During the qualifying stages, Chang achieved a stunning 147 maximum break. This feat not only showcased his skill but also secured him a £147,000 bonus for achieving two maximum breaks during the season’s Triple Crown events. Additionally, he received £15,000 as the highest break prize at the World Championship.

Chang’s journey has been tumultuous. In December 2022, he faced a 20-month ban due to a match-fixing scandal that rocked the snooker community, involving ten Chinese players and resulting in lifetime bans for Liang Wenbo and Li Hang. Reflecting on his past actions, Chang admitted to fixing a match at the 2022 British Open under pressure from Liang Wenbo. “We note that, at the time that his match fixing took place, Chang was aged 20,” said an official.

After his suspension ended in December 2024, he returned to competitive snooker and won the Asia-Pacific Championship. His comeback included being the runner-up in the 2025 Scottish Open, further solidifying his reputation in the sport.

Shaun Murphy praised Chang’s performance after witnessing one of his matches at the Welsh Open: “That was as good as anything I’ve ever witnessed in my 35 years playing snooker.” Murphy added that it was “the best performance in a best-of-seven match that I’ve ever seen,” emphasizing that if it were someone like Ronnie O’Sullivan or Judd Trump, it would dominate headlines.

The snooker world watches closely as Chang continues to navigate his career post-ban. His ability to rise above controversy and showcase immense talent keeps fans hopeful for what lies ahead.

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At just 20 years old, Wu’s journey began when he relocated from Lanzhou to the UK at 16 to pursue his passion for snooker. His determination paid off, culminating in this championship win, which comes with a hefty prize of £500,000. “My mum wasn’t in very good health condition for a long time,” Wu reflected after his victory, emphasizing the sacrifices made along his journey. “She sacrificed everything for me.”

This championship final was notable not only for its thrilling conclusion but also because it lasted the full 35 frames, showcasing both players’ skills and tenacity. Wu’s triumph puts him at number four in the snooker rankings, while Judd Trump retains his position as world number one.

Meanwhile, Chang Bingyu, despite not participating in the main tournament, earned £172,000 after achieving a remarkable 147 maximum break during qualifying. His recent ban related to a match-fixing scandal—which lasted 20 months—still looms over his career. Observers note that Chang was only 20 years old when his actions took place.

Key statistics:

• Wu Yize won £500,000 as prize money for his championship victory.
• Chang Bingyu earned £172,000 despite not competing in the final stages.
• The championship final was one of the few to last all 35 frames.
• Wu Yize is now ranked fourth in world snooker rankings.
• Judd Trump remains the world number one.
• Zhao Xintong holds third place in the rankings.

The excitement doesn’t stop here; players will soon participate in Q School tournaments from May 13 to May 31, 2026, aiming to secure spots on the World Snooker Tour. As Chinese snooker continues to rise, Wu Yize’s victory serves as an inspiring chapter in its history.

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At that moment, Wu Yize led 67-31 in the frame. Security personnel quickly removed the protestor from the venue, restoring order just moments later. The incident echoed previous disturbances during this year’s championships, including a male spectator who shouted about the Epstein files during the semi-finals.

John Parrott reassured viewers after the chaos, saying, “Sorry for that disturbance, it’s all sorted.” Meanwhile, Rob Spencer reminded attendees to keep their phones silent to avoid further interruptions. The event was being broadcast live on BBC One, with peak viewership reaching 1.8 million during critical moments.

The protest raised questions about public sentiment regarding the BBC licence fee—an issue many feel strongly about. The protestor’s outburst resonated with some spectators. One could hear her voice cutting through the tension: “Who f***ing pays their TV licence anyway?”

Despite this disruption, play resumed shortly after security dealt with the situation. The arena’s seating capacity is 980, but such incidents can overshadow even high-stakes matches like this one.

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Davis dominated the snooker scene with an impressive record: 15 Triple Crown events and 28 ranking titles. Yet, his composed demeanor earned him the moniker ‘Mr Boring’. He reflected on this perception, saying, “I wasn’t a politician, I was a snooker player – I was only an ambassador of that sport. So I didn’t lose much sleep over it in the end really.” This sentiment underscores how he viewed his public image versus the reality of his personal choices.

The decisive moment came when he embarked on an affair with 19-year-old dancer Cheree Palla while he was 39 and married to Judy Greig. The revelation shattered his marriage, leading to their separation in 2005 after more than a decade together. In hindsight, Davis acknowledged the impact of his choices: “Perhaps I was giving the table a bit too much attention.”

The fallout from the affair was significant. It not only ended his marriage but also altered public perception. Once seen as merely an athlete, he became embroiled in scandal—what he later termed a “kiss-and-tell scandal” when details emerged about his relationship with Palla.

Transitioning from snooker to music, Davis has carved out a new identity as a DJ and co-founder of The Utopia Strong. He has performed at notable venues such as the Glastonbury Festival and even supported Blur at Wembley Stadium. His foray into music appears to have revitalized him; he now describes himself as someone who embraces uncertainty: “You just don’t know what is going to happen.”

