PRESS RELEASE
WPA Heyball World Championship 2025 | Brisbane, Australia
Dates: November 2–4, 2025
The first three days of the WPA Heyball World Championship 2025 have delivered a spectacular showcase of skill, precision, and global sportsmanship, with 17 tables streaming live across the world from the heart of Brisbane, Australia.
With athletes from over 35 nations competing for the ultimate crown, Heyball — often called the “future of cue sports” — has proven its global appeal once again under the bright lights of the Joy Billiards Arena.
DAY 1 – The Opening Break
The championship opened with action-packed group stages, setting the tone for a high-stakes competition.
Local fans roared as Australia’s own players took to the tables alongside legends and emerging stars from every corner of the globe.
The headline of the day belonged to Sundeep Gulati (India), who stunned world-renowned Jack Whelan (UK) in a defining 7–4 victory, climbing to the top of the leaderboard early on.
With all 17 tables streaming live on WPALive.tv, the event set a new benchmark for digital broadcast reach in cue sports.
DAY 2 – The Global Pulse Intensifies
Day 2 brought the Loser’s Qualification and Knockout Rounds, with players battling fiercely to stay alive in the championship race.
Highlights included:
- Emily Duddy (USA) and Marion Jude (France) lighting up the TV table with a captivating clash, where Jude’s finesse secured her progression.
- Qiang Lee Han (Singapore) vs Kevin Zarekani (Sweden) in a fan-favorite match that embodied the unpredictable excitement of Heyball.
- Amee Kamani (India) advanced through the qualifying rounds with calm precision, earning her spot among the world’s top contenders.
The night concluded with the first Knockout Round of 16 matches, featuring crowd-favorite Gareth Potts against Paull Clack — an epic battle between experience and local pride.
DAY 3 – Knockouts, Drama, and the Rise of the Fantastic Four
Day 3 unfolded as pure drama on the green baize, with both Men’s and Women’s divisions narrowing down to the Fantastic Four.
In the men’s division, dominance and composure were the order of the day.
Gareth Potts continued his masterclass performance, defeating Clint I’Anson 7–4 to secure his semifinal berth.
Joining him are Arfan Dad (Pakistan), Jack Whelan (UK), and Sina Valizadeh (Iran) — a powerhouse lineup now chasing world glory.
On the women’s side, the crowd witnessed emotion, upsets, and excellence.
Amee Kamani (India) stunned Britain’s Rebecca Kenna 6–1, while Marion Jude (France) edged past world champion Chen Siming (China) 6–5 in a thriller on the TV Table.
Veterans Kelly Fisher (UK) and Shi Tianqi (China) completed the quartet, setting the stage for semi-final fireworks.
FANTASTIC FOUR – The Semifinalists
Men’s Semifinalists:
🇬🇧 Gareth Potts | 🇵🇰 Arfan Dad | 🇬🇧 Jack Whelan | 🇮🇷 Sina Valizadeh
Women’s Semifinalists:
🇨🇳 Shi Tianqi | 🇮🇳 Amee Kamani | 🇫🇷 Marion Jude | 🇬🇧 Kelly Fisher
The Road Ahead
With a USD 400,000 prize pool and equal payouts for men and women, the WPA Heyball World Championship 2025 stands as a milestone for inclusivity and excellence in cue sports.
The next stage promises even greater intensity as the semifinals and finals approach — and the world waits to see who will lift the Heyball World Crown.
📺 All matches live on WPALive.tv
🎥 Follow highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments on official WPA social channels.
Issued by:
World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)
Event Partner: Joy Billiards | CSA | WCBS | LiberWin | WHT
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Date: November 5, 2025
