain fouls, enhancing fairness and entertainment. In the men's field, three-time winner Joshua Filler, two-time world champion Albin Ouschan, and recent US Open champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz add depth. The women's competition sees reigning world champion Seo Seoa and world No. 1 Wei Tzu-Chien, promising high-quality matches. Chinese representatives include Dang Jinhu, Liu Shasha, and Fu Xiaofang. The event is broadcast on the Kozoom Pool YouTube channel and Chinese platforms, underlining its commercial appeal and potential to grow billiards in Asia. With a mix of international stars, a rigorous format, and a substantial prize fund, this year's tournament is a key milestone for the global billiards community.