Tangzhen, Shanghai, China — September 13, 2026
The 2026 WPA Pudong Tangzhen 9-Ball China Open has come to a spectacular conclusion, with Fedor Gorst and Liu Shasha emerging as the Men’s and Women’s champions after a week of world-class 9-ball competition in Shanghai.
One of the established events on the international 9-ball calendar, the China Open once again brought together leading players from across the world for a championship that combined elite competition, high-pressure matches and a celebration of the sport.
GORST GOES ONE STEP FURTHER
In the Men’s division, Fedor Gorst (AIN) completed a remarkable journey from runner-up in 2025 to champion in 2026.
Having come so close a year ago, Gorst returned with unfinished business and produced a charging and electrifying performance in the final, maintaining his composure under pressure to finally claim the China Open crown.
Gorst leaves Tangzhen with the Championship Ring and a US$40,000 winner’s prize, adding another major title to his growing international record.
Fedor Gorst — Champion
Wu Kun Lin (Taipei) — Runner-Up
Daniel Maciol (Poland), Alexander Kazakis (Greece) — 3rd Place
For Gorst, the victory represents a full-circle moment — returning to the China Open final one year after finishing runner-up and this time taking the title that had eluded him.
LIU SHASHA CLAIMS HER SECOND CHINA OPEN TITLE
The Women’s final delivered another compelling championship battle, with Liu Shasha (China) establishing a strong lead from the opening stages against fellow Chinese star Fu Xiaofang.
Fu fought hard to close the gap and attempted to mount a comeback, but Liu continued to control the match and refused to give her opponent easy opportunities.
The victory sees Liu Shasha claim her second China Open championship, adding another chapter to her impressive history at one of the sport’s most prestigious events in China.
Liu takes home the US$36,000 winner’s prize.
Liu Shasha — Champion
Fu Xiaofang (China) — Runner-Up
Shi Tianqi (China), Rubilen Amit (Philippines) — 3rd Place
The result adds another China Open title to Liu’s résumé after her previous championship success, further strengthening her place in the event’s history.
A CHINA OPEN THAT CONTINUES TO EVOLVE
The 2026 edition continued the China Open’s long-standing tradition of bringing the world’s best players together on Chinese soil.
From the opening stages through the final matches, the tournament delivered a series of high-level performances, dramatic encounters and memorable moments as players battled for one of the most recognisable titles in international 9-ball.
The event also introduced a new symbol of achievement for its champions — the China Open Championship Ring — presented alongside the prestigious title.
WPALive BRINGS THE CHINA OPEN TO THE WORLD
For fans unable to attend in person, the Main Stage from September 9–13 was broadcast live globally on WPALive.tv, allowing audiences around the world to follow the decisive stages of the championship.
With live English commentary, WPALive provided fans with coverage of the tournament’s biggest matches, from the Main Stage through to the Men’s and Women’s finals.
The broadcast once again highlighted the growing global reach of professional cue sports and the ability of digital platforms to connect major tournaments with audiences worldwide.
A CHAMPIONSHIP CONCLUDES
As the closing ceremony brings the 2026 WPA Pudong Tangzhen 9-Ball China Open to an end, the titles belong to Fedor Gorst and Liu Shasha.
For Gorst, it was the completion of unfinished business.
For Liu Shasha, it was the return to the top of the China Open podium.
And for the China Open, it was another chapter in a history that continues to bring together the finest players, biggest moments and passionate fans of 9-ball.
Congratulations to the champions, finalists, semi-finalists and every player who competed in the 2026 WPA Pudong Tangzhen 9-Ball China Open.
The China Open has its champions. 🎱
Watch and relive the action on WPALive.tv.
MEDIA CONTACT
World Pool Association (WPA)
📧 media@wpapool.com
