Gareth Potts and Kelly Fisher have successfully defended their titles at the 2026 WPA Heyball World Championships in Pune, India, in a landmark event for the sport.
The championship brought together 128 international players in the centenary year of the Billiards & Snooker Federation of India, with competitors battling for a share of a substantial $400,000 prize fund.
The event provided another impressive showcase of Heyball’s growing international appeal, with players from across the world competing for one of the sport’s biggest prizes.
Kelly Fisher Retains Women’s World Title
Kelly Fisher produced a dramatic performance to retain her women’s world championship.
The English star faced Thailand’s Waratthanun Sukritthanes in a thrilling final and looked to be in control after racing into a 4–1 lead.
However, Sukritthanes refused to give up and produced an impressive comeback to level the contest at 5–5, setting up a dramatic conclusion.
With the world title coming down to a blackball shootout, Fisher kept her composure when it mattered most.
The reigning champion eventually prevailed 5–4 to successfully defend her title and become a back-to-back Heyball World Champion.
It was another outstanding achievement from Fisher, who continues to establish herself as one of the leading players in the sport.
Gareth Potts Defends Men’s Crown
Gareth Potts also successfully retained his world title, defeating Jordan Shepherd 7–3 in the men’s final.
Potts’ route to the championship was not straightforward, with the Englishman having to recover from an early setback during the tournament.
His response demonstrated the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of his game.
As the competition progressed, Potts found his rhythm and produced a series of strong performances to reach the final, where he delivered another impressive display against Shepherd.
The 7–3 victory secured Potts another Heyball World Championship and cemented his place among the sport’s elite.
A Landmark Championship for Heyball
The 2026 WPA Heyball World Championships represented an important milestone for the sport.
With 128 international athletes travelling to Pune and a combined prize fund of $400,000, the tournament demonstrated the increasing scale and global reach of Heyball.
The championship also took place during the centenary year of the Billiards & Snooker Federation of India, adding further significance to an already historic event.
India provided an impressive setting for the world’s leading Heyball players, with the tournament celebrating not only elite competition but also the country’s culture, hospitality and growing role within international cue sports.
Heyball Continues to Grow Globally
The tournament also highlighted the importance of international broadcasting in bringing Heyball to a wider audience.
WPALive.tv provided extensive multi-table coverage throughout the championship, helping fans around the world follow the action and increasing the visibility of the sport.
The continued expansion of international coverage is another important step in Heyball’s development as a global cue sport.
The championship’s success in Pune demonstrates the growing interest in Heyball across different regions and the ability of the sport to bring together players and fans from around the world.
Two Champions, Two Successful Defences
For Potts and Fisher, the tournament will be remembered as another significant chapter in their careers.
Both players faced strong opposition on their way to the finals and both showed the quality and composure required to win on the biggest stage.
Fisher’s dramatic shootout victory over Sukritthanes and Potts’ convincing 7–3 victory over Shepherd ensured that both reigning champions would return home with their world titles intact.
Their achievements will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Heyball players and further strengthen the sport’s international profile.
Congratulations to Gareth Potts and Kelly Fisher on successfully defending their WPA Heyball World Championship titles in Pune.
