During the qualifying stage, Chang produced a 147 maximum break. This achievement contributed significantly to his earnings.

He received a £147,000 bonus for achieving two maximum breaks in the season’s Triple Crown events. Additionally, he was awarded £15,000 for the highest break prize at the World Championship.

Chang’s ban lasted for 20 months due to a match-fixing scandal involving ten Chinese players. His suspension expired in December 2024.

After returning from his ban, Chang won the Asia-Pacific Championship. He admitted to fixing a match at the 2022 British Open under pressure from Liang Wenbo. The scandal led to lifetime bans for Liang and Li Hang.

Chang was also runner-up in the 2025 Scottish Open. Shaun Murphy praised his performance after a match in the Welsh Open, stating, “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.”

The next major event for Chang will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as he continues to rebuild his career post-suspension.

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Wu Yize received £500,000 in prize money for his achievement. He is now ranked number four in the world snooker rankings. Judd Trump remains the world number one after the season, while Zhao Xintong holds third place.

Chang Bingyu, who produced a 147 maximum break during the qualifying stage, earned £172,000 despite not participating in the main tournament. Chang was previously banned for 20 months due to a match-fixing scandal. Officials noted that he was only 20 at the time of his infractions.

The final match between Wu and Murphy was notable for lasting all 35 frames, making it one of the few finals to do so. Wu expressed gratitude towards his mother, stating, “My mum wasn’t in very good health condition for a long time. She sacrificed everything for me.”

Key statistics:

• Prize money for Wu Yize: £500,000
• Total earnings for Chang Bingyu: £172,000
• Maximum break by Chang Bingyu: 147
• Wu Yize’s world ranking: 4
• Judd Trump’s world ranking: 1
• Zhao Xintong’s world ranking: 3

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

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Mark Allen faced Wu Yize in a highly competitive semi-final. The match ended with a narrow score of 17-16 in favor of Wu Yize. The defeat marked another year where Allen’s quest for a maiden World Championship final continued.

During the BBC coverage, Hazel Irvine expressed her sadness for Allen’s missed shot. She stated, “I still cannot watch Mark Allen’s missed black, I am really sorry Mark.” This heartfelt remark underscored the emotional toll that high-stakes snooker matches can take on players and commentators alike.

John Parrott also shared his thoughts 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 comments reflected the deep empathy felt within the snooker community for Allen’s experience.

Mark Allen acknowledged his struggle under pressure during the match. He remarked, “You don’t deserve to be in a world final if you’re missing balls like that.” He recognized that handling pressure is crucial in such intense competitions.

At just 22 years old, Wu Yize demonstrated remarkable skill and composure throughout the match. His victory over Allen showcased his potential as a rising star in the sport.

The events of this match highlight not only individual performances but also the broader impact of competition on players’ mental health. As they strive for success, moments of failure can resonate deeply.

Mark Allen’s journey continues as he seeks to overcome this setback and return stronger in future tournaments.

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The protest caused a brief halt to the match. Security personnel quickly removed the protestor from the venue. This incident followed another disruption during the semi-final when a male spectator shouted about the Epstein files.

John Parrott addressed the crowd after the incident, stating, “Sorry for that disturbance, it’s all sorted.” The match resumed shortly after security dealt with the situation.

Key facts:

• The protest occurred while Wu Yize was leading with a score of 67.
• Shaun Murphy’s score at that time was 31.
• The Crucible Theatre has a seating capacity of 980.
• The event was broadcast live on BBC One.

The protestor’s shout, “Who f***ing pays their TV licence anyway?” drew attention to ongoing debates surrounding public broadcasting funding. The BBC licence fee has faced scrutiny in recent years.

Rob Spencer, another commentator, reminded viewers to keep phones silent, saying, “Make sure your phones are on silent or switched off. Don’t be the person that has to be thrown out.”

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Davis dominated the snooker world in the 1980s, winning six world titles and earning over £5.6 million in prize money. He was married to Judy Greig in 1990 and they had two sons together, Greg and Jack. However, his affair with 19-year-old dancer Cheree Palla while he was 39 led to their separation in 2005 after a decade of marriage.

