Chang Bingyu admitted to feeling pressure throughout his Wuhan Open final victory over Zhao Xintong before finally allowing himself to relax in the closing stages.
The 24-year-old captured his maiden ranking title with a 10-7 triumph over his compatriot at the Optics Valley Gymnasium, recovering from Zhao’s comeback from 7-4 down to clinch a memorable victory.
Chang had missed out in his first ranking final at last year’s Scottish Open but held his nerve when it mattered most this time around.
Indeed, the Chinese competitor produced arguably one of the best ever title-winning clearances to ensure the £175,000 top prize ended up in his back pocket.
With one red left and several colours near cushions, Chang compiled an outstanding break of 34 to get over the winning line in style.
“I’d been very tense throughout the match, so I wanted to let myself go a little bit,” Chang said afterward.
“In the last frame, I just thought I had to go for the double on the blue. Fortunately it went in, and I was able to clear up.”
“Last year I was really disappointed to lose the final in Scotland. After losing that final, I wanted the title so badly.
“From then on, I kept telling myself every day that if I reached another final, I had to take the opportunity.
“Before the match, I honestly didn’t think I could beat him. He is the new world number one after all, so I just wanted to learn from him.
“I’ve watched a lot of his matches over the past few years and learned a great deal from him. So I went into the final with the same attitude of learning.”
Chang’s breakthrough came after an impressive run in Wuhan that included victories over Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan, before he overcame Zhao in a nervy final.
His victory also saw him climb to a career-high world ranking of 22, with the result continuing the rapid rise of one of China’s most promising young players.
The triumph was particularly meaningful because of the sacrifices made by Chang’s family during his development as a player.
“I’m really grateful to my parents. They’ve really sacrificed a lot for me,” Chang said.
“When I was very young, my dad sold our house and quit his job so that he could accompany me to practice in Guangdong. He also accompanied me when I went to England.”
“Over the last couple of years, my mum has been with me every day, looking after my day-to-day life. I’m really thankful to them.”
Zhao, meanwhile, was understandably disappointed after suffering his first defeat in a ranking final.
But the sport’s 13th ever world number one was quick to acknowledge Chang’s performance and the wider progress being made by Chinese snooker.
“Although I’m a little disappointed with the result today, I think for me personally it’s just one match,” the 2025 world champion reflected.
“I can’t be in finals forever or win every time. Of course, I didn’t play particularly well today, so I think it was quite normal that Chang was able to win the match.”
“His game, and that of many of the younger Chinese players, has already reached a very high level.”
There will be little time for either player to dwell on the Wuhan final, with both Chang and Zhao competing at the British Open this week.
The tournament gets under way at the Centaur in Cheltenham on Monday and runs through to September 6.
Featured photo credit: WST
