07/14/2025
Chang Jung-Lin’s thoughts on being World #1 at age 26. A great talent and even better human being… gone too soon. He will be missed by many.
This is a translation of a post Jung-Lin Chang made following his 2012 World 8-Ball Championship win in Fujairah, UAE. He was 26 at the time.
Powerful!
"No one asked me about my ten years of study, but once I became famous, the whole world knew about me.
When I reached the No. 1 ranking in the world today, I saw the clapping and the encouragement, and I heard the thunderous applause.
But behind this the whole world knew about me, I suddenly realized my own ignorance.
Very, very, very ignorant.
The ball I hit is smaller than a baseball.
Naturally, I don't have Wang's outstanding posture.
The ball I hit is bigger than a golf ball.
Naturally, I don't have Zeng Yani's temperament.
My ball is smooth and shiny without hair.
Naturally, I don't have Lu Yen-Hsun's shock and awe.
I don't move people too much because I don't have the ability to make people feel good.
That's why no one televised my World Championship match.
Because we don't belong to the high-level sports, it's hard to make people feel good.
Because we can't make it to the top, that's why I don't have the corporate sponsorships.
I don't want to be compared to anyone. I just want to have my own gym. Want to teach my own students. I want to teach more No. 1's in the world.
I just want everyone to know that pool is not a bad thing.
Pool is not a bad thing.
I just want to make sure that more young people can build their dreams like I did.
I want to have my own path to follow.
I want to be a part of the world of sports.
I just want to make the world of pool bigger and brighter. I just want to do my part for the game when I still have the strength to play.
Let the world know, I come from Taiwan.
I want Taiwan to continue to be proud of me.
I want Taiwan to continue to be proud of pool!
Pick up your equipment and keep moving forward.
The road to my dream is still long.
I can only take it one step at a time.
One ball at a time.
Because I still have unfinished business.
Because I love billiards, because I love Taiwan!
I'm the world's No. 1 in pool. I'm Chang Jung-Lin."
