The 2025 Asian Open Heyball Championship concluded in grand fashion with Jack Whelan from England and Wendy Jans from Belgium emerging as champions in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. The tournament, held in Amman, Jordan, showcased world-class Heyball action and drew participation from some of the finest players across the continent and the world.
In the men’s event, Jack Whelan displayed outstanding form throughout the championship, culminating in a commanding 7-3 victory over compatriot Stephen Ellis in the final. The English cueist dominated the tournament with consistent, composed performances, winning most of his matches by clear margins. His only real challenge came in the semi-finals, where he faced Sina Valizadeh of Iran in a thrilling encounter before edging through 7-5. In the title clash, Jack maintained his rhythm and tactical sharpness to outplay Ellis convincingly and lift the Asian Open Heyball Men’s title.
In the women’s category, nine-time World Snooker Champion Wendy Jans reaffirmed her status as one of the sport’s greatest ever cueists by claiming the Asian Open Heyball Women’s title. She defeated Waratthanun Sukritthanes of Thailand, the 2024 Asian Heyball Champion and 2025 runner-up, in a one-sided 6-2 final. Wendy took an early 5-1 lead, showcasing her trademark precision and strategic finesse. Though Waratthanun managed to take one more rack, a scrappy final frame saw Wendy seize control once again to seal the match and the championship.
Wendy’s path to the final, however, was far from easy. Her semi-final encounter turned into a tense battle when, despite leading for most of the match, the score reached 6-6 as the time limit expired. In the resulting shoot-out, Wendy held her nerve, sinking three consecutive pots, missing one, and then potting another, to secure her place in the final.
Being the semi-finalists, Shivam Arora (India) and Sina Valizadeh (Iran) in Men’s category, and Shi Tianqi (China) and Marion Judd (France) in Women category, claimed the bronze medals
The presentation ceremony was attended by a distinguished panel of guests, including Mr. Jihad Al-Qutishat, Vice President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, and Mr. Michael Alkhoury, Secretary General of the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS). They were joined by Ms. Grieta Steenkamp from the World Pool Association, Mr. Nasser Al-Hadid, President of the Jordan Billiard Sports Federation, Ms. Dima Qaisi, Vice President, Mr. Tareq Tareefi, Treasurer, and Mr. Charles Zhang from Joy Billiards, who collectively presented medals and felicitated the winners.
With this, the 2025 Asian Open Heyball Championship concluded successfully in Jordan, marking another milestone in the sport’s growing prominence across Asia. The ACBS extended appreciation to all participants and officials, promising to reunite the cue sports fraternity soon at the next championship.