Yokohama Open 2026 Tournament Rules

Yokohama Open 2026 Tournament Rules

Established: December 14, 2025 / Last revised: January 5, 2026

The purpose of these Rules is to ensure that participants agree to and comply with the tournament outline, the playing rules and the matters concerning the operation of “Yokohama Open 2026.”

Chapter 1 Eligibility and Entry

Article 1 (Eligibility)

The tournament is open to amateur and professional players who agree to these Rules.

Article 2 (Capacity and Classes)

  1. The capacity shall be 128 players. However, the number of professional players shall be limited to the first 16 to enter.
  2. There shall be five classes: Pro, LP, A, B and C. Classes are in principle self-declared at the time of entry; however, the organizer may direct a change of class where it deems this necessary.

Article 3 (Entry Period and Method)

  1. Entries shall be made within the designated early entry period for professionals and A-class players, or the general entry period, by the method specified by the organizer.
  2. Once entries reach capacity, registration will close, even within the entry period.

Article 4 (Payment of Entry Fees)

  1. The entry fees shall be as follows:
    • Pro, LP and A class: 8,000 yen
    • B and C class: 5,000 yen
  2. The entry fee shall be paid at the venue on the day of the tournament.
  3. In the event of same-day cancellation or disqualification for lateness after entry, regardless of the reason, the full entry fee will be charged.

Chapter 2 Playing Rules

Article 5 (Game and Rules)

  1. The game shall be 9-Ball.
  2. The rules adopted shall be 1-ball on the foot spot, the 3-point rule and winner breaks.
  3. Racking shall be by random self-rack.
  4. Push out (shoot out) shall be allowed.
  5. Double hit shall not apply.

Article 6 (Match Format and Race Length)

  1. The qualifying rounds shall be played in double-elimination format, and the finals shall be played in single-elimination format.
  2. The Round of 64 shall be played between the winners’ side and the losers’ side. From the Round of 32, play shall move to the final venue (POOL LABO).
  3. Race lengths shall be as follows:
    • Qualifying:
      • Pro: race to 6
      • LP and A class: race to 5
      • B and C class: race to 4
      • Losers’ side matches shall be played as races one rack shorter than those specified above.
    • Finals:
      • Pro: race to 7
      • LP and A class: race to 6
      • B and C class: race to 5

Article 7 (Chess Clock)

1. The time allowance (chess clock) for each class shall be as follows:

  • Pro: qualifying 36 minutes / finals 42 minutes
  • LP and A class: qualifying 30 minutes / finals 36 minutes
  • B and C class: qualifying 25 minutes / finals 30 minutes

2. Once a player has used up the time allowance, a shot clock of 30 seconds per shot shall apply (with an announcement at 15 seconds remaining and a countdown from 5 seconds remaining).
3. To keep the tournament running smoothly, participants who are not playing a match may be asked to assist with operations, such as acting as timekeeper for other matches. Participants shall cooperate when so requested by the Executive Committee.

Article 8 (Lateness)

A player who has been called for a match and does not appear at the designated location within 5 minutes shall be disqualified. In the event of disqualification, the entry fee will not be refunded.

Article 9 (Dress Code)

While taking part in the tournament, participants shall comply with the designated dress code. Shorts and sandals are not permitted. Participants who do not comply with the dress code may be refused participation.

Chapter 3 Prizes and Other Matters

Article 10 (Prizes)

The following prizes shall be awarded to the prize winners:

  • Champion: 200,000 yen (or equivalent)
  • Runner-up: 100,000 yen (or equivalent)
  • Tied 3rd: 50,000 yen (or equivalent)
  • Tied 5th: 25,000 yen (or equivalent)
  • Tied 9th: 15,000 yen in Chinatown dining vouchers
  • Tied 17th: billiards goods

Article 11 (Portrait Rights and Personal Information)

By competing in the tournament, participants consent to photographs and videos taken during the tournament, together with their names and other information, being published on websites, YouTube and other media. Participants shall enter only after confirming that all portrait rights belong to the Yokohama Open Executive Committee.

Article 12 (Event)

Each entrant will receive a bingo card. At the final venue, a bingo game with deluxe prizes will be held.

Article 13 (Changes to or Cancellation of the Tournament)

Participants accept in advance that the date and time, venue, content or method of operation of the tournament may be changed, or the tournament may be cancelled, due to natural disasters, epidemics or other unavoidable circumstances.

Article 14 (Matters Not Provided for in These Rules)

  1. By competing in the tournament, participants consent to photographs and videos taken during the tournament, together with their names and other information, being published on websites, YouTube and other media.
  2. Participants shall enter only after confirming that all portrait rights belong to the Yokohama Open Executive Committee.
  3. Only where specially permitted by the Executive Committee, filming and photography (video and still images) may be carried out by members of the media, persons associated with entertainers, and other third parties. Participants accept in advance that their likeness may be used in such productions, broadcasts, social media and the like.