Twenty-two-year-old professional pool player Wu Chia-ching, who won a couple of WPA

Wu explained that it's a step he must take to keep his career alive, though he is aware that many local fans will never forgive him for it.

In 2009, Wu Chia-ching clashed with the Billiards Association of the Republic of China after applying for Singaporean citizenship.

The BAROC reinstated his membership last September after his bid for Singaporean citizenship failed, and began planning for a comeback this year.

On Wednesday, the BAROC received a stunning fax from its Chinese counterpart. Wu Chia-ching has become the first domestic athlete to give up his ROC citizenship for PRC citizenship, and will represent China in the Beijing Open this week.

According to Wu's father, Wu hadn't been able to compete in two years and this was the only way for him to continue competing.

The BAROC noted that Wu has been running a billiards equipment in China for the past two years, and says that China did not poach Wu.

While there is little room for turning back, the BAROC says that it respects Wu's decision.