Pool champion dies aged 40 mid-tournament as tributes pour in for ‘a hero to a generation'
Taiwanese star Chang Jung-Lin passed away after playing a match in the Indonesia Open 10-Ball pool tournament in Jakarta.
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Chang Jung-Lin has died aged 40
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The Taiwanese star died after playing a match in a tournament in Indonesia
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Chang won the 8-ball Pool Championship in 2012
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Chang won his round of 32 match on Sunday morning at 10am and was scheduled to play again at 4pm.
But he was instead found unresponsive in his hotel, according to tournament organisers, and taken to hospital where he could not be revived.
It is believed he suffered a heart attack followed by a stroke.
The World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) confirmed his death and passed on their commiserations to his family, describing him as a "hero to a generation".
A statement reads: 'Beyond his accomplishments in competition, Chang was a quiet leader, an inspiration to the next generation, and a true ambassador of the sport.
'We have lost a legend, but his spirit, sportsmanship, and contributions to cue sports will never be forgotten.'
Tributes have poured in for Chang from fans and fellow players.
World No.1 Fedor Gorst said: 'One of the greatest talents our sport has ever seen.
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'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's biggest triumph came in 2012 when he won the WPA World 8-Ball Championship.
Barry Hearn reveals pool is the 'next darts' and predicts sport will be massive in five years
He also competed in 10-ball pool and 9-ball pool, making his debut in the latter sport in 2005.
Known in Taiwan by his nickname 'Devil Fire Cloud', Chang also reached world No.1 after his 8-ball pool success.
The Chinese Taipei Billiards Association posted a tribute, stating: 'Thank you for your years of hard work for billiards and bringing honour to the country.'
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