During the qualifying stage, Chang produced a stunning 147 maximum break. This achievement earned him a bonus of £147,000 for achieving two maximum breaks in the season’s Triple Crown events.

Additionally, he received £15,000 for having the highest break at the World Championship. His ban lasted 20 months due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.

The scandal implicated ten Chinese players and led to lifetime bans for Liang Wenbo and Li Hang. Chang admitted to fixing a match at the 2022 British Open under pressure from Wenbo.

Since his return from suspension in December 2024, Chang has shown remarkable form. He won the Asia-Pacific Championship and was runner-up in the 2025 Scottish Open.

Shaun Murphy praised Chang’s performance, stating, “That was as good as anything I’ve ever witnessed in my 35 years playing snooker.” Murphy noted that Chang’s skills could rival those of top players like Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Observers continue to watch Chang’s progress closely. His next matches will be crucial as he aims to rebuild his reputation in professional snooker.

The post Chang Bingyu Earns £172,000 Despite Match-Fixing Ban appeared first on UKnews.

Wu received £500,000 in prize money for his win. In addition, Chang Bingyu earned £172,000 despite not participating in the main tournament.

During the qualifying stage, Chang produced a remarkable 147 maximum break. Wu Yize is now ranked number four in the world snooker rankings.

As of midday, Judd Trump remains the world number one, followed by Zhao Xintong at third place. The final match was one of the few to last the full 35 frames.

In a statement, Wu expressed gratitude for his mother’s support, saying, “My mum wasn’t in very good health condition for a long time. She sacrificed everything for me.”

Chang Bingyu faced controversy after being banned for 20 months related to a match-fixing scandal. Officials noted that he was only 20 years old when his match-fixing took place.

Looking ahead, players will participate in Q School tournaments from May 13 to May 31, 2026. These tournaments will determine spots on the World Snooker Tour.

This championship win adds to Wu’s growing legacy and showcases the increasing prominence of Chinese players in international snooker.

The post Snooker: Wu Yize Wins World Championship, Another Milestone for Chinese Snooker appeared first on UKnews.

Earlier that day, Mark Allen faced off against Wu Yize in a gripping semi-final match. Despite a strong performance, Allen lost with a final score of 17-16. The match showcased the intense pressure and stakes involved in professional snooker.

As the match concluded, Hazel Irvine expressed her sadness for Allen’s missed shot during the BBC coverage. She stated, “I still cannot watch Mark Allen’s missed black, I am really sorry Mark.” This sentiment resonated with viewers who witnessed the high tension of the game.

John Parrott also commented on the situation, saying, “Unbelievable. If you are watching pal, I am still hurting for you. I am absolutely am, I have never seen anything like it.” His words reflected the shared empathy among fans and commentators alike.

Mark Allen himself acknowledged the immense pressure he felt during the match. He remarked, “You don’t deserve to be in a world final if you’re missing balls like that,” highlighting his self-awareness about handling stress in critical moments.

The emotional toll of such high-stakes matches is significant. At just 22 years old, Wu Yize emerged victorious and advanced further in his career while Allen’s quest for a maiden World Championship final continues for another year.

This incident underscores not only the competitive nature of snooker but also the human element involved. Players like Mark Allen face immense psychological challenges as they strive for success on such a grand stage.

The post Hazel Irvine’s heartfelt apology to Mark Allen during World Snooker Championship appeared first on UKnews.

The protest halted the match for a brief period. Security personnel quickly removed the protestor from the venue. Witnesses reported that she shouted, “Who f***ing pays their TV licence anyway?”

This incident follows another disruption during the semi-final, where a male spectator shouted about the Epstein files. As of midday, officials have not confirmed whether further actions will be taken against the protestor.

The match resumed shortly after security dealt with the situation. The event was being broadcast on BBC One, which may have contributed to the protestor’s message.

Key facts:

• Wu Yize’s score during the protest was 67.
• Shaun Murphy’s score at that time was 31.
• The seating capacity of the Crucible Theatre is 980.

John Parrott, commenting on the incident, said, “Sorry for that disturbance, it’s all sorted.” Rob Spencer added, “Make sure your phones are on silent or switched off. Don’t be the person that has to be thrown out.”

The post World snooker championship final protest appeared first on UKnews.

Davis dominated snooker in the 1980s, winning six world titles and earning over £5.6 million in prize money. He was Britain’s highest-paid sportsperson during this time, thanks to lucrative endorsement deals. However, his personal life took a hit when he had an affair with 19-year-old dancer Cheree Palla while he was 39 and married to Judy Greig.

After the affair became public, Davis and Greig separated in 2005 after more than a decade together. They share two sons, Greg and Jack. The fallout from the affair led Davis to call it a “kiss-and-tell scandal” as details emerged about their relationship.

As he moved on from snooker, Davis explored new avenues in music. He co-founded the electro group The Utopia Strong and has performed at major events like the Glastonbury Festival. His transition into music reflects his desire for reinvention after years of being labeled dull.

Despite his past reputation, Davis now embraces his role as a DJ. He acknowledges that sportspeople can be difficult to live with, stating, “I wasn’t a politician; I was a snooker player.” His candidness about his flaws marks a stark contrast to his previous persona.

Experts note that such transformations are not uncommon among retired athletes. Many seek new identities after their sports careers end. For Davis, this journey has included criticism of the current state of snooker—he recently called a long frame an “embarrassment to the sport.”

