EDINBURGH — In a stunning display of resilience and clinical finishing, England’s Chris Wakelin produced a remarkable comeback to secure his second career ranking title, winning the 2023 Scottish Open with a commanding 9-2 victory over China’s Chang Bingyu at the Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday.
Trailing 2-1 early in the final, the world number 26 from Rugby embarked on a breathtaking run, winning the next eight consecutive frames to snatch the Stephen Hendry Trophy and the £80,000 top prize. The victory marks a significant milestone for Wakelin, who had waited over eight months since his breakthrough win at the Snooker Shoot Out to lift silverware again.
A Slow Start Ignites a Blistering Response
The final began in a cagey fashion, with both players showing signs of the occasion. Chang, appearing in his first ranking final at just 20 years old, took a scrappy opening frame. Wakelin responded to level, but a break of 54 from the young Chinese sensation in the third frame suggested he was settling into a rhythm, taking a 2-1 lead. What followed, however, was a masterclass in matchplay snooker from Wakelin.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Wakelin said, "At 2-1 down, I just had to dig in. I knew I had the game, I just had to let it flow."
From that point, the Englishman seized total control. He won a tight fourth frame to go into the mid-session interval level at 2-2, a crucial psychological blow. Upon resumption, Wakelin shifted through the gears with devastating effect. He compiled breaks of 66, 78, 70, and 125—his first century of the final—to turn a 2-1 deficit into a commanding 6-2 lead after the first session, leaving Chang with a mountain to climb.
The Wakelin Winning Formula
The evening session was a mere formality as Wakelin’s momentum proved unstoppable. He continued his relentless pursuit, wrapping up the title by taking the first three frames of the session in just 45 minutes. The victory was sealed with a classy break of 67, culminating in a fist-pump of pure elation. Wakelin’s performance was built on a foundation of:
- Superb Long Potting: Consistently creating early opportunities from distance.
- Rock-Solid Safety: Forcing errors from Chang when chances weren't immediately on.
- Clinical Break-Building: Converting chances into substantial, frame-winning contributions.
Chang, who had impressed throughout the week with victories over the likes of Jack Lisowski and Noppon Saengkham, was ultimately powerless to stop the onslaught. The experience of being in a major final for the first time seemed to weigh heavily as Wakelin’s pressure mounted. "He played unbelievably after the interval. I had no chance," a gracious Chang admitted afterwards.
A Journey of Perseverance Pays Off
For Wakelin, this triumph is the culmination of years of dedication and a testament to his improved mental fortitude. Once considered a journeyman pro, his Shoot Out win in January 2023 broke his ranking title duck, but the Scottish Open victory, a full-ranking event with a traditional format, carries even greater significance. It propels him into the world's top 20 on the one-year list and firmly into contention for a place at the prestigious Masters.
Overcome with emotion, Wakelin dedicated the win to his family and support team: "This one is for everyone who has stood by me. It’s been a tough grind at times. To win a title like this, in such a great arena, and to play like that in a final… it’s a dream. It proves the first one wasn’t a fluke. I belong here."
The Road to the Title
Wakelin’s path to the final was as impressive as the final itself, navigating a tough draw with composed performances:
- Round 1: 4-1 win over Peng Yisong
- Round 2: 4-3 victory against David Gilbert
- Round 3: 4-2 defeat of Hossein Vafaei
- Round 4: 4-1 win over Tom Ford
- Quarter-Final: 5-3 victory against Zhou Yuelong
- Semi-Final: A dominant 6-1 win over world number 12, Gary Wilson
The semi-final performance, in particular, sent a clear message. Dismantling the previous year's champion, Gary Wilson, with such authority showcased Wakelin’s peak form and set the stage for his final charge.
Conclusion: A Statement Victory
The 2023 Scottish Open will be remembered as the tournament where Chris Wakelin announced himself as a serious and consistent force on the World Snooker Tour. Winning eight frames in a row in a major final is a rare feat, demonstrating not just skill but formidable psychological strength. For Chang Bingyu, the future remains bright, but the day belonged unequivocally to the Englishman.
As the curtains closed on another thrilling event in Edinburgh, Wakelin’s charge from behind to lift the title serves as a powerful reminder of the dramatic turns and supreme talent that define professional snooker. His name is now etched on the Scottish Open trophy, a deserved reward for a spectacular week of snooker that has undoubtedly reshaped his career trajectory.