Despite the dramatic shifts in his life, Davis has maintained financial stability with an estimated net worth of around £26.5 million and over £5.6 million accumulated from prize money during his snooker career. He acknowledges that sportspeople can be selfish: “I described myself as difficult to live with.” This self-awareness adds depth to his character.

Today, Steve Davis embodies the complexity of reinvention—he’s no longer just ‘Mr Boring’, but rather a multifaceted individual navigating both personal and professional transformations.

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Higgins, a four-time world champion, had never led at the end of any session until this pivotal moment. He made his first century break of the contest during the last session, showcasing his skill and determination as he approaches his 51st birthday later this month.

The match began with a tightly contested first session that ended in a 4-4 tie. However, Murphy fought back to level the match at 8-8 before Higgins surged ahead. “Murphy battled back to leave his World Snooker Championship semi-final against John Higgins tied at 8-8 ahead of their evening session,” noted observers.

As they head into the final session, which is set to begin on Saturday at 14:30 BST, both players are aware that this best-of-33 encounter could hinge on just a few frames. The tension is palpable as fans eagerly await the conclusion of this thrilling contest.

With Higgins leading for the first time, expectations are high. Observers see him as a formidable opponent, especially considering his extensive experience at the Crucible Theatre. Yet, Murphy remains a tough competitor who can turn the tide quickly.

The stage is set for an exhilarating finish as both players prepare to give their all for a spot in the final.

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As the tension built, Parrott argued that both players were showing signs of fatigue from their previous matches. He pointed out that Higgins had only 14 hours of recovery time between matches, suggesting that this lack of rest impacted their performance. “Do you know the best thing for this match? A good night’s sleep. I am telling you now, this will be the best thing – they will come back tomorrow far better,” Parrott insisted.

Hendry countered with conviction. He dismissed the idea that Shaun Murphy might be suffering from a hangover or fatigue. “I don’t understand it. How can you not come out and be buzzing? I certainly don’t subscribe to Shaun Murphy having a hangover, not at all,” he stated firmly. This exchange highlighted their differing philosophies on handling pressure in high-stakes situations.

Parrott continued to make his case, emphasizing that both players were missing shots due to exhaustion. “I will tell you why, because he is following a peak performance that’s why,” he said, referring to Higgins’s earlier successes in the tournament. Yet Hendry remained steadfast in his belief that such fatigue was part of the challenge inherent to snooker’s most prestigious event.

Key statistics from the match:

• The match was tied at 4-4 after the first session.
• Higgins had just 14 hours of recovery time before this semi-final.
• A break of 50 was made by Higgins in the final frame of the session.

The debate sparked interest among viewers tuning into the BBC coverage, as fans weighed in on social media about which side they supported. Some agreed with Parrott’s view on fatigue affecting player performance, while others sided with Hendry’s assertion that elite athletes should thrive under pressure.

This live disagreement not only showcased two legends of snooker but also reflected broader themes in sports regarding mental endurance and physical limits. As discussions continued online, it became clear that this clash would resonate beyond just one match—echoing throughout future conversations in snooker circles.

The World Snooker Championship remains one of the sport’s biggest tests, challenging players physically and mentally as they navigate through grueling matches.

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The match began with promise for Selby. He built an early lead, showcasing his experience and skill. But as the frames unfolded, the tide shifted dramatically. A missed routine red—a shot that should have been simple—turned the momentum in Wu’s favor. Suddenly, Selby found himself grappling not just with his opponent but with the weight of expectation that comes with being a former champion.

Frustration bubbled over when Selby slammed his cue against the table after missing another shot. “Just too many silly errors really,” he lamented later, reflecting on his performance. His emotional outburst revealed more than frustration; it was a glimpse into the pressures that top players endure during high-stakes matches.

Despite scoring more points and potting more balls than Wu throughout the contest, Selby’s inability to convert opportunities ultimately cost him dearly. He managed to claw back from a 12-9 deficit to bring it to 12-11, igniting hopes of a comeback. Yet, in snooker, hope can be fleeting. With each frame that slipped away, so did Selby’s chance at redemption.

After sealing a 13-11 victory over the experienced player, Wu Yize celebrated his achievement—his second-ever win at the World Snooker Championship. The young player’s composure under pressure impressed many, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, who praised him as a “more dynamic” version of Steve Davis. O’Sullivan’s endorsement might just signal a bright future for Wu in professional snooker.

Selby’s post-match reflections echoed through the arena: “I felt like I only played well really in the first session.” His admission highlighted not only his disappointment but also an awareness of how quickly fortunes can change in this sport. The conditions had been challenging; he described them as “atrocious,” noting that the table had been re-covered just before their match began.

As observers digested this unexpected outcome, speculation arose about what this means for Selby moving forward. Having not won a World Championship title in five years now, questions linger about whether he can reclaim his former glory or if this defeat marks a turning point in his career.

For now, Wu Yize advances to face new challenges ahead in the tournament while Mark Selby must regroup and reflect on how to navigate both the physical and emotional demands of snooker at its highest level. The next chapter for both players unfolds as they continue their journeys on this storied stage.

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