After retiring from snooker, Davis embraced a new career as a DJ. He co-founded the electro group The Utopia Strong and performed at major events like the Glastonbury Festival. His shift into music surprised many who knew him as a serious sportsman.

Key statistics:

• Davis won six world titles during his snooker career.
• He earned more than £5.6 million in prize money.
• His estimated net worth is approximately £26.5 million.

Davis described himself as difficult to live with, acknowledging that sportspeople can be selfish. Yet he remains unapologetic about his past choices, referring to his affair as a kiss-and-tell scandal after details were revealed by Palla.

His past continues to affect his public image. Recently, he criticized a long frame in snooker as an embarrassment to the sport. This reflects his ongoing connection to snooker despite his current focus on music.

As Davis continues to perform at high-profile events, he remains a figure of interest both in sports and music circles. His evolution from snooker champion to DJ showcases a dramatic personal transformation that few expected.

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Selby started strong, leading by two frames early on. However, the tide turned when he missed a routine red shot. This mistake allowed Wu to seize control of the match. Selby later expressed his frustration by hitting his cue against the table. His reaction underscored the intense pressure that comes with competing at this level.

Wu Yize, just 22 years old, reached the quarter-finals after this victory. It was only his second win at the World Snooker Championship. Ronnie O’Sullivan praised Wu’s performance, calling him a ‘more dynamic’ version of Steve Davis. Observers noted that Wu’s skills shone through, especially as he capitalized on Selby’s errors.

Despite scoring more points and potting more balls than Wu during the match, Selby could not secure a win. He admitted to missing too many balls and stated he did not deserve to win. Selby described the playing conditions as atrocious and mentioned that the table had been re-covered before their match.

Selby managed to reduce Wu’s lead from 12-9 to 12-11 before ultimately losing. His frustration was palpable throughout the final frames. Afterward, he reflected on his performance, saying, “I felt like I only played well really in the first session.”

The loss marks another setback for Selby, who has not won a World Championship title in five years. He has previously secured four titles between 2014 and 2021 but now faces increasing pressure to perform.

The next phase for both players remains uncertain. While Selby’s future in upcoming tournaments will be scrutinized, Wu will look to build on this momentum as he progresses in the championship.

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Hawkins took an early lead, going up 7-2 at one point. He demonstrated skill with a break of 99, marking the highest break of the match. This performance showcased his ability to capitalize on opportunities despite past struggles.

However, Hawkins expressed concerns about the table conditions during their match. He compared them to a chaotic ping-pong table. “I don’t like slating the conditions, really, because the fitters do a great job,” he said. Still, he noted that both players struggled with control of the cue ball.

Hawkins highlighted that adapting to the table took time. He remarked, “It’s obviously hard to control the cue ball then, especially if you’re not cueing well and stuff.” His comments reflect a broader issue many players face in high-stakes environments.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xintong advanced to the last 16 after defeating Liam Highfield 10-7. This result adds pressure on other competitors as they navigate their own matches.

Hawkins’ victory is significant but comes amid ongoing challenges. He acknowledged that confidence plays a crucial role in performance: “When you start getting in a flow and knocking breaks in and getting confidence… that’s when you see the big breaks going in.” His words resonate with many athletes who understand the impact of mental state on physical performance.

As Hawkins progresses in the tournament, he must address these table issues while maintaining his momentum. The upcoming matches will test his adaptability and skill under pressure.

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On April 18, 2026, a minute’s applause was held in tribute to Virgo at the Crucible in Sheffield during the World Snooker Championship. This event marked not only a celebration of his life but also an acknowledgment of his impact on the sport. The tournament began with defending champion Zhao Xintong taking center stage.

Virgo won the UK Championship in 1979 and reached the semi-finals of the World Championship that same year. He worked for the BBC starting in 1994, becoming a familiar voice in snooker coverage for over three decades. His death left a significant void in the commentary box.

The John Virgo Trophy was also competed for during this championship. Ronnie O’Sullivan won it decisively with a score of 6-1 against his opponent. O’Sullivan has won seven World Championships throughout his career and is often regarded as one of the greatest players in history.

