What Is 2004 WPA World Nine-ball Championship

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 WPA World Nine-ball Championship was held from July 25 to August 1, 2004, in Bangkok, Thailand, and was won by Taiwanese player Chia-Ching Wu, who defeated Germany’s Thorsten Hohmann 13–10 in the final.

Key Facts

The 2004 WPA World Nine-ball Championship took place from July 25 to August 1, 2004.
It was hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the second consecutive year the event was held there.
Chia-Ching Wu of Taiwan won the championship, defeating Thorsten Hohmann 13–10 in the final.
The tournament followed a double-elimination format in the early rounds, transitioning to single elimination in the knockout stages.
This victory marked Wu’s first world title in nine-ball, establishing him as a top international player.

Overview

The 2004 WPA World Nine-ball Championship was a premier international pool tournament sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA). Held annually, the event brings together the world’s top players to compete for the title of world champion in nine-ball, a fast-paced and strategic cue sport.

This year’s edition continued the tradition of high-level competition and global participation. With players from over 30 countries, the 2004 tournament solidified Bangkok’s status as a hub for professional pool during the early 2000s.

Event Dates: The championship ran from July 25 to August 1, 2004, spanning eight days of intense match play across multiple venues in Bangkok.
Host City:Bangkok, Thailand hosted the event for the second consecutive year, benefiting from strong local support and established tournament infrastructure.
Winner:Chia-Ching Wu of Taiwan claimed his first world title by defeating Thorsten Hohmann of Germany in the final with a score of 13–10.
Format: The tournament used a double-elimination format in the early rounds, ensuring fairness and depth of competition before transitioning to single elimination.
Prize Pool: The total prize fund exceeded $250,000 USD, with the winner receiving approximately $50,000, reflecting the event’s elite status.

How It Works

The structure of the WPA World Nine-ball Championship combines standardized rules with a rigorous competitive format to determine the world’s best player. Each match follows the WPA’s official nine-ball regulations, emphasizing skill, strategy, and consistency.

Game Objective:Players must legally pocket the 9-ball after hitting the lowest-numbered ball on the table, with the first to reach the required rack wins.
Match Format:Early rounds used double elimination, meaning a player had to lose twice to be eliminated, increasing fairness and match volume.
Final Format: The championship match was a race to 13 racks, requiring a player to win 13 games before their opponent does.
Time Limits:Shot clocks of 45 seconds were enforced in later stages to maintain pace and prevent stalling tactics during critical matches.
Officials: Matches were overseen by WPA-certified referees who enforced rules, called fouls, and managed disputes in accordance with international standards.
Qualification: Players qualified through regional WPA-sanctioned events or by invitation based on world rankings, ensuring a globally representative field.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2004 championship with the previous two editions in terms of location, winner, and key statistics:

Year	Host City	Champion	Nationality	Final Score	Prize for Winner
2002	Busan, South Korea	Earl Strickland	USA	13–6	$40,000
2003	Bangkok, Thailand	Chang Jung-kun	Taiwan	13–2	$45,000
2004	Bangkok, Thailand	Chia-Ching Wu	Taiwan	13–10	$50,000
2001	Carlow, Ireland	Thomas Engert	Germany	13–11	$35,000
2000	Cardiff, Wales	Earl Strickland	USA	17–16	$30,000

The 2004 tournament continued the upward trend in prize money and competitive depth. Taiwan’s dominance was evident with two consecutive titles, while Thailand’s consistent hosting elevated the sport’s profile in Asia. The close final score in 2004 contrasted with previous blowouts, indicating increasingly balanced competition at the highest level.

Why It Matters

The 2004 WPA World Nine-ball Championship had lasting implications for the sport of pool, influencing player careers, regional development, and global visibility. Its success helped legitimize cue sports as professional athletic competitions on the world stage.

Player Legacy: Chia-Ching Wu’s victory launched him into the global spotlight, cementing his status as one of Asia’s top players.
Regional Growth: The event boosted pool’s popularity in Southeast Asia, inspiring youth programs and increased sponsorship in Thailand and neighboring countries.
Media Coverage: Extensive live broadcasts expanded the sport’s audience across Europe and Asia, particularly through satellite networks and online streaming.
Professional Standards: The use of shot clocks and certified referees set new benchmarks for fairness and professionalism in future tournaments.
Pathway for Talent: The qualification system provided opportunities for emerging players from underrepresented regions to compete at the highest level.
Historical Significance: The 2004 championship is remembered as a turning point in competitive balance, ending American dominance and ushering in an era of Asian excellence.

Overall, the 2004 WPA World Nine-ball Championship was more than just a title match—it was a milestone in the globalization and professionalization of pool as a world sport.