Davis’s estimated net worth stands at approximately £26.5 million, showcasing the financial success he achieved during his snooker career. Yet, it’s clear that his focus now lies in music rather than sports.

The story of Steve Davis illustrates how personal and professional lives can intertwine dramatically. His evolution from snooker star to techno DJ is emblematic of broader themes of reinvention and resilience.

The post Steve Davis Transitions from Snooker Champion to Techno DJ appeared first on UKnews.

Parrott argued that both players were suffering from fatigue and needed rest. He pointed out that Higgins had only 14 hours of recovery time between matches. Parrott suggested that a good night’s sleep would significantly improve their performance.

Hendry disagreed, stating he did not believe Shaun Murphy had a hangover. He maintained that players should be able to perform under pressure, emphasizing the competition’s intensity.

The disagreement escalated as Parrott insisted that both players were missing shots due to fatigue. He stated, “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.”

Hendry countered with his perspective, saying, “I don’t understand it. How can you not come out and be buzzing?” He reiterated that the World Snooker Championship represents the world’s biggest test for players.

This live disagreement highlighted contrasting views on performance under pressure in high-stakes situations. The match continues to draw attention as fans await how both players will adjust in the coming sessions.

The World Snooker Championship remains a prestigious event in the sport, with many eyes watching closely as this semi-final unfolds.

The post John parrott stephen hendry disagreement appeared first on UKnews.

Trump achieved impressive breaks of 76, 100, 74, and 94 during the match. His first century break was exactly 100 points. Vafaei responded with notable breaks of 82 and 65, showing he is a tricky opponent for Trump.

The session began with Trump ahead in the opening frame. However, Vafaei took that frame, demonstrating his resilience. Still, Trump managed to regain control as the match progressed.

As of midday, Trump’s performance has positioned him well for a potential victory. Yet, Vafaei’s ability to score high breaks keeps the outcome uncertain.

In this tournament, multiple matches are taking place throughout the day. Neil Robertson and Chris Wakelin are also competing in other matches, adding to the excitement of the championship.

The stakes are high as both players aim for advancement in this prestigious event. With only frames remaining, every shot counts significantly.

Vafaei continues to be the tricky opponent many expected for Trump. Trump’s struggles have been evident at times, raising questions about his consistency under pressure.

The next frames will determine if Trump can maintain his lead or if Vafaei will mount a comeback. Fans eagerly await what unfolds next on this thrilling snooker stage.

The post Hossein vafaei: Judd Trump Takes Narrow Lead Against in Crucible Clash appeared first on UKnews.

This match took place at the Crucible Theatre on April 20, 2026. As of midday, Hawkins’ performance marked a turning point in his recent struggles.

Prior to this victory, Hawkins had not won a main-draw match since 2021. Expectations were low for him going into this tournament.

During the match, Hawkins made a break of 99, which was the highest of the match. At one point, he led Stevens 7-2.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Hawkins expressed dissatisfaction with the table conditions. He compared them to a chaotic ping-pong table.

Hawkins noted that both he and Stevens struggled with the table’s quirks. “It’s obviously hard to control the cue ball then,” he said.

He emphasized that adapting to such conditions takes time. Yet, when players find their rhythm—knocking in breaks—they can regain confidence quickly.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xintong advanced to the last 16 after defeating Liam Highfield 10-7. This adds another layer of competition for Hawkins as he moves forward.

Experts suggest that adapting to table conditions is crucial for success in snooker. The right adjustments can make all the difference.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will impact upcoming matches. For now, Hawkins looks poised for further success.

The post Barry Hawkins Advances at World Snooker Championship appeared first on UKnews.

Virgo was a celebrated former UK champion and commentator. He won the UK Championship in 1979 and reached the World Championship semi-finals that same year.

As of midday, the John Virgo Trophy was being competed for, further solidifying his legacy. The tournament began with defending champion Zhao Xintong in action.

Virgo worked for the BBC starting in 1994, becoming a familiar voice in snooker for nearly three decades. His catchphrase—”Where’s the cue ball going?”—remains iconic among fans.

Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time World Champion, referred to Stephen Hendry as “the greatest player he has ever seen.” This highlights the high caliber of players competing in honor of Virgo.

The memorial service for John Virgo took place at Sheffield Cathedral, attended by many notable figures from the sport. Details remain unconfirmed regarding attendance numbers.

In a poignant moment during the tournament, O’Sullivan expressed his admiration for sharing the table with Hendry. “It is a privilege,” he stated, reflecting on their shared history.

This tribute underscores how deeply John Virgo impacted snooker—both as a competitor and as a commentator. His contributions will not be forgotten.

The post John Virgo Remembered at the Crucible appeared first on UKnews.

This event is taking place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Kowalski made history as the first Polish player to compete at this iconic venue.

Kowalski opened strong, scoring a break of 82 in the first frame. He followed that with another impressive break of 85, leveling the match at one point.

However, Williams, a three-time champion and last year’s runner-up, responded by winning three frames in a row to take the lead.

The second session of their match is scheduled for Sunday evening at 19:00. Fans are eager to see if Kowalski can mount a comeback.

In another match, Xiao Guodong achieved a remarkable break of 122 against Zhou Yuelong. Zhao Xintong, the defending champion, currently leads Liam Highfield 5-4.

The richest prize in snooker history could be won at this year’s championship—an enticing prospect for all competitors involved.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional developments or updates from today’s matches.

The post Snooker World Championship 2026: Mark Williams Leads Antoni Kowalski appeared first on UKnews.