Contestants compete at the first China Mahjong Open from March 24 to 26. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The semifinal and final of the China Mahjong Open were held at the Hangzhou Branch of Chinese Qiyuan (chess club) in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, from March 24 to 26.

During the three-day event, about 100 players competed for the Weile Cup and a cash prize of up to 1 million yuan ($145,530) in the two official contests – Sichuan Bloody Rules and the Mahjong Competition Rules, and a promotional game of Hangzhou Mahjong 2V2.

The 64 SBR players competed for prizes of 200,000 yuan, 120,000 yuan and 90,000 yuan in three rounds from March 24 to 26, while in the MCR contest 16 contestants competed for prizes of 50,000 yuan, 30,000 yuan and 20,000 yuan on March 24 and 25.

The top three places in the Hangzhou Mahjong 2V2 were determined through the round robin system, and the winners were given cash prizes ranging from 4,000 yuan to 12,000 yuan.

A group of well-known players, including Zhang Nan, Yu Yukui, Wu Taikang, Wang Yu, Song Panjing and Yan Jun, also took part in the event.

According to the event's organizer, mahjong players can be certified with the title by attending grading competitions on designated platforms before registering for the next event.

Mahjong tiles. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]