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Sumai Agent presents Yokohama BC Count9 Battle 2026 — two days to go.
Today, let us share a little of what went into creating this tournament.
Why we created this tournament
From the day we founded the Yokohama Open Organizing Committee, we had decided to hold a tournament for BC-class players.
But if it were just an ordinary tournament, there would be no need for us to hold it.
Something only we should do.
That is, to make pool a sport that is a joy to watch, too.
Even if it is a BC-class tournament — one for intermediate players.
We wanted a tournament that both the players and the people cheering them on could enjoy.
That wish gave this tournament its shape.
Something worth more than prize money
There is no prize money at this tournament.
What we have prepared instead is live commentary by top pros.
Your play, put into words and made visible by top pros.
You find the problems you had not noticed yourself.
Your thinking gets an update.
You touch, once again, the depth and joy of pool — that is the experience this tournament offers.
Prize money may be gone in a moment.
But what you notice and how you grow here will stay with you for the rest of your life in pool.
There is a view only BC class can show
Pool is also a sport whose brilliance is hard to convey to those who have never watched it.
Top pros in particular are so steady in their shotmaking and cue ball control that, at a glance, it all looks easy.
This time, the matches are BC class.
Their potting is not yet steady.
Their cue ball control is not perfect.
Their knowledge is still growing.
These players will think through the best way forward with everything they have, and fight to run out.
When top pros commentate on that play, it gets put into words: “They aren’t just aiming at a ball — they are building the next shot, and the one after that, as they play.”
For the players, that becomes a spark for growth; for spectators, a doorway into the depth of pool.
Even for people who rarely watch pool, there is something to enjoy.
A tournament that keeps its competitive integrity while being enjoyable for players and spectators alike.
This tournament is one answer to that.
To everyone competing
Pool is fun.
You love pool.
You want to get better.
To the 64 of you who entered with feelings like these.
We made this tournament for you.
Hayato Hijikata and Lo Li-wen making time to commentate, our sponsors backing us — all of it is because they truly want to support your challenge.
Enjoy yourselves to the full on the day.
Be nervous.
Be frustrated.
Be happy.
All of it will become a page in your life in pool.
To everyone enjoying it at the venue or on the stream
Get excited with us, at the venue or in front of your screen.
Cheer on your friends.
Learn from the top pros’ commentary.
Be amazed by the exhibition.
Lose yourself in pool, drink in hand.
If even one of these speaks to you, that alone makes it worth coming.
If you enjoy them all, it will surely be a special day.
People who love pool, people who are just a little curious, people who came only to cheer on a friend — we will make this a tournament where everyone goes home thinking, “I’m glad I came.”
That is our promise.
April 29. We’ll be waiting for you at POOL LABO.
Admission for spectators is free.
The world won’t change, but something in you will. It will be that kind of day.
Sumai Agent presents Yokohama BC Count9 Battle 2026
📅 April 29 (Wed., public holiday)
📍 POOL LABO (Isezakicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama)
💰 Entry fee: ¥5,000
🏆 Winner’s prize: playing cue (worth ¥140,000)
👉 Tournament details
👉 Billiards resources from Japan and around the world, organized by purpose: Billiards in Depth (latest updated hourly)
