China Open 9-Ball returns to Shanghai: Szewczyk and Kawahara defend titles in $350,000-plus event

The 15th China Open 9-Ball Championship is set to run from September 9 to 13 at the Tangzhen Cultural and Sports Centre in Shanghai. With more than $350,000 in total prize money, the WPA-ranked event brings back defending champions Wojciech Szewczyk and Chihiro Kawahara. The men's draw includes three-time winner Joshua Filler, two-time world champion Albin Ouschan, and reigning US Open champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. Gorst and Hijikata, the 2026 runner-up, add further depth. In the women's event, Seo Seoa and world number one Wei Tzu-Chien lead the challenge against Kawahara. The format stands out: men play double elimination race-to-9 until 32 players remain, then single elimination race-to-11. Women play double elimination race-to-7 down to 16 players, then single elimination race-to-9. This hybrid structure reduces early variance but increases physical and mental demands in deciding racks. The main storyline is not just star power. Chinese representatives Dang Jinhu, Liu Shasha and Fu Xiaofang could turn the Tangzhen venue into an advantage. Broadcast on Kozoom Pool YouTube and Chinese platforms confirms the event's commercial appeal. Will defending champions hold firm, or will Filler and the local challengers reshape the power map? The race-to-11 frames will provide the clearest answer.