Jakarta. Taiwanese pool champion Chang Jung-Lin died suddenly at age 40 while competing in the Indonesia Open 10-Ball tournament in Jakarta on Sunday, organizers confirmed.

Chang, known in Taiwan as "Devil Fire Cloud," had played his round of 32 match at 10 a.m. He returned to his hotel to rest before his scheduled round of 16 match against Yoni Rachmanto at 4 p.m. Tragically, a tournament official later found him unresponsive in the hotel’s resting area. Preliminary reports suggest Chang suffered a stroke following a heart attack.

The Indonesia Open 2025, sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA), confirmed his passing at 9 p.m., expressing condolences to Chang’s family and the international billiards community.

In a statement on Monday, the WPA described Chang as “a hero to a generation of Taiwanese players” and praised his “unforgettable performances that left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and peers alike.”

“Beyond his accomplishments in competition, Chang was a quiet leader, an inspiration to the next generation, and a true ambassador of the sport,” the WPA said. “We have lost a legend, but his spirit, sportsmanship, and contributions to cue sports will never be forgotten.”

Russian-American pool player Fedor Gorst also paid tribute on social media, calling Chang “one of the greatest talents our sport has ever seen” and adding, “Pool is a beautiful game, but also a tough one. Behind the focus and precision, many of us learn to hide our struggles well. You’ll be deeply missed, Chang.”

Chang began his professional billiards career in 2000 and quickly drew international attention as runner-up at the WPA Junior World 9-Ball Championships in 2001 and 2003. In 2005, he made his World 9-Ball Championship debut, advancing to the round of 16 in his first appearance.

His career peaked with victories at the WPA World 8-Ball Championship in 2012 and the WPA World Team Championship in 2013. Chang also claimed a silver medal in 9-ball at the 2013 World Games and secured the Asian 10-Ball Championship title in 2024.

Recognized as a pioneer for Taiwanese billiards, Chang inspired a new generation of players, including Wu Chia-ching, Ko Pin-yi, and Ko Ping-chung, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport with his achievements, dedication, and passion.

Following his death, the Chinese Taipei Billiards Association posted a tribute, stating, “Thank you for your years of hard work for billiards and bringing honor to the country.”

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