EDINBURGH — Mark Allen’s quest for a third consecutive ranking title came to a shuddering halt on Saturday night as he was comprehensively beaten 6-1 by China’s Chang Bingyu in a one-sided Scottish Open semi-final at the Meadowbank Sports Centre.
The world number three, who arrived in Edinburgh fresh from triumphs at the Champion of Champions and the Snooker Shoot Out, was outplayed by the 21-year-old underdog. Chang, ranked 66th in the world, produced a performance of stunning composure and break-building to reach his first-ever ranking final, leaving the pre-tournament favourite with no answers.
A Dream Start for the Underdog
From the opening frame, the tone was set. Allen, known for his heavy scoring, had limited opportunities as Chang settled immediately. The Chinese player took a scrappy first frame before compiling a superb break of 130 in the second to double his lead. Allen managed to get a frame on the board after the interval, but any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished.
Chang responded with a run of 71 to make it 3-1, and then dominated the fifth frame to extend his advantage to 4-1 at the mid-session interval. The Northern Irishman, a winner of ten ranking titles, looked uncharacteristically flat and frustrated, unable to find any rhythm or momentum to mount a challenge.
Chang Seizes His Moment
The match resumed with Chang needing just two frames for a historic victory, and he showed no signs of nerves. He coolly dispatched a break of 89 to move within one frame of the final, leaving Allen needing a snooker. In what would be the final frame, Allen had a brief chance but broke down on 24, and Chang stepped in with a match-winning 64 to seal a famous 6-1 win.
The victory marks a monumental breakthrough for Chang Bingyu, who had never previously progressed beyond the quarter-final stage of a ranking event. His route to the final included impressive wins over former world champion Shaun Murphy and the in-form Noppon Saengkham, showcasing a level of consistency and tactical maturity that peaked against Allen.
Speaking to reporters after the match, a delighted but composed Chang reflected on his performance: "I felt very calm and focused from the beginning. I knew I had to play my best game against Mark because he is such a great champion. I tried to take my chances when they came and not think about the occasion."
Allen’s Frustration and Praise for Opponent
For Mark Allen, the defeat was a disappointing end to an otherwise brilliant autumn campaign. He was gracious in defeat but acknowledged he was second best on the night. "All credit to Bingyu, he played fantastically well and fully deserved his win," Allen stated. "He scored heavily, his safety was good, and he never really gave me a look in. I just couldn’t get anything going at all."
Allen also pointed to the cumulative fatigue of a demanding schedule, having played deep into multiple tournaments in recent weeks. "It’s been a long few months with a lot of snooker, and maybe it just caught up with me a little bit tonight. But that takes nothing away from how well Bingyu played."
The Antrim man’s defeat means his remarkable run of consecutive ranking finals ends at two. However, his form this season solidifies his position as one of the sport’s dominant forces. Key aspects of his Scottish Open campaign that ultimately fell short included:
- A struggle to find consistent break-building rhythm throughout the week.
- Uncharacteristic errors in safety exchanges during the semi-final.
- An inability to apply scoreboard pressure on a confident opponent.
A Landmark Final for Chinese Snooker
Chang Bingyu’s run to the final is a significant moment for Chinese snooker, continuing the nation's rise as a powerhouse in the sport. He becomes the latest in a line of talented Chinese players to reach a ranking final, following in the footsteps of legends like Ding Junhui and current stars such as Zhao Xintong and Yan Bingtao.
His opponent in Sunday’s final will be three-time world champion Mark Selby, who defeated Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham 6-3 in the other semi-final. The clash presents a fascinating contrast in experience, with Selby aiming for his 23rd ranking title and Chang playing for his first.
Chang acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead but remained focused on his own game: "To play Mark Selby in a final is a dream. He is one of the greatest players, very tough. I will just try to enjoy the experience and play like I have done this week. I have nothing to lose."
Conclusion: A Night for the New Generation
Saturday night at the Scottish Open belonged unequivocally to Chang Bingyu. In delivering a commanding 6-1 victory over one of the world’s best players, he announced himself on the sport’s biggest stages. His performance was a masterclass in seizing an opportunity, built on a foundation of fearless scoring and nerveless temperament.
For Mark Allen, the defeat is a setback but likely a temporary one in a season where he has already enjoyed significant success. The match served as a reminder of the relentless depth and quality on the World Snooker Tour, where any player in form can triumph on a given day.
The final promises to be a captivating encounter. Whether Chang can produce one more monumental performance to overcome the tactical prowess of Mark Selby remains to be seen, but his victory over Allen has already made this Scottish Open a tournament to remember, underscoring the bright and unpredictable future of the sport.
