Tonight, Wu Jiaqing faces Zheng Xiaohuai for the 2026 Beijing TOP Duya Legends Golden Nine Open title and the massive ¥10 million top prize, approximately US$1.47 million.

For the newer generation of pool fans, Wu was once considered one of the greatest young talents the sport had ever seen.

Back in 2005, at just 16 years old, Wu won the WPA World 9-Ball Championship. Months later, he also captured the WPA World 8-Ball Championship. They called him “Little Genius,” and many believed he was on his way to becoming one of the greatest pool players in history.

But it did not quite go that way.

After health problems, issues outside the table, and time away from the sport, Wu seemed to fade from the spotlight. But those who have followed pool closely know the prodigious talent he still possesses.

Tonight is not only a chance for Wu Jiaqing to win the biggest first prize in pool history.

It is also a chance to remind everyone who he really is.