LLANDUDNO, Wales — In one of the most stunning upsets of the 2025 snooker season, China's Chang Bingyu produced a performance for the ages to whitewash former champion Shaun Murphy 4-0 in the first round of the Welsh Open, sending shockwaves through the Venue Cymru arena.
The 22-year-old Chang, ranked 68th in the world, played with a nerveless precision that completely dismantled the 2005 World Champion and 2023 Welsh Open winner. The victory, sealed with a magnificent century break, marks Chang's first-ever win over the 'Magician' and propels him into a historic second round, where he will face either Mark Selby or Jackson Page.
A Masterclass from Start to Finish
From the opening frame, Chang signalled his intent. He capitalised on a missed long red from Murphy in the first frame to compile a steady break of 58, setting the tone for the match. Murphy, a player renowned for his fluid break-building, was uncharacteristically subdued and error-prone, unable to settle into any rhythm as Chang controlled the table. The Chinese player doubled his lead with a composed 67 in the second frame, leaving the 2005 world champion staring at a daunting 2-0 deficit.
The third frame was a tense, scrappy affair, typical of the kind of battle where Murphy's experience often shines. However, Chang displayed a maturity beyond his years, grinding it out to move one frame from a momentous victory. The denouement was nothing short of spectacular. With the match on the line, Chang Bingyu crafted a flawless break of 103, clearing the table with the poise of a seasoned champion to complete the whitewash.
Murphy's Candid Reaction to a "Disaster"
A shell-shocked Shaun Murphy offered no excuses in his post-match interview, giving full credit to his young opponent while being brutally honest about his own performance. "That was a disaster from start to finish for me," Murphy admitted. "But all credit to Bingyu, he played fantastically well. He controlled the table, scored heavily when he got in, and his safety was top drawer."
Murphy, who has struggled for consistency this season, reflected on the broader challenges of the tour. "The standard is so high now. There are no easy games. A player of Bingyu's quality, even at his age and ranking, is capable of this on his day. Today was his day, and I was very poor." The defeat is a significant blow to Murphy's hopes of securing a late place in the upcoming Tour Championship, which is reserved for the season's top 12 players.
Chang's Historic Breakthrough Moment
For Chang Bingyu, this victory represents the biggest win of his professional career to date. Known as a talented prospect since turning professional in 2018, his progress has been steady, but a headline victory over a player of Murphy's calibre had eluded him. Speaking through a translator after the match, Chang was humble yet clearly elated. "I am very happy and a little surprised," he said with a smile.
He detailed his approach to the daunting tie: "I knew I had to play my very best game to have a chance against Shaun. I tried not to think about who I was playing, just to focus on my own technique and take my chances. To make a century to win the match 4-0 is a very special feeling for me." The win is a testament to the growing depth of Chinese snooker, following in the footsteps of Ding Junhui and the current crop of stars like Zhang Anda.
The Ripple Effect on the Welsh Open
Chang's seismic upset has dramatically altered the landscape of the tournament. Murphy was considered a strong contender in the bottom half of the draw, and his early exit opens up a significant opportunity for other players. The result sends a clear message to the established order about the threat posed by the tour's younger, hungry talents.
This shock result follows a pattern of early exits for top seeds in this year's event, underlining the unpredictable and cut-throat nature of modern snooker. For fans and pundits, the key takeaways from Chang's win include:
- Clinical Efficiency: Chang converted his chances ruthlessly, while Murphy's unforced errors proved costly.
- Tactical Discipline: Chang's safety game restricted Murphy's opportunities to initiate attacks.
- Mental Fortitude: Showing no signs of nerves at the finish line, he sealed the match with his highest break.
The focus now shifts to whether Chang can use this landmark victory as a springboard. "This gives me a lot of confidence," he stated. "Now I must recover and prepare for the next match. Every game is tough, but I have shown myself what is possible."
Conclusion: A New Star Announces Himself
While Shaun Murphy is left to ponder a bitterly disappointing early exit, the snooker world is buzzing about the emergence of Chang Bingyu as a genuine giant-killer. His 4-0 demolition of a former world champion was executed with a blend of tactical intelligence and scoring power that belied his ranking and experience. In the cauldron of the Welsh Open, Chang didn't just win a match; he made a statement. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the young Chinese sensation to see if he can turn a historic upset into a deep and memorable run.
