Chang Bingyu has made headlines by earning £172,000 from the World Championship qualifying rounds, despite being banned for match-fixing. This remarkable achievement comes after a turbulent period marked by scandal and suspension.
During the qualifying stages, Chang reached the third round but ultimately lost to Luca Brecel with a score of 10-8. Notably, he produced a stunning 147 maximum break during the qualifiers, showcasing his undeniable talent. This performance earned him a substantial bonus of £147,000 for achieving two maximum breaks in the season’s Triple Crown events.
In addition to this bonus, Chang received another £15,000 for having the highest break at the World Championship. These figures highlight not only his skill but also the financial rewards available in professional snooker.
However, Chang’s journey has not been without its shadows. He faced a 20-month ban due to involvement in a match-fixing scandal that rocked the sport, involving ten Chinese players and leading to lifetime bans for Liang Wenbo and Li Hang. Chang admitted to fixing a match at the 2022 British Open under pressure.
His ban expired in December 2024, and since then, he has made a strong comeback by winning the Asia-Pacific Championship. Shaun Murphy praised his performance during a recent Welsh Open match: “That was as good as anything I’ve ever witnessed in my 35 years playing snooker.” Such accolades underscore his potential to reclaim his status in the sport.
The fallout from the match-fixing scandal continues to be felt throughout professional snooker. Chang’s case serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring narrative of redemption. As he reintegrates into competitive play, observers are keenly watching how he navigates this complex landscape.