Stephen Hendry, who became the youngest world champion at age 21, referred to O’Sullivan as “the GOAT” (Greatest of All Time). Both players acknowledged Virgo’s contributions to snooker. O’Sullivan stated, “It is a privilege to share the table with Hendry,” highlighting their mutual respect.

The memorial service for John Virgo took place at Sheffield Cathedral. Friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate his life and legacy. They shared memories and stories that illustrated his influence on and off the table.

Yet, details remain unconfirmed about future events dedicated to his memory. The snooker community continues to grieve but also celebrates Virgo’s remarkable achievements.

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As the tournament approaches, the official draw is scheduled for April 16 at 8:45 AM. This draw will determine the matchups for the first round, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting competition. Zhao Xintong will kick off his title defense on April 18 at 10 AM, eager to prove his worth against a field of formidable opponents.

Among those opponents is Judd Trump, the current world No. 1, who will begin his matches on April 21. Trump is a seasoned player with a reputation for high-stakes performances, and he will be looking to add another title to his impressive resume. Additionally, Ronnie O’Sullivan, a legendary figure in snooker aiming for his eighth world title, will also start his first-round match on April 21. O’Sullivan’s presence in the tournament adds a layer of excitement, as fans eagerly await his performance.

Mark Selby, a four-time champion, is another key contender in this year’s championship. His experience and skill make him a significant threat to any player in the draw. The competition will also feature rising star Wu Yize, who is expected to make a strong impression in the tournament.

The stakes are high this year, with a top prize of £500,000 for the tournament winner. Additionally, the Midnite Maximum initiative offers a separate prize of £100,000 for achieving a maximum 147 break in the final, further intensifying the competition. Players will also have the opportunity to earn additional prizes for maximum breaks at various stages of the tournament, including £5,000 for the opening round, £10,000 for the second round, £25,000 for the quarter-finals, and £50,000 for the semi-finals.

As the tournament draws near, the excitement among players and fans continues to build. The 2026 World Snooker Championship not only represents a chance for players to showcase their skills but also serves as a platform for emerging talents to make their mark in the sport. With a mix of seasoned champions and new contenders, the event promises to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.

In summary, the 2026 World Snooker Championship is set to be a landmark event in the snooker calendar. With key players like Zhao Xintong, Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, and Wu Yize in the mix, the competition is expected to be fierce. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official draw and the commencement of matches, as the world’s best snooker players prepare to battle for the prestigious title.

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Lisowski, the reigning Northern Ireland Open champion, faced off against Dikme in a match that ended with a score of 10-7 in favor of Lisowski. The match was part of the intense qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Snooker Championship, where 128 players are vying for just 16 coveted spots in the main event at the Crucible Theatre.

The pivotal moment of the match came when Lisowski attempted a challenging shot that involved a ricochet off a neighboring ball and a cushion before potting a red ball. Commentators were quick to question the legality of the shot, with Foulds stating, “I think that is a legal shot, but only just.” Phil Yates added, “What a fluke that was… It was clearly a risk to take on the red he did… He made a real pig’s ear of it. But then the fluke saved his bacon.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the shot, Lisowski continued to demonstrate his prowess on the table, making a break of 81 shortly after the fluke incident. At one point in the match, he was ahead by as many as 24 points in the 14th frame, showcasing his ability to maintain pressure on his opponent.

Lisowski’s victory sets the stage for a crucial match against He Guoqiang in the final qualifying round, referred to as Judgement Day. This upcoming match will be critical for Lisowski as he aims to secure his place in the main event of the World Snooker Championship.

The qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Championship, which take place from April 6 to 15, are known for their high stakes and emotional intensity. Players like Lisowski and Dikme are under immense pressure as they compete for a chance to showcase their talents on one of snooker’s biggest stages.

As Lisowski prepares for his next challenge, the snooker community will be watching closely to see if he can navigate the pressures of Judgement Day and continue his pursuit of championship glory. Details remain unconfirmed about any further developments or changes in the tournament structure.

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