Yesterday at the York Barbican Centre, snooker sensation Pang Junxu pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year by defeating three-time world champion Mark Williams 6-3 in the UK Championship round of 16. The 25-year-old Chinese potter set the tone early, refusing to let Williams back into the game after taking a crucial fourth-frame lead. Williams threatened a comeback with a stunning 112 break in frame five, but Pang answered right away with the tournament’s highest break of 116 to seal the win and his spot in the quarterfinals. 🎱
Next up, Pang faces a familiar face on these York tables: Australia’s Neil Robertson, winner of the UK title in 2013, 2014, and 2020. Robertson cruised past China’s Wu Yize 6-1, bouncing back from a slow start (Wu opened with a tidy 62) by racking up breaks of 51, 65, 75, 56, and 68. 😮
With momentum on his side, Pang will look to keep the energy high and shock another favorite in the tournament. Can he ride his hot cue to a landmark semifinal appearance? Stay tuned as the drama continues at the UK Championship!
Reference(s):
Pang surprises Williams to advance to quarterfinals at UK Championship
cgtn.com
