The 2025 WWS World Women's Snooker Championship concluded on May 27 after eight days of competitive action at the Changping Sports Center in Dongguan City. The tournament featured over 70 elite players from more than ten countries and regions, culminating in three championship titles.
Dongguan's Bai Yulu successfully defended her title in the Women's Championship, Thailand's Pancharat Chanoih won the U21 Youth Championship, and British player Tessa Davidson emerged victorious in the Senior Championship.
In the final, Bai Yulu demonstrated remarkable resilience, coming back from a 4-2 deficit to defeat the world number one, Thailand's Wongharuthai, by a score of 6-4. This victory marks Bai's third consecutive appearance in the World Championship finals, following her narrow 6-5 win over Wongharuthai last year. This achievement also makes Bai the first Chinese player to win both the men's and women's World Snooker Championships in the same year, a historic milestone.
Bai Yulu was born in Shaanxi in 2003 and moved to Dongguan at the age of eight. Influenced by her father, she developed a passion for snooker and began pursuing the sport seriously at the age of ten. In 2024, she claimed her first World Championship title in her hometown and has since created numerous memorable moments in the sport.
During the award ceremony, a custom trophy featuring elements of Changping's intangible cultural heritage, specifically the "Dry Wooden Dragon," drew significant attention. Bai received her championship prize check, the unique trophy, and the prestigious "Mandy Cup" from Qin Jihong, Secretary General of the Chinese Billiards Association, Changping Town Mayor Li Zhongwen, and WWS President Mandy Fisher, amid enthusiastic applause.
As the tournament wrapped up, it was announced that the Dongguan Changping Snooker Center is set to officially open in 2026. This center will integrate professional training, high-level events, and cultural experiences, featuring plans for 1,000 smart snooker tables and 500 themed hotel rooms. It aims to become a new global landmark for the sport, establishing China's own "Crucible."
Mandy Fisher praised Dongguan's Changping Town: "Not only did it host top-tier events, but it also innovatively promoted the globalization of snooker." She expressed optimism about the upcoming completion of the Dongguan Changping Snooker Center, which is expected to provide a broader platform for international snooker exchanges.
This year's championship was part of Dongguan's key activities in preparation for the upcoming 15th National Games. Promotional efforts linked it to other events such as weightlifting and basketball, showcasing Dongguan's unique identity as a sports city to a global audience.
Reporter | Xie Maishi
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
