Genting Highlands, Malaysia – 25 July 2026
Three days of world-class Heyball have set the stage for an unforgettable Championship Sunday as the WPA Heyball Champion of Champions Malaysia 2026 reaches its final chapter at the Wyndham ION Majestic Hotel, Genting Highlands.
Presented by JOY Billiards and LiberWin Cloth, the championship has welcomed 128 of the world’s leading Heyball players to Malaysia to compete for a share of the USD 400,000 prize fund and one of the sport’s most prestigious international titles.
Following the Opening Ceremony on 22 July, the tournament commenced on 23 July with a full field of elite competitors. Over three days, the field has been reduced through the Round of 64, Round of 32, Last 16 and Quarter-Finals, leaving only four players in each division with a chance to become the 2026 Champion of Champions.
Three Storylines That Will Define Championship Sunday
The women’s championship has produced a fascinating blend of dominance, redemption and new opportunity.
Leading the field is Shi Tianqi of China, the reigning Champion of Champions after lifting the trophy in both 2024 and 2025. Her run to yet another semi-final keeps alive the possibility of an unprecedented third consecutive Champion of Champions title, a feat that would further cement her legacy in the sport.
Standing opposite Shi Tianqi is Waratthanun S. of Thailand, who finished as runner-up in 2025. Twelve months after narrowly missing the title, she now has another opportunity to challenge for the championship and complete her own remarkable journey.
The other side of the draw features another player with unfinished business.
Belgium’s Wendy Jans, runner-up in 2024, has once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most respected names in cue sports. After another impressive week in Genting Highlands, Jans returns to the semi-finals determined to go one step further than she did two years ago.
Awaiting her is Mongolia’s Narantuya B., whose breakthrough performance has been one of the biggest stories of the tournament. Calm under pressure throughout the knockout rounds, she has earned her place among the final four and now stands just two victories away from a career-defining title.
A New Men’s Champion Will Be Crowned
While the women’s event could produce history, the men’s championship is guaranteed to crown a new Champion of Champions.
Defending champion Clint I’Anson, winner of the 2024 and 2025 editions, is not part of this year’s field, ensuring his reign will come to an end with a new champion set to emerge on Sunday.
Great Britain’s Jack Whelan has been among the tournament’s most consistent performers, navigating a difficult draw to secure his place in the final four.
Across the table will be American veteran Corey Deuel, whose experience and tactical brilliance continue to make him one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
The second semi-final sees China’s Liu Xin continue an outstanding championship campaign against Pakistan’s Arfan Dad, whose impressive performances have made him one of the breakout stars of the event.
All four players now stand just two victories away from becoming the next WPA Heyball Champion of Champions.
Semi-Final Schedule
The championship concludes on Sunday, 26 July, beginning with the women’s semi-finals before the men’s semi-finals later in the day. The winners will progress to the evening finals, where the 2026 Champion of Champions titles will be decided.
Women’s Semi-Finals – 10:00 AM (GMT+8)
- Wendy Jans (Belgium) vs Narantuya B. (Mongolia)
- Shi Tianqi (China) vs Waratthanun S. (Thailand)
Men’s Semi-Finals – 1:00 PM (GMT+8)
- Jack Whelan (Great Britain) vs Corey Deuel (United States)
- Liu Xin (China) vs Arfan Dad (Pakistan)
Fans around the world can watch every match live on WPALive.TV, featuring complete multi-table coverage and the platform’s exclusive MultiView experience, while official live scoring and brackets continue to provide real-time updates throughout the championship.
With only four matches remaining before two new—or perhaps one familiar—Champion of Champions titles are decided, the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion in Genting Highlands.
