Genting Highlands, Malaysia – 26 July 2026
The 2026 WPA Heyball Champion of Champions Malaysia concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday as Shi Tianqi of China and Jack Whelan of Great Britain were crowned champions following four days of world-class Heyball at the Wyndham ION Majestic Hotel, Genting Highlands.
Presented by JOY Billiards and LiberWin Cloth, the championship brought together 128 of the world’s leading Heyball athletes to compete for a share of the USD 400,000 prize fund, delivering exceptional performances and further strengthening the tournament’s reputation as one of the premier events on the World Heyball Tour calendar.
Following an impressive Opening Ceremony on 22 July, competition commenced on 23 July with a full field of elite international players. Across four days of competition, athletes battled through the Round of 64, Round of 32, Last 16, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals, producing outstanding displays of skill, determination and sportsmanship.
Shi Tianqi Completes Historic Hat-Trick
The women’s championship once again belonged to Shi Tianqi, who etched her name into the history books by becoming the first player ever to win three consecutive WPA Heyball Champion of Champions titles.
Having lifted the trophy in 2024 and 2025, the Chinese star arrived in Malaysia as the defending champion and once again proved why she remains the dominant force in women’s Heyball. Displaying remarkable composure, tactical precision and consistency throughout the championship, Shi successfully defended her crown to complete an unprecedented hat-trick of titles.
Her victory not only secures another world-class achievement but also establishes a new benchmark in the history of the Champion of Champions.
Standing opposite her in the final was Narantuya B. of Mongolia, whose remarkable run to the championship match was one of the standout stories of the tournament. Producing confident performances throughout the week, Narantuya captured the silver medal and announced herself among the sport’s emerging elite.
The bronze medals were shared by Wendy Jans of Belgium, the 2024 runner-up, who returned to the semi-finals with another outstanding performance, and Waratthanun S. of Thailand, the 2025 runner-up, who continued her consistency by securing another podium finish.
Jack Whelan Becomes the New Champion
The men’s championship delivered a new name on the Champion of Champions trophy as Jack Whelan completed a superb week to capture his maiden WPA title.
With two-time defending champion Clint I’Anson, winner of the 2024 and 2025 editions, absent from this year’s championship, a new champion was guaranteed to emerge. Whelan seized the opportunity, producing a series of composed performances before defeating Liu Xin of China in the championship final.
The victory represents the biggest achievement of Whelan’s Heyball career and sees him become only the second men’s Champion of Champions in the event’s history.
Runner-up Liu Xin enjoyed an exceptional championship of his own, consistently demonstrating the high standard that carried him all the way to the final.
The bronze medals were awarded to Arfan Dad of Pakistan, whose impressive run highlighted the continued rise of Pakistani Heyball on the international stage, and American veteran Corey Deuel, whose experience and competitive excellence once again earned him a place among the championship’s top performers.
A Global Celebration of Heyball
The 2026 edition showcased the continued growth of Heyball as a truly global sport, with players from across Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Americas competing at the highest level.
Throughout the championship, fans around the world followed every stage of the action live on WPALive.TV, where comprehensive coverage featured every table alongside the platform’s exclusive MultiView technology. Official live scoring and tournament brackets ensured supporters worldwide remained connected to every match from the opening round to the championship finals.
The World Pool-Billiard Association extends its sincere appreciation to JOY Billiards, LiberWin Cloth, Dynaspheres, Amur Cues, the World Heyball Tour, Wyndham ION Majestic Hotel, tournament officials, volunteers, media partners and all event stakeholders whose dedication contributed to another outstanding international championship.
The WPA also congratulates every athlete who participated in the championship, whose professionalism, sportsmanship and exceptional performances made the 2026 edition one of the most memorable in the tournament’s history.
2026 WPA Heyball Champion of Champions Malaysia Medalists
Women’s Division
🥇 Shi Tianqi (China) – Champion
🥈 Narantuya B. (Mongolia) – Runner-up
🥉 Wendy Jans (Belgium) – Bronze Medal
🥉 Waratthanun S. (Thailand) – Bronze Medal
Men’s Division
🥇 Jack Whelan (Great Britain) – Champion
🥈 Liu Xin (China) – Runner-up
🥉 Arfan Dad (Pakistan) – Bronze Medal
🥉 Corey Deuel (United States) – Bronze Medal
As the curtain falls on another remarkable edition of the WPA Heyball Champion of Champions, the championship leaves behind unforgettable performances, historic milestones and a new generation of champions. Shi Tianqi’s unprecedented third consecutive title and Jack Whelan’s breakthrough triumph have added another memorable chapter to the sport’s history, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated return in 2027.
Event Information
Event: 2026 WPA Heyball Champion of Champions Malaysia
Venue: Wyndham ION Majestic Hotel, Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Dates: 23–26 July 2026
Prize Fund: USD 400,000
📺 Watch Every Match On Demand: WPALive.TV
Media Contact
World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)
Email: Media@wpapool.com
