Chang Bingyu Stuns Shaun Murphy at Welsh Open, Makes Snooker History
LLANDUDNO, Wales – In a stunning upset at the Welsh Open on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, China’s Chang Bingyu delivered a performance for the ages, defeating former champion Shaun Murphy 4-0. The 23-year-old not only secured a place in the second round but also etched his name into the snooker record books, becoming only the ninth player in professional history to record four consecutive century breaks in a single match.
Ranked 54th in the world, 46 places below the experienced Murphy, Chang entered the first-round encounter at Venue Cymru as a significant underdog. However, the rankings proved irrelevant as Chang systematically dismantled the 2020 Welsh Open winner. The match wasn’t simply a victory. it was a display of remarkable potting accuracy and consistency, with Chang amassing an impressive 515 points to Murphy’s solitary point.
A Historic Performance
Chang’s scoring spree included breaks of 130, 136, 119, and another 130, showcasing both power and precision. Murphy, visibly frustrated, managed to pot just one ball – a long red in the third frame – a testament to Chang’s dominance and control of the table. The scale of Chang’s achievement places him in an exclusive club of snooker greats.
“That’s the best performance in a best of seven match that I’ve ever seen,” a clearly impressed Murphy told BBC Wales immediately after the match. “If that were Ronnie O’Sullivan or Judd Trump, it would be on the news. It was quite literally the best performance I’ve ever witnessed in a match of that length.” Murphy acknowledged Chang’s brilliance, adding, “I’ve got nothing but great things to say. What a performance. What a player.”
The Welsh Open, a key event on the snooker calendar, continues to deliver exciting moments. For context, the tournament attracts top players from around the globe to Llandudno, Wales, each year, and the Venue Cymru provides a vibrant atmosphere for fans. The event is a crucial stepping stone for players aiming to climb the world rankings and qualify for major tournaments later in the season.
Other Notable Results from Tuesday
The Welsh Open also saw positive results for other players on Tuesday. Home favorite Jackson Page delivered a confident 4-0 win against Belgium’s Luca Brecel, securing his place in the second round. BBC Sport reported that Page’s victory adds to the excitement for local fans.
Elsewhere, Switzerland’s Alexander Ursenbacher suffered a 4-0 defeat against China’s Zhou Yuelong. England’s Stan Moody, 19, also advanced with a 4-0 victory over compatriot Jimmy Robertson. Another Chinese player, Zhao Xintong, is aiming for a third consecutive ranking event win, having defeated Fan Zhengyi 4-3 in a closely contested match.
Further whitewashes occurred with England’s Gary Wilson defeating Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh 4-0 and Zhang Anda overcoming Mitchell Mann 4-2. In the evening session, Scotland’s five-time Welsh Open winner John Higgins eased past China’s Liu Wenwei 4-1, matching the scoreline achieved by England’s Dave Gilbert against Northern Ireland’s Robbie McGuigan.
Emerging Talent Shines
The tournament has also highlighted the emergence of new talent. Liam Pullen, 20, and Sam Craigie both secured surprise victories, adding to the unpredictable nature of the competition. Pullen, ranked 84th, edged 13th-seed Chris Wakelin 4-3, while Elliot Slessor was defeated by a player ranked lower than himself.
Chang’s performance is particularly noteworthy given the historical significance of achieving four consecutive century breaks. Only a handful of players have accomplished this feat, solidifying Chang’s place among the elite in the sport. A century break in snooker is a score of 100 or more points in a single visit to the table, requiring a combination of skill, strategy, and composure.
The dominance displayed by Chang raises questions about the future of the sport and the potential for a new generation of players to challenge the established order. His performance is already being hailed as one of the best ever seen in a best-of-seven match, and many are eager to see how he will perform in the subsequent rounds of the Welsh Open.
The Welsh Open continues, with the second round promising further exciting matches and potential upsets. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if Chang Bingyu can maintain his exceptional form and continue his remarkable run in the tournament.
Next up for Chang Bingyu is a second-round match, the details of which will be announced on the official World Snooker Tour website. Fans can stay updated on the tournament’s progress and results through BBC Sport and other major sports news outlets.
