Dies in Hotel During Pocket Billiards Tournament... Outpouring of Grief for Former World Number One

Sudden Death from Heart Attack in Hotel After Match Victory
Consistent Success Since Reaching World Number One in 2012

Taiwanese pocket billiards player Chang Zhenglin, who had once reached number one in the men's pocket billiards world rankings, died of a heart attack while participating in a tournament. On July 14, international media outlets such as Taiwan's Focus Taiwan reported that Chang Zhenglin suddenly passed away that morning at 10 a.m. while competing in the '2025 Indonesia International Open' held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Taiwanese billiards player Chang Zhenglin (Jang Youngrin), who had reached number one in the men's pocket billiards world rankings, died of a heart attack during a tournament. World Pocket Billiards Association (WPA) SNS

According to local media reports, Chang Zhenglin died while resting in his hotel room after winning a round of 32 match against an Indonesian player. It is reported that a tournament official found Chang Zhenglin unconscious and collapsed in his hotel room. When discovered, he had no pulse or breathing and was rushed to the hospital, but he never regained consciousness. A preliminary report indicated that Chang Zhenglin suffered a stroke following a heart attack. Chao Fengfang, president of the Taipei Billiards Association, said that Chang Zhenglin was not feeling well after playing an early morning match. After news of his death broke, the Taiwan Billiards Association posted a tribute on social media, stating, "Thank you for your years of dedicated work for billiards and for bringing honor to our country."

Back in 2012, Chang Zhenglin became the world number one after winning the 'World 8-Ball Championship' organized by the World Pocket Billiards Association (WPA). He was known for his aggressive playing style and was nicknamed 'Devil Fire Cloud.' He established himself as a leading Taiwanese billiards player by winning multiple international tournaments, including the All Japan Championship (2011-2012), World Team Championship (2013), World 9-Ball Open (2018), and Las Vegas Open (2020). He was also scheduled to represent Taiwan at the upcoming World Games in Chengdu, China, in August.

'Stroke,' which was reported as the cause of Chang Zhenglin's death, is something that requires special caution not only in winter but also in the middle of summer. In particular, it is known that for every 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature, the cardiovascular mortality rate rises by 2 percent, and the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack can increase significantly. When dehydration causes blood viscosity to increase, the likelihood of blood clot formation rises in narrowed blood vessels, which can lead to a heart attack. Early symptoms of a stroke include sudden headache, weakness in one arm or leg, and speech difficulties. If these symptoms appear, it is crucial to seek medical attention without delay. Stroke treatment requires opening the blocked cerebral blood vessel within 3 to 4.5 hours after onset. Missing this window can lead to serious aftereffects even after treatment, so if any suspicious symptoms are detected, immediate hospital care is necessary. Preventive measures for stroke include quitting smoking, abstaining from alcohol, avoiding fatty foods, and engaging in regular aerobic exercise.