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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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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