On June 27, the 2026 Beijing TOP Duya Legend Chinese Nine-Ball Open and the 2nd Duya Legend Chinese Nine-Ball International Tour Global Finals concluded in Changping, Beijing. After 18 days of intense competition, Chinese billiards star Wu Jiaqing defeated Zheng Xiaohuai in the final, lifted the Thorn Crown Cup, and took home the RMB 10 million champion’s prize, becoming the first “ten-million-yuan champion” in billiards history.

This year’s tournament attracted 640 players from more than 40 countries and regions. With domestic qualifiers as well as Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and international qualifiers, 64 players advanced to the main event. The scale, competitiveness and prize money of the event all set a new benchmark for Chinese billiards. In the final, Wu delivered a steady performance and showed stronger control in both offense and defense, eventually securing victory with outstanding play. After the match, Wu said his opponent was very strong and that winning the title was not easy. He also thanked his team and fans for their support.

With a champion’s prize of RMB 10 million, the event has become one of the highest-paying billiards tournaments in the world and has brought wider attention to Chinese nine-ball, an original cue sport from China. Industry observers believe that the landmark prize money will not only raise the event’s profile, but also further boost tournament operations, equipment manufacturing, training consumption and local sports tourism. As top players continue to compete on the same stage and international exposure grows, Chinese nine-ball is expected to showcase the sporting value and commercial potential of Chinese billiards on a broader global stage.