Wuhan, August 30: Chang Bingyu from China has won his first ranking event title at the World Snooker Wuhan Open. He triumphed over the newly crowned world number one, Zhao Xintong, in an all-Chinese final, securing a 10-7 victory.
After his win, the 24-year-old Chang expressed, “This title means a lot to me. There was a time when I couldn’t participate in matches, but I returned and regained my professional status. Last year, I reached the final, and now I have finally won the title. I have truly worked hard over the years, which is why I am feeling so emotional.”
Chang reached his first ranking final at the Scottish Open in December 2025, where he led Chris Wakelin 2-1 but lost eight consecutive frames.
He reflected, “After that defeat, I reminded myself every day that if I reached another final, I had to seize the opportunity.”
On his path to the Wuhan title, Chang defeated fellow Chinese players Liu Hongyu, Ali Carter, former world number one Judd Trump, and his idol, seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Following his victory, Chang remarked, “I never thought I could beat Zhao. I came into the match with a mindset to learn from him. I have watched most of his matches in recent years. His game is both attractive and practical. I have emulated many aspects of his style.”
Zhao praised Chang after the match, stating, “The loss is disappointing, but Chang Bingyu deserved the win. Many young players, including him, have already reached a very high level. I believe they will continue to improve.”
The Wuhan Open has now seen Chinese players win for three consecutive editions. This year’s semifinals featured three generations of Chinese players: Jiao Guodong (born in the 1980s), Zhao (born in the 1990s), and Chang (born in the 2000s), all reaching the final four.
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