2023 China Open 9-Ball Championship

Results

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

Joshua Filler won the WPA China Open 9-Ball Championship, his second title at the event, after a four-year pandemic hiatus. The German player defeated Philippines’ Anton The Dragon Raga 11-5 in the final at Shanghai’s Pudong Tangzhen Culture & Sports Centre.

Filler advanced through the tournament with consistent play. He defeated Maximillian Lechner 11-10 in an earlier round, then beat Poland’s Wojciech Szewczyk 11-7 in the semi-final to reach his second consecutive China Open final.

In the final, Filler took an early lead and maintained it throughout the match. Using the alternating break format, Filler won the majority of frames while limiting Raga’s opportunities to gain ground. He made precise shots and sound decisions during play.

This victory adds to Filler’s accomplishments at age 26. The Bönen native won the 2018 WPA World Nine-ball Championship and captured the China Open title in 2017, making him the youngest China Open winner in history at that time. His second China Open triumph reinforces his position as world number one.

The tournament’s return after its extended absence brought together an international field of top players. Filler’s strong performance in the event positions him well for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Sources: WPA Pool – Joshua Filler victorious at the WPA China Open 9 Ball, Joshua Filler – Wikipedia, WPA Pool – 2023 WPA 9-Ball China Open Returns to World Stage

This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.