Lessons from the 2025 China Open Finals: What League Players Can Steal from the Pros

The China Open isn’t just another tournament—it’s one of the toughest proving grounds in pool. This year in Shanghai, two players etched their names into the game’s history: Wojciech Szewczyk (men’s 9-ball, 11–5 over Dang Jinhu) and Chihiro Kawahara (women’s final, 9–6 over Liu Shasha).

These finals weren’t just good TV. They were a masterclass in what separates the best from the rest—and what league players can borrow for Tuesday night.

Control the Pace—Don’t Let It Control You

Both champions kept the same rhythm no matter the layout—walk, chalk, breathe, commit. No rush shots, no panic.

League Takeaway: Build a pre-shot routine and protect it—make or miss.

Win With Cue Ball, Not Just Shotmaking

Smart position and timely safeties kept opponents off balance. Pretty shots don’t matter if the leave is garbage.

League Takeaway: Think two shots ahead. Play the safe when it wins more racks.

Miss? Reset Like Nothing Happened

They missed, too. The difference was the response—quiet body language, back to the chair, breathe, ready for the next chance.

League Takeaway: Your reaction is a tell. Stay neutral and make them wonder.

The Break Isn’t a Coin Flip

Controlled power, repeatable contact, fewer dry breaks—that’s where matches tilt. Treat your break like a shot you can own.

League Takeaway: Practice the break. Learn your table’s rack patterns.

Confidence Is Quiet

No chest-thumping, no theatrics—just steady eyes and disciplined decisions from lag to handshake.

Five Things to Steal for League Night

• Set your rhythm. Walk/chalk/breathe/commit.
• Play cue ball first. Position beats hero shots.
• Neutral reactions. Miss, reset, move on.
• Own the break. Make it repeatable.
• Carry quiet confidence. Let your decisions do the talking.

Pool is pool—world stage or bar table. The habits that travel are the ones that win.