Jack Lisowski ended Bai Yulu’s historic bid to become the first woman to reach the last 32 of the UK Championship. With a dominant 6-1 victory in the final qualifying round in Leicester, Lisowski dashed Bai’s hopes of advancing to the televised stages in York.
The Englishman started strong, making breaks of 79, 69, 64, and 77 to win the first four frames. Bai, a 21-year-old Chinese world women’s champion, briefly narrowed the gap with a half-century. However, Lisowski sealed the match with impressive runs of 85 and 66.
“Obviously, it was all about Bai,” Lisowski commented post-match. “Her run was incredible, but I had to stay focused and not get distracted.”
Bai’s Historic Journey Ends
Despite her defeat, Bai’s efforts have garnered widespread recognition, as she came close to creating history in the sport. Her performance highlights the growing prominence of women in snooker at the highest level.
Other Results: Maguire, Bingham, and More
Stephen Maguire advanced to the next round with a nail-biting 6-5 victory against Elliot Slessor. The Scot described the final frame as “the toughest frame I have ever played,” showcasing the mental challenges of the game.
England’s Stuart Bingham cruised to a 6-0 win over Jimmy Robertson, while Wales’ Ryan Day defeated Sanderson Lam 6-2. Other winners included Jackson Page, Jak Jones, and Barry Hawkins, who secured victories against strong opponents, further intensifying competition as players head to York for the televised stages.
A Thrilling Start to the UK Championship
The qualifying rounds of the UK Championship have delivered drama and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting tournament in York. With established stars like Lisowski and new faces like Bai Yulu making headlines, the championship promises to be a blend of experience and rising talent.
- External Link: BBC News
- Internal Link: Eurasia Sports
