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Following Hayato Hijikata last time, we continue introducing the commentators for Yokohama BC Count9 Battle on Wednesday, April 29 (public holiday).
Our second commentator is Lo Li-wen.
And as it happens, this event is a special stage for Lo.
The venue for the event is POOL LABO — the billiards studio Lo runs himself.
Who is Lo Li-wen?
Born in 1978 in Taiwan. Lives in Kanagawa Prefecture.
He began his pro career in Taiwan, a pool powerhouse, and in 2009 transferred to the JPBA (Japan Professional Pocket Billiard Association) as a member of its 43rd class.
In 2010, the very next year, he finished No. 1 in the JPBA annual rankings (MVP): a stunning debut.
Since then he has stayed in the top three of the rankings, a constant presence at the summit of Japanese pool.
For his flawless precision, they call him “the Precision Machine.”
He is known for the accuracy of every single shot, and for meticulous cue-ball control.
A distinguished record
- JPBA ranking No. 1 (MVP): 2010, 2022
- All Japan 14.1 Championship: 5 titles (2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2022)
- Asian Championship: 3 in a row (2015, 2016, 2017)
- US Open 10-Ball (2010): Runner-up
- Champion, 1st Yokohama Open (February 2026: the first-ever champion, here in his home city of Yokohama!)
Above all, there is his strength at 14.1 (straight pool).
For many years he has held the most titles in this discipline in Japan, and plenty of fans surely think “14.1 means Lo.”
Hijikata, with three titles, has been closing in on that stronghold, and perhaps that is precisely because Lo has always stood there as “the wall to get past.”
A world-class player, growing richer with the years
In August 2025, Lo entered Battle of the Bull (total purse US$70,000), an international event sanctioned by the World Nineball Tour, held in Virginia, USA. In a field of 128 strong players, in the third round of the losers’ side, he beat Carlo Biado, 9-ball world champion and No. 2 in the WNT rankings, 9-7: a famous win.
He then took a big match against Thorsten Hohmann (Germany) as well, and advanced to Stage 2 (the last 32).
His final opponent was Shane Van Boening.
Here Lo struggled with his own break, and scratches handed ball in hand, more than once, to an opponent of world-champion caliber; to everyone’s regret, his run ended there.
Even so, to beat a world champion head-on is proof that Lo is still sharpening his technique and his precision today.
Indeed, Lo has said in an interview that “bringing Chinese tables into my practice has improved my shot-making.” More than sixteen years into his pro career, he keeps studying and training, always looking to get better.
Growing richer with the years, and still able to go toe-to-toe with the world’s best: that is Lo Li-wen today.
And his 2026 season is going well.
After Grand Prix East Leg 2, he also won the most recent Kanto Open, already his second official title of the season.
Commentating on home ground in Yokohama
POOL LABO, the venue for this event, is the billiards studio Lo founded himself and still runs.
Set in Kannai, Yokohama, it offers everything from lessons to pro tour events, and is known as a heart of the local pool scene.
In other words, for Lo this is a chance to join as a commentator in his own home: an event with a special meaning.
Lo has coached many players with his “Japan–Taiwan hybrid method,” which brings together technique schooled in Taiwan and his professional experience in Japan. His commentary is sure to open the eyes of everyone watching, too.
Sponsors
Here are the companies that sponsor Lo.
POOL LABO
Just Do It Co., Ltd.
Kokokarada
Zen Custom Cue
U.K.Corporation
Linea Company
Hybrid Chalk
NAOLLY
SNS
A rivalry with Hijikata, and an exhibition match on the day!
As we mentioned in Hijikata’s introduction, these two have fought for the title in the final of the All Japan 14.1 Championship time and again.
In 2013, at the moment Hijikata’s No. 1 ranking was confirmed, the first to say “congratulations” was Lo, the very player he had been battling for the top spot that year. Hijikata tells the story himself on his blog, and it shows a relationship of long rivalry and deep mutual respect.
Now the two of them will be on the same side, watching over your games.
And on the day, beyond commentary from the last 32 onward, there will also be a Count 9 exhibition match between Hijikata and Lo. Top pros playing an exhibition at a B/C-class event is something you almost never see.
Hijikata, the creator of Count 9, against his destined rival, Lo, head to head in the same game: no pool fan will want to miss it.
And admission on the day is free.
The players fight it out for real with top pros commentating, and the gallery gets to enjoy an exhibition between two of Japan’s best, for free.
On April 29, we can’t think of a single reason not to come to POOL LABO.
We hope to see you there!
Yokohama BC Count9 Battle
📅 April 29 (Wed., public holiday)
📍 POOL LABO (Isezakicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama)
💰 Entry fee: ¥5,000
🏆 Winner’s prize: playing cue (worth ¥140,000)
👉 Billiards resources from Japan and around the world, organized by purpose: Billiards in Depth (latest updated hourly)
