It was a sorrowful day on Monday as former world number one Chang Jung-Lin suddenly passed away following a heart attack, and poignant tributes have since been made across the pool world.
Chang, who was WPA world number one and world 8-ball champion in 2012, was resting in his hotel room between matches at the Indonesia International Open in Jakarta when passing away at the age of 40.
In addition to his finest hour at the World 8-Ball Championship, when he defeated Taiwanese compatriot Fu Che-Wei in the final, Chang was an International Open and Las Vegas Open champion, an All-Japan Championship winner and a multiple-time winner on the former Guinness Asian Tour.
His passing was a devastating one within the pool community, with Mosconi Cup star Tyler Styer leading the tributes. “This one hurts,” he began. “It was a pleasure sharing the table with you, Chang. We’ll battle again on the other side.
“For those of you who didn’t know Chang Jung-Lin, he was a fierce competitor who showed almost no emotion, broke perfect, almost never missed, had an incredible cue ball, and had one of the best IQs in the game. We all looked up to him in one way or another but on the table he was a problem for all of us.
“Before Covid, he was top five in the world playing eight-ball, nine-ball or ten-ball. He seemed to start coming out of his shell in the last few years and we all started to realise how funny he was and that he actually was a human, and not a Taiwanese robot. An absolute legend gone way too soon.”
A tribute from former women’s world number one Chou Chieh-Yu, who Chang won a Predator mixed doubles event alongside, read in translation: “I remember when I became a player at the age of 17. You were already a regular winner of tournaments everywhere.
“We practiced together all the time and you were very patient with me. I learned a lot from you about the attitude of pool. I’ll never hear you teasing me again. You’ll always be in our hearts and minds. My best teammate.”
Vietnam’s Duong Quoc Hoang added: “Upon hearing the news of his passing, I was truly shocked. Billiards is a beautiful sport, but it is also very harsh. Behind every spectacular shot lies a solitary struggle, psychological pressure, and both physical and mental fatigue that few people see. And sometimes, it is precisely these things that silently wear a person down.
“I can only offer my deepest condolences to his family and pray for his rest. He was a part of the memories of many Asian billiards players, including myself.”
World number one Fedor Gorst said: “One of the greatest talents our sport has ever seen. 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.”
Women’s world 10-ball champion Kristina Tkach said: “We’ve lost one of our own today. Rest in peace, Chang Jung-Lin. Your presence, your passion, and your love for the game will never be forgotten. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. You will be missed.”
Former world number one Shane van Boening expressed: “I can’t believe the news of Chang – he was only 40 years old. We had many battles on the table and I’ll never forget the time we played a long set. He surely will be missed.”
Another ex-world number one in Francisco Sanchez Ruiz added: “You’ve been the best example of how to behave at the pool table and be a 100 percent professional. Your legacy will always remain with us, and we will never forget you.”
“Hundreds of times I’ve thought pool is the most cruel game but I was wrong as life itself is the most cruel game we all play,” said Albin Ouschan. “It’s shocking that he’s gone forever, even though I haven’t known him very well, but he was a very likeable person on and off the table. He will be missed but definitely never forgotten.”
Alex Kazakis, who was also competing in Indonesia, said: “This morning he was playing near me – he won and went to the room to prepare for his next match and that was it. Life is so cruel and unfair sometimes. One of the best players to have ever played the game. We all learned so much from you. Rest in peace, champion.”
Aloysius Yapp, meanwhile, was equally as shocked. “I can’t believe it – I was still with you two days ago,” he said. “Please rest in peace. Thanks for all the practice sessions, advice and battles. You really were a good person overall – one in a lifetime. See you again.”
Oscar Dominguez said: “I played him multiple times and he was THE man in Asia for so many years. I saw him play so many hours and he was an inspiration to so many, including myself. An absolute machine of a player that wouldn’t miss a ball for hours. But when that switch would turn off, he was the nicest guy around.
“Life is so short. Condolences to his family, rest easy champ. I’ll always remember our battles, xie xie for teaching me so many things, my friend.”
Former world champion Alex Pagulayan said: “I was just talking about you this morning and then I hear this news. Life is too short. It was great to know you for the time we had. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Filipino youngster Kyle Amoroto provided an incredible tribute. “You didn’t just play the game, you defined it,” he said. “With every shot, you carried the pride of your country and the heart of a true champion. Your discipline, calm under pressure, and passion for the sport inspired players across the globe.
“You may have left this world too soon, but your spirit lives on in every corner of the billiards world in every break, every runout, every dream of a young player who watched you and believed. Legends never die. Thank you, Chang Jung-Lin. Your legacy will forever echo on the felt.”
Another Filipino youngster in AJ Manas added: “He was not only a champion on the table but also a true inspiration to the global billiards community. His passion, discipline, and sportsmanship left a lasting legacy in our sport and in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his life.”
Taiwan’s Wei Tzu-Chien, the women’s world number two and a teammate of Chang’s for many years, said in translation: “I’ve known you since I was a kid, you’re like a big brother, you have a fierce face, sometimes a little childish, you’re sincere and straightforward from the bottom of your heart, you’re very strict when it comes to the game, but you’re never stingy with your guidance, and your self-demanding attitude towards the game has always been the best example for me to strive for progress.
“Many foreigners have told me that if they want to learn Chinese, the only reason is because of you, because of your serious face, you always do something and then the people around you burst into laughter, they are so curious about what you are talking about.
“How much you want to prove yourself again, but the heavens have taken you away, look at the fans on the internet, you don’t even know how successful you are, although it’s really hard to let go of you, go to the sky to continue to be the king of the ball, and continue to do what you love most. That somewhat childish but very sincere and persistent big brother, the eternal god in everyone’s heart.”
