The 2026 Asian Heyball Open is a continental event forming part of the World Heyball Tour. Sanctioned by the World Pool Association (WPA) and the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS), the event is officially hosted by the Malaysian Snooker & Billiards Federation (MSBF). The competition brings together international athletes to compete in Kuala Lumpur at the Ideal Convention Centre.
Competitors will play under WPA Heyball Rules on JOY Billiards professional-grade Heyball tables, with matches streamed live on WPALive.TV.
Tournament Format and Rules
The tournament structure is divided into two distinct stages for both men and women.
- Stage 1 features a 64-player Double Elimination bracket.
- Stage 2 shifts to a 16-player Single Elimination format.
- Men will play a Race to 7, while Women will play a Race to 6.
- All matches are subject to a strict 100-minute time limit.
- If a match remains tied at the end of the time limit, a shootout will determine the final winner.
Prize Money and Payouts
The event offers substantial prize money, featuring an equal dispersion across both the Men’s and Women’s events. The total prize pool for each division is USD $58,000.
| Placement | Prize per Player |
|---|---|
| 1st | USD $10,000 |
| 2nd | USD $6,000 |
| 3rd-4th | USD $4,000 |
| 5th-8th | USD $2,000 |
| 9th-16th | USD $1,250 |
| 17th-24th | USD $600 |
| 25th-32nd | USD $400 |
Player Allocations and Eligibility
Entry into the tournament is restricted to WPA Member nominations only. The 64 available spots per gender are distributed among various continental and ranking categories. For example, the WPA Heyball Ranking provides 16 spots, while regional organizations like the ACBS are allocated 12 spots, and the Host receives 8 spots. Additionally, all athletes must possess a valid WPA Athlete’s License and must have completed the ADEL International-Level Athletes Education Program.
What You Need to Know
- Key Dates: Athlete accreditation begins on 7 April 2026, followed by mandatory meetings and the Opening Ceremony. The tournament officially starts on 8 April 2026, and concludes with departures on 12 April 2026.
- Venue Details: Ideal Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Entry Requirements: The entry fee is USD $100 per athlete.
- Dress Code: Athletes must dress professionally at all times within the venue, strictly avoiding athletic wear, swimwear, or jeans.
- Broadcast Access: Fans can follow the tournament and watch the action live at https://wpalive.tv/wpalive-